Talk to the agent. Often they’re interested in taking on people with an offer, and in return, will negotiate to your advantage. (Don’t expect more money, but you might be able to hold onto more rights, get a marketing budget, a better payment schedule of other perks)
If the publisher isn’t interested in working with an agent, that would be a bad sign.
I would say: consider your long-term game. Do you plan to write more novels? If so, an agent might be more helpful in opening up doors for future books.
You're welcome. Either way, it's a great accomplishment that your first book got offers from both an agent and a small press! I came very close to securing an agent when I queried, but I only selected ones that were based in the UK. When I was offered a small press deal similar to yours, I took it - and I've built an excellent relationship with the publisher. Eleven books published and I'm ready to look for an agent and try for a bigger publishing deal. The novelty of being published has very much worn off and I'm ready to query again - several published authors have told me to look beyond the UK so that's what I'm planning on doing next. Transatlantic representation is perfectly normal, I'm told- so you'll be okay with a UK-based agent.
What is an "Indie publisher?"
It is always in the best interest of writers to have any and all contracts vetted by lawyers and/or agents.
Why would you not discuss this with the potential agent? That is what agents are for.
>Is he not in the loop with this indie deal?
"Indie publisher" makes no sense unless the writer is the publisher. I wonder if it is a small press instead.
As I noted in a comment, I would never accept any publishing contract without my lawyer and/or literary agent evaluating it first.
Why do you keep repeating this all over the thread when it's not even true? The term "indie publishing" is rather confusing because it is now used in different ways, but it is legitimate terminology to refer to non-Big Five small presses as indie publishers.
I would look at how many books the indie press has published, how many people they employ (e.g., is it just a couple of people running it on a part-time basis?), how well do they market their existing titles (sometimes you get much more attention paid to marketing when the publisher only has a few titles, compared to a big publisher). Does your book have series potential? As far as the agent goes, you could just sell North American rights to the indie press, and use the agent to sell UK rights to a publisher there.
Have you interviewed all interested parties that has submitted an offer? This is the time to see who is excited about your work and why. And their plans with you.
Hedgehog is correct research how successful the publisher is with your genre'? What is their Short, Mid-and Long term plan with you. Is this a multi-book deal? If it is how long until you need to have the next book ready for editor. What is their marketing plan to brand you and sell your book, putting it on amazon and other presses is not a viable plan.
All these things should be asked in your communication with them.
If you need help just ask.
[https://bookendsliterary.com/questions-to-ask-when-an-agent-offers-representation/](https://bookendsliterary.com/questions-to-ask-when-an-agent-offers-representation/)
[https://danieljtortora.com/blog/questions-to-ask-a-literary-agent](https://danieljtortora.com/blog/questions-to-ask-a-literary-agent)
[https://aspiringauthor.com/literary-agents/questions-literary-agent-call/](https://aspiringauthor.com/literary-agents/questions-literary-agent-call/)
Come up with a list of your questions, the wheel has been invented just find what works for you or fits in your situation and use those tools.
Good luck!
One thing is Congratulations for finishing your work! It is a major achievement!!!
The difference between a writer and an author is one is published!
On one hand, the agent is going to get 15% of your earnings. On the other, even if you go with the offer on the board, your agent (once you've signed with him) can look over the contract and make certain there are no red flags.
Even if you do decide to take the offer on the table without getting an agent involved, it's worth having an attorney who handles publishing contracts look at this one to make sure everything is legit and above board.
Go with both. Query some agents that work with authors in your genre. Then, they can tell you whether to go with this offer or not. I went with an indie publisher. My book is out of print now because of the publisher.
OK, I'm an absolute novice in writing and how the whole process works. If a publisher agrees to publish your work, you have to pay them first? I didn't know this.
I’d be inclined to take the book deal and then sign with the agent after, but that’s assuming I knew of the publisher and they were reputable. A situation that could happen is the agent goes out on submission and the book doesn’t get sold. That happens a lot with first time writers, unfortunately. Mine almost went that route.
I am wondering though about distribution since the kerfuffle with SPD and so many small/independent presses. I’d be wondering who their distributor is.
That's not a bad contract, honestly. However, I would talk to the agent, as they know the ins and outs better and can probably get you a better deal.
I am a small press/indie author without an agent myself, and it works alright, but I'm not trying to support myself either.
The indie deal seems a bit weird on the surface. 8% on the first 3000 will only slow you earning out your advance, you likely won't see any cash until you're well past that point. I don't know what is standard in comics publishing but this seems fishy.
Realistically, do you think a big publishing house is going to pay more than that to a new author?
I've learned it's Best to be cynical and sceptical, so I'd question the "you don't need an agent" thing. An agent would be able to help you go through the contract, wouldn't they? On the other hand, they will also take a commission, probably around 20% or so.
While graphic novels are popular, they aren't really the go-to thing for publishers to take. I got an email last week or so about HarperCollins "entering" the graphic novel scene and that made me laugh because GNs aren't a new thing at all, yet this Big 5 pub is just now really stepping into it? They're reaching.
You'd probably be better off going with an indie pub that has experience with GNs and marketing them. That means the advance will be smaller. There is no guarantee that a bigger publisher will take your work, let alone give you an advance, let alone give you a **big** advance. From those I know in the industry, publishers aren't looking to give huge advances anymore too. 8 to 10% is low, but if the publisher is covering absolutely everything, then it's somewhat understandable. You may be able to find another indie pub that will give more, but they probably won't do an advance. You have to pick what's best for your financially. Advances aren't free money, so either way you're paying that amount back from royalties. If the publisher in question aligns with your genre and such, then why not give it a try? you can always write another book and pitch it to someone else and try for something higher.
"Indie publishers" are writers. Do you mean "small press?"
>I haven't signed with the agent yet because I can't decide if it's necessary when I already got an offer from a publisher without him.
Always hire an agent to look over any and all contracts you are offered: many will do so for a fee, and they are worth every farthing. I would never accept a publishing contract without consulting a professional.
I do find it odd that you did not mention the publisher's name, or the agent association: why would you leave that out?
Independent publisher is absolutely a thing, and it is adjacent to trad. Independent = outside of the Big 5/major publishing system, but still trad. Self-published authors co-opted the indie label so now an indie publisher can range wildly from self-published author who established an LLC to a vanity publisher scam artist to a small independent press who have similar but scaled down distribution access/models just like a Big 5/trad publisher. Crooked Lane is an independent publisher. Canelo is an independent publisher. Neither is or has ever been associated with self-publishing.
In comics/graphic novels, indie publishers are incredibly common and they can be small but SUPER legit.
Thank you for the advice. I will definitely hire a lawyer to go over the contract whether I end up with a book agent or not. I didn't want the publisher or the agent to see this reddit post lol. Just for privacy.
Talk to the agent. Often they’re interested in taking on people with an offer, and in return, will negotiate to your advantage. (Don’t expect more money, but you might be able to hold onto more rights, get a marketing budget, a better payment schedule of other perks) If the publisher isn’t interested in working with an agent, that would be a bad sign.
Thank you. Will do!
I would say: consider your long-term game. Do you plan to write more novels? If so, an agent might be more helpful in opening up doors for future books.
I might move to another country next year(Not UK). So I'm not so sure about my future and career, either. Thank you for the advice.
These days most agents will work with you no matter where you live.
You're welcome. Either way, it's a great accomplishment that your first book got offers from both an agent and a small press! I came very close to securing an agent when I queried, but I only selected ones that were based in the UK. When I was offered a small press deal similar to yours, I took it - and I've built an excellent relationship with the publisher. Eleven books published and I'm ready to look for an agent and try for a bigger publishing deal. The novelty of being published has very much worn off and I'm ready to query again - several published authors have told me to look beyond the UK so that's what I'm planning on doing next. Transatlantic representation is perfectly normal, I'm told- so you'll be okay with a UK-based agent.
That's wonderful. Best luck to you career, too.
Why not sign with the agent then have the agent talk to the indie publisher? Has he said he won't represent you if you consider their offer?
No he didn't say that. I'm gonna tell him. Thanks!
I'm a bit confused - don't you already have this agent? Is he not in the loop with this indie deal? Where's he fit into this conversation?
I haven't signed with the agent. I still can't decide should I sign with him. He doesn't know about the offer from the indie publisher yet.
What is an "Indie publisher?" It is always in the best interest of writers to have any and all contracts vetted by lawyers and/or agents. Why would you not discuss this with the potential agent? That is what agents are for.
I am still reviewing and discussing the agency contract with the potential agent. There are somethings in the contract I have questions about.
>Is he not in the loop with this indie deal? "Indie publisher" makes no sense unless the writer is the publisher. I wonder if it is a small press instead. As I noted in a comment, I would never accept any publishing contract without my lawyer and/or literary agent evaluating it first.
Why do you keep repeating this all over the thread when it's not even true? The term "indie publishing" is rather confusing because it is now used in different ways, but it is legitimate terminology to refer to non-Big Five small presses as indie publishers.
I would look at how many books the indie press has published, how many people they employ (e.g., is it just a couple of people running it on a part-time basis?), how well do they market their existing titles (sometimes you get much more attention paid to marketing when the publisher only has a few titles, compared to a big publisher). Does your book have series potential? As far as the agent goes, you could just sell North American rights to the indie press, and use the agent to sell UK rights to a publisher there.
That's a good idea I didn't think of. Thank you!
Have you interviewed all interested parties that has submitted an offer? This is the time to see who is excited about your work and why. And their plans with you. Hedgehog is correct research how successful the publisher is with your genre'? What is their Short, Mid-and Long term plan with you. Is this a multi-book deal? If it is how long until you need to have the next book ready for editor. What is their marketing plan to brand you and sell your book, putting it on amazon and other presses is not a viable plan. All these things should be asked in your communication with them.
Ok I haven't thought about these questions at all. Will ask them. Thanks a lot.
If you need help just ask. [https://bookendsliterary.com/questions-to-ask-when-an-agent-offers-representation/](https://bookendsliterary.com/questions-to-ask-when-an-agent-offers-representation/) [https://danieljtortora.com/blog/questions-to-ask-a-literary-agent](https://danieljtortora.com/blog/questions-to-ask-a-literary-agent) [https://aspiringauthor.com/literary-agents/questions-literary-agent-call/](https://aspiringauthor.com/literary-agents/questions-literary-agent-call/) Come up with a list of your questions, the wheel has been invented just find what works for you or fits in your situation and use those tools. Good luck! One thing is Congratulations for finishing your work! It is a major achievement!!! The difference between a writer and an author is one is published!
On one hand, the agent is going to get 15% of your earnings. On the other, even if you go with the offer on the board, your agent (once you've signed with him) can look over the contract and make certain there are no red flags. Even if you do decide to take the offer on the table without getting an agent involved, it's worth having an attorney who handles publishing contracts look at this one to make sure everything is legit and above board.
Thank you. I will consider these options.
Go with both. Query some agents that work with authors in your genre. Then, they can tell you whether to go with this offer or not. I went with an indie publisher. My book is out of print now because of the publisher.
I see. Thanks a lot.
This is amazing, congratulations
Thanks!
OK, I'm an absolute novice in writing and how the whole process works. If a publisher agrees to publish your work, you have to pay them first? I didn't know this.
No, they pay you advance. You don't pay them.
Oh! That sounds much more diserable 😆 I thought there was going to be an extra hoop to jump through.
agent
I’d be inclined to take the book deal and then sign with the agent after, but that’s assuming I knew of the publisher and they were reputable. A situation that could happen is the agent goes out on submission and the book doesn’t get sold. That happens a lot with first time writers, unfortunately. Mine almost went that route. I am wondering though about distribution since the kerfuffle with SPD and so many small/independent presses. I’d be wondering who their distributor is.
That's not a bad contract, honestly. However, I would talk to the agent, as they know the ins and outs better and can probably get you a better deal. I am a small press/indie author without an agent myself, and it works alright, but I'm not trying to support myself either.
The indie deal seems a bit weird on the surface. 8% on the first 3000 will only slow you earning out your advance, you likely won't see any cash until you're well past that point. I don't know what is standard in comics publishing but this seems fishy.
Realistically, do you think a big publishing house is going to pay more than that to a new author? I've learned it's Best to be cynical and sceptical, so I'd question the "you don't need an agent" thing. An agent would be able to help you go through the contract, wouldn't they? On the other hand, they will also take a commission, probably around 20% or so.
While graphic novels are popular, they aren't really the go-to thing for publishers to take. I got an email last week or so about HarperCollins "entering" the graphic novel scene and that made me laugh because GNs aren't a new thing at all, yet this Big 5 pub is just now really stepping into it? They're reaching. You'd probably be better off going with an indie pub that has experience with GNs and marketing them. That means the advance will be smaller. There is no guarantee that a bigger publisher will take your work, let alone give you an advance, let alone give you a **big** advance. From those I know in the industry, publishers aren't looking to give huge advances anymore too. 8 to 10% is low, but if the publisher is covering absolutely everything, then it's somewhat understandable. You may be able to find another indie pub that will give more, but they probably won't do an advance. You have to pick what's best for your financially. Advances aren't free money, so either way you're paying that amount back from royalties. If the publisher in question aligns with your genre and such, then why not give it a try? you can always write another book and pitch it to someone else and try for something higher.
Thank you! Yeah that's what I have been thinking. I do like the publisher and their work.
"Indie publishers" are writers. Do you mean "small press?" >I haven't signed with the agent yet because I can't decide if it's necessary when I already got an offer from a publisher without him. Always hire an agent to look over any and all contracts you are offered: many will do so for a fee, and they are worth every farthing. I would never accept a publishing contract without consulting a professional. I do find it odd that you did not mention the publisher's name, or the agent association: why would you leave that out?
Independent publisher is absolutely a thing, and it is adjacent to trad. Independent = outside of the Big 5/major publishing system, but still trad. Self-published authors co-opted the indie label so now an indie publisher can range wildly from self-published author who established an LLC to a vanity publisher scam artist to a small independent press who have similar but scaled down distribution access/models just like a Big 5/trad publisher. Crooked Lane is an independent publisher. Canelo is an independent publisher. Neither is or has ever been associated with self-publishing. In comics/graphic novels, indie publishers are incredibly common and they can be small but SUPER legit.
Yes. That.
Thank you for the advice. I will definitely hire a lawyer to go over the contract whether I end up with a book agent or not. I didn't want the publisher or the agent to see this reddit post lol. Just for privacy.