Comments on: Spreading The Good News Of Others

By: Monica

Monica — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

It’s often easier for a brand new author to generate publisher excitement and the big money than someone with a track record and so-so sales.

But the big advance can be both a blessing and a curse, because now her sales HAVE to live up to it. IF they don’t, she doesn’t have a so-so record, she has a sucky one. And that may mean she’s finished, caput, in publishing. Book Angst has a cautionary tale of a new author who got the big money http://bookangst.blogspot.com/2005/04/mad-max-survey-vol-ii-keith-thriller.html

Sometimes it’s better to start small and build a loyal following with increasing advances comparable sales over time.

By: Wendy Duren

Wendy Duren — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

The Murdock deal does seem large. But, it’s difficult to say without knowing what rights are covered. For example, did she sell the hard back and paper back rights together at that price? Are the rights U.S. and foreign? If you take the low number and break it down between two hard backs and two paper backs, that 60k or so a piece. Still a lot of money for a debut, but a much easier per edition sell through. On the other hand, if her first book is a national best seller, she’s can’t renegotiate the advance or royalty percentage for the second because contractually she’s lost her leverage. But, the odds of that are sooo slim, Monica’s ‘can’t sell through’ scenario is more likely. It might be better to begin inauspiciously and come big.

By: Maili

Maili — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Compare it with Eloisa James and Michele Jaffe’s debut sales. You’ll see a similarity between these three authors. According to Google, it’s not her first book as she’s written a critically acclaimed non-fiction book. She has a good academic background, along with the interesting bio, e.g. her husband is an inventor. She’s every publicist’s dream. That does figure in as a factor, IMO.

IMO, an author as part of a package does count: looks, background, academic qualifications, and anything that could help to recoup that kind of money, via an extensive media campaign. Uh, and, of course, her writing talent helps. Then again, this is the U.K., so it may be different over there.

By: HelenKay

HelenKay — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Monica - I saw that article too. Very scary. Even scarier were some of the comments to the poor guy. One lady said he deserved it for getting such a big advance. Man, that’s tough love. Where were the publisher and agent?

Maili, as much as that scares me, and it does, you’re probably right about the whole package. That publishing is part beauty contest is really an eye-opening idea. I didn’t know about the deals for the other writers but it is interesting that it’s not just a YA issue. I guess I never realized, outside of Rowling, Cabot and a few others, that there was this money potential in YA. Call me clueless.

Wendy - I didn’t think about all the number encompasses but, still, that seemed high to me. When you look at Brenda Hiatt’s Show Me The Money, the numbers are far lower than this deal. Brava’s numbers are downright pitiful - $500 for a novella. Wow. Let’s hope the back end money is better.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I just want to know why the girl is training the rival team’s quarterback. *g*

By: Alison Kent

Alison Kent — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Brava’s numbers are downright pitiful - $500 for a novella.

Who the hell is reporting that??????

By: cece

cece — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I guess MY question is why didn’t he hire a publicity what-do-they-call-them? person? after the first two books????

By: HelenKay

HelenKay — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Alison, you made my day. That number was in Brenda Hiatt’s Show Me The Money tally at some point. I’ve always hoped that was a misprint or mistake. From your response, I’ll hope that’s true.

Cece - Fair question. At some point the guy has to take some responsibility. I just didn’t think the comments about it ALL being his fault and that he somehow deserved it because he got a good deal was fair.

Shannon - It ain’t conflict without the boy being on the other team

By: Alison Kent

Alison Kent — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

HK - It might be the case for a never previously pubb’d author. I really can’t say. But the Blaze numbers also don’t reflect what I know, so it’s all probably a case of where you are in your career!

By: HelenKay

HelenKay — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

See, Alison, you’re making me sad again. As one of those never previously pubb’d writers, and one aiming for Brava, I’m kind of hoping these numbers are low. My goal, at some point, is to make a career out of writing and I’d kind of like to eat and not live in a shoe if possible. Of course, first I’ll worry about getting published then tackle the how-to-make-a-living problem.