Blogger: Mary Keeley
I would prefer to plan my work and work my plan with few surprises that upset the proverbial applecart. It almost never happens that way, though. I’m a list maker and love to cross off items as I complete the task. Plan and then take action. I’ll skip the waiting, thank you. The overuse of clichés was intentional. Last week a client gave me some good news, not realizing it also creates a predicament that will require more thoughtful planning before taking action.
During the past year this client has been rewriting a manuscript as a Christian living book at a publisher’s request. It is now ready to submit. A different publisher requested a proposal for another of the client’s books at a writer’s conference two weeks ago. The thing is, both books are now in the same genre on the same unique topic.
These kinds of situations require planning a strategy because many publishers require a non-compete clause in their contracts. Agents often can negotiate the wording of the clause to limit the non-compete to a specific genre or demographic, allowing the author to write another book on the same topic in a different genre or to a different demographic.
But that won’t work in this instance because the genre and demographic are now the same for both books. See the dilemma? The client and I need to plan our strategy by answering questions as we weigh factors such as:
- Potential reader attraction. Assuming both books are well written, reader friendly for this genre, and full of fresh information, does one of them have that little extra something that captures attention more than the other?
- Marketing and distribution strength. In this particular situation weighing this factor appears to have a quick answer because one of the publishers in question is larger and has broader distribution. But we have to look further and weigh the potential of this publisher taking the next step and making an offer against the potential of the smaller publisher doing so.
- Editorial support offered by each publisher. Working with publishers on a daily basis on all sorts of projects, agents get to know editors’ strengths and what they expect from the author. I also know my client’s strengths. This factor alone wil not determine the approach we decide to take, but it should be considered.
- Potential for a long-term publishing relationship that wil be most advantageous to my client’s career. Questions to ask: Is one of the publishers more successful at marketing and selling books in this genre? If so, it’s likely that publisher will focus more of its marketing budget there, which in turn could bolster sales of my client’s book and increase the chances of getting a second contract–perhaps the other Christian living book.
- Intangibles. Does one of the publishers in question seem to be a more compatible fit for my client? Publishing houses have their own unique culture. As professionals in this business, the author and the publisher’s team assigned to work on the book are expected to work together cooperatively. But being human in this fallen world, occasionally this becomes a challenge, ad when that happens, the book’s quality can be negatively affected.
Notice I used the word potential frequently. This is an imperfect science. But agents work hard to stay current with reader trends and what publishers are doing in order to give our clients educated advice. None of the above factors taken separately should determine the best approach. It’s more like a pro’s and con’s list with some factors coming to the forefront over others.
When I guide my client through these questions and we plan our strategy together, we’ll be unified on the best course of action in choosing the publisher to submit to first. Then we wait to see what happens. Did I say this is an imperfect science? It’s because no one in this crazy, exciting, meaningful industry is omniscient.
Did you identify any factor that is especially important to you as you read the list? Did you become aware of insights an agent can provide you that you hadn’t thought about before?
TWEETABLES:
Planning your work and working your plan isn’t always simple in this industry. Click to Tweet.
Talking through questions together helps an agent and client plan the best course of action. Click to Tweet.
Choosing the best course of action for a client is an imperfect science. An agent can help by asking the right questions. Click to Tweet.
Oddly enough, the intangibles strike me as most important. I’m on the elbow of the pub learning curve, not quite new, not yet seasoned, and to me, relationships appear to be the key success/failure factor. Not to imply the “who you know” theory leads to publication, but more your compatibility with a specific editor/publisher leads to better overall results for the MS; I imagine finding that relationship is a bit like Cinderella and her pesky shoe?
Good working relationships with your publisher’s team provides the environment and enthusiasm to make your book the best it can be. And the production process is a pleasant experience. But again, your agent will be viewing a publisher choice from the perspective of your future career. After weighing all factors together. In the end your high value on relationships may be the tipping point in making the right decision for you.
Waiting is not my favorite 🙂 I love how you wrote that you guide your client through the questions and you plan together a unified strategy. What a blessing as a writer to have someone to walk through the unknowns with.
Two heads are better than one. I’m full of clichés today. It’s always good to have someone to talk through an important decision making process with, but especially for authors in these confusing but exciting times in the publishing business.
My middle initial “S” is for Strategy, Mary. 🙂 I admire your thought process here, and I’m right there with you on the love of lists. It seems that the editorial support and the potential for a long-term relationship go hand-in-hand. I had not thought of publishing houses having their own unique culture, but that would only rachet up an agent’s value as you have the experience and knowledge to play matchmaker between author and editor/house. Thank you for this insider’s look.
You’re welcome, Meghan. Talking through these factors when entering an author-publisher relationship leads to an educated decision. And the result is that the author knows where she has to focus extra effort for the greatest success of her book.
Mary, I smiled as I read your post this morning. I’m a list maker, too. (Ahhh, does it ever end?!)
Thank you for sharing all the things we need to consider as authors facing various opportunities (and potential dilemmas).
You wear so many hats, it leaves me breathless…and it struck me…you know what you need this morning? Hot coffee, dark chocolate, and a big, box of neon-colored Post-it notes! 🙂
Hot coffee: check
Dark chocolate: soon!
Neon-colored Post-It notes: can’t be without them.
Mary, thanks for this one. I learned that agents are a lot better at keeping a ton of details straight on the business end of writing like writers have to be on the writing end of it. It is so good to know that you’ve got your clients’ backs when it comes to figuring these things out. I don’t yet have an agent, but I’m looking forward to having someone like you in my corner.
Blessings,
Andrea
Thank you Andrea. Enjoy the present, look forward to your future, and stay with it.
Thanks for the encouragement, Mary! I really appreciate it.
And THIS is why I would love to have an agent. 🙂 I think up so many strategies, but it’s that extra bit of insider knowledge that would help me be more confident in any career decisions I make.
So true. An agent’s knowledge of the industry and current trends help in making wise short-term and long-term career decisions.
I am glad to know I’m in good company when it comes to planning my work and working my plan. I am a gal who lives by lists. So, when something happens into my life that makes me WAIT, it’s hard.
I loved seeing all the things you have to consider as you work through your dilemma. It seems like a good dilemma to have, but one requiring much prayer, processing and considering all the aspects before moving forward.
The thing that resonated most with me of the considerations you mentioned revolved around considering what’s best for your author’s career. Everything from looking at the advantages and drawbacks of each publishing house to keeping relationships strong on all ends is crucial, isn’t it?
I’m with Lindsay. THIS is why I would love to have an agent. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this today. It’s always insightful to read about the things you agents work through on behalf of your authors. 🙂
Jeanne, good agents keep their client’s long-range career in mind as they guide decisions in the present. And like Lindsay inferred: knowledge breeds confidence.
Mary, I hope I didn’t imply that I was surprised that you, or any good agent, would be looking out for the best of an author’s long-term career! 🙂 What surprised me in the example you shared was all that had to be considered in making the best decision. I know that all you ladies at Books and Such are amazing agents who are knowledgeable and discerning in guiding the authors you represent. 🙂
Jeanne, no worries. I understood what you meant and was confirming that this is part of what all good agents do.
The marketing and distribution strengths of a publisher will always be important, but for a first time author like myself, this seems even more imperative.
I would think the predicament you wrote about would foster open communication between you and your client, something that the B&S agents obviously excel at.
On behalf of all of the Books & Such agents, thank you for the compliment, Jenni. I know I can speak for all of us when I say that open communication is a high value for us. It’s the foundation of a successful long-term partnership, which is a hallmark of our agency.
Working with my plan and adapting it when needed, instead of allowing it to control me has allowed me to be available when my agent emails with unique opportunities. Sure, we’re told authors with agents have more opportunities than those without, but opportunities don’t mean squat if the author isn’t willing to pick up the challenge.
I have author friends who share an open communication with their agents, and I have an author friend who hears from her agent three to four times a year. I didn’t want the latter relationship.
I can honestly say I’m blessed with the open communication I share with you, Mary. It makes my job of writing so much easier knowing you are taking care of my interests elsewhere.
Anita.
It’s a two-way blessing, Anita. I always appreciate when clients like you keep me updated on their writing progress and social media and platform growth, or an issue needing attention. It equips me with current information when I communicate with an editor.
This situation is indeed perplexing.
The thought that most resonates with me is, which option is in my best long-term interest for my writing career?
Of course, only reasonable judgements can be made in that regard, but that would be my primary consideration.
You are wise, Peter.
I’ve never considered self-publishing. There’s so much to learn about writing and promoting, I can’t imagine trying to get a book published without an agent.
Thanks for sharing today.
You’re welcome, Jackie. True, there is so much to learn…and then re-learn to stay current as the industry changes. Agents spend a substantial percentage of our time studying trends and new innovations in order to prepare clients for new opportunities.