I knew I will learn something from it. Knew most of them, but others I had no idea what they mean. Hope this one agent who at least bothered giving me a personal response, will like my latest work I queried her with, and get to the next stage.
Guys, you're going to bucket all of the terms into three different categories. If you find a term that doesn't fit, just chuck it in the fuck it bucket.
What are your thoughts on Kickstarter Publishing? After Brandon Sanderson's epic campaign it seems to have opened the doors for a more craft based approach to book selling.
Do agents ever approach writers in a build it and they will come type of way? I’ve always been told to have them come to you and not the other way around.
Thanks for your helpful info as always Alyssa. What does a tag line mean when using query manager please? I might have the wrong wording cos I cant remember what it was. Maybe tag or log line? Thanks. 😅
In the case of an acquiring agent preempt, that is rejected by the literary agent, then the literary agent can submit to a wider field of acquiring agents, right?
What do you think about approaching agents in other ways than querying? I'd like to pitch my book to agents in person (maybe buy them a coffee or something) but I'm not sure if they'd take such approaches well
Agents are sometimes available to hear pitches in person at events held for this purpose. Pitching them outside of these events, outside similar virtual events, and outside of the query process might not be a good idea.
Many writers met their agent at conventions and conferences. Brandon Sanderson has shared his story in his lectures. In short, when going to conventions where you know there will be literary agents, have your pitch ready.
Hey Alyssa, out of curiosity, is it appropriate or inappropriate to send my manuscript to several literary agents and several publishing companies at the same time?
Well, I'm not Alyssa and even more so not a professional in the industry, but sending out a manuscript is a form of application for hire, which is essentially what probing an agent and publisher boils down to. Like any corporation, any startup, or any business of any kind for that matter, they understand what you want, a job. Agents and publishers are no different, they understand what you want, to be published. Now, if you are in active talks with an agent, to the point where papers are being signed, you probably shouldn't seek another agent barring extreme circumstances, same with a publisher. However, if you have made no agreement or signed any paper, whether with an agent or publisher, you are not only well within your rights, but also expected to seek out multiple pathways to publishing. A pretty common situation in the hiring process of traditional jobs involves being open and upfront with your potential employer about other offers and competition for your employment, so that they can either raise the bar with a better offer, or be honest and tell you to look elsewhere. If you hide from a publisher or agent that you are doing this, that would be an issue, because they would be left in the dark, and that benefits nobody, not even yourself. So, in short (lol, sorry), sending a manuscript or query letter to multiple agents and publishers is perfectly fine, so long as you're honest about doing/having done so if talks get more serious and offers start getting made.
No - The advance is the amount an author is paid regardless of book sales. It is very common to not earn out your advance! In that case, the author just wouldn’t receive any further royalty checks beyond the advance amount.
I think this is useful for newer authors. If if have an Author 101 list of videos, this should be included.
You were born for this, excellent job, I subscribe!
Super helpful, thank you! 🩷
I learned many new terms today Alyssa!
Very informative 😊😊😊😊😊
Even though I know most of this, it’s comforting to hear it again, especially from Alyssa.
Gosh. I just wanted to sign up for your newsletter. Maybe next time.
I knew I will learn something from it. Knew most of them, but others I had no idea what they mean.
Hope this one agent who at least bothered giving me a personal response, will like my latest work I queried her with, and get to the next stage.
Very informative vid, thank you Alyssa. I knew the majority of these terms but the ones I didn't know I've never heard of.
Guys, you're going to bucket all of the terms into three different categories. If you find a term that doesn't fit, just chuck it in the fuck it bucket.
The secret fourth bucket 😂
What are your thoughts on Kickstarter Publishing? After Brandon Sanderson's epic campaign it seems to have opened the doors for a more craft based approach to book selling.
Do agents ever approach writers in a build it and they will come type of way? I’ve always been told to have them come to you and not the other way around.
Thanks for your helpful info as always Alyssa. What does a tag line mean when using query manager please? I might have the wrong wording cos I cant remember what it was. Maybe tag or log line? Thanks. 😅
I would like to know contract terms?
In the case of an acquiring agent preempt, that is rejected by the literary agent, then the literary agent can submit to a wider field of acquiring agents, right?
What do you think about approaching agents in other ways than querying? I'd like to pitch my book to agents in person (maybe buy them a coffee or something) but I'm not sure if they'd take such approaches well
I would love to see an answer to this.
@@dr.zombie_noodles7077😂 me too!
I agree
Agents are sometimes available to hear pitches in person at events held for this purpose. Pitching them outside of these events, outside similar virtual events, and outside of the query process might not be a good idea.
Many writers met their agent at conventions and conferences. Brandon Sanderson has shared his story in his lectures. In short, when going to conventions where you know there will be literary agents, have your pitch ready.
Do publishers accept manuscripts with no copyright protection? Or do some iffer copywriting for authors' new manuscripts?
Hey Alyssa, out of curiosity, is it appropriate or inappropriate to send my manuscript to several literary agents and several publishing companies at the same time?
Well, I'm not Alyssa and even more so not a professional in the industry, but sending out a manuscript is a form of application for hire, which is essentially what probing an agent and publisher boils down to. Like any corporation, any startup, or any business of any kind for that matter, they understand what you want, a job. Agents and publishers are no different, they understand what you want, to be published. Now, if you are in active talks with an agent, to the point where papers are being signed, you probably shouldn't seek another agent barring extreme circumstances, same with a publisher. However, if you have made no agreement or signed any paper, whether with an agent or publisher, you are not only well within your rights, but also expected to seek out multiple pathways to publishing. A pretty common situation in the hiring process of traditional jobs involves being open and upfront with your potential employer about other offers and competition for your employment, so that they can either raise the bar with a better offer, or be honest and tell you to look elsewhere. If you hide from a publisher or agent that you are doing this, that would be an issue, because they would be left in the dark, and that benefits nobody, not even yourself. So, in short (lol, sorry), sending a manuscript or query letter to multiple agents and publishers is perfectly fine, so long as you're honest about doing/having done so if talks get more serious and offers start getting made.
What if a book can’t be sold much and the book isn’t earned out? Does the author have to pay back the advance?
No - The advance is the amount an author is paid regardless of book sales. It is very common to not earn out your advance! In that case, the author just wouldn’t receive any further royalty checks beyond the advance amount.