What a book advance actually looks like, by genre
Book advances vary widely by genre and specific deal, but publicly available data suggests that most debut authors can expect advances up to $49,000, considered a…
13 Sep 20264 min read
Route: Traditional
The Money
Craft
Craft
Getting Published
Getting Published
Getting Published
Getting Published
Rights & Contracts
Rights & Contracts
Rights & Contracts
Revision: what actually changes a manuscript
Revision is the process that transforms a manuscript from a rough draft into a polished piece of writing, and it is crucial for moving the needle…
13 Sep 20264 min read
How to read an editorial letter
Understanding how to read an editorial letter is crucial for authors navigating the publishing process. An editorial letter is a detailed document from an editor outlining…
13 Sep 20264 min read
What happens between contract and shelf
From signing a contract to seeing your book on the shelf, the journey typically takes 12–24 months and involves multiple stages, including editing, design, production, and…
13 Sep 20263 min read
How submissions are read, and by whom
Submissions to publishers typically follow a path from the initial slush pile, through various stages of editorial review, to potential acquisition by the publisher. Most submissions,…
13 Sep 20263 min read
How literary agents actually get paid
Literary agents typically earn a 15% commission on the deals they negotiate for authors, covering advances, royalties, and subsidiary rights sales. This commission compensates them for…
13 Sep 20264 min read
What a query letter is really for
Query letters are primarily tools for authors to introduce themselves and their work to literary agents, aiming to secure representation. They serve as a first impression,…
13 Sep 20264 min read
Audit clauses and why you want one
Audit clauses in publishing contracts grant authors the right to review the financial records of their publishers to ensure accurate royalty reporting and payments. These clauses…
13 Sep 20263 min read
Contract red flags, ranked by severity
When reviewing a publishing contract, certain clauses can significantly impact an author's earnings and rights. This article ranks the most severe contract red flags by their…
13 Sep 20264 min read
Subsidiary rights: what you’re giving away
When negotiating a book contract, understanding subsidiary rights is crucial as they determine what rights you retain and what you license to publishers. These rights, including…
13 Sep 20264 min read