The "CALL"

You sent in your query. The editor requests a full manuscript which you sent and then you wait. Then at the most unexpected time you get “the Call.” When I got my first “call” I was in complete disbelief, hyperventilating, without a coherent thought it my head. Most of those getting that first call will have similar reactions. No one can or wants to dispel the disbelief or the hyperventilating but information can provide you with some articulate questions instead of incoherent rambling. Keep these points or those you think relevant close at hand for when your “call” comes.

A disclaimer--I have used points from a handout by a published author I got in Denver at the 2002 RWA Convention as a starting point. Unfortunately it does not have the name of the presenter. I have googled but have had no luck finding out whom to credit it to. I have heard or seen several of these points in other documents over the years and so have paraphrased, edited, and embellished several as well as adding my own. The original handout noted that you needn’t cover all the points during the first phone call but should get the information as soon as possible.

1. The most repeated piece of advice I’ve heard and read is to NEVER say yes to a contract offer during “the call,” even if you mean to say yes later. Instead get all the details you can in your “call induced inebriated” state and say something like, “I am so excited I can’t think. Let me consider everything after I calm down.” Do thank the editor for the call and make arrangements for further contact.

2. Have you acquired an agent since you submitted the work? Do you want to get one to handle negotiations? Tell the editor now whatever the case. If you have the agent will carry it from here and give you another “call.”

3. If you want to use your “real” name bring it up now. If you don’t, discuss your preference for writing name (pseudonym). When I first sold, my pseudonym had to be approved. The editor completely rejected the use of my real name but under the weight Wesolowsky I wasn’t inclined to argue. A few years later they wanted all rights to my pseudonym which is when I got an agent who was successful in blocking that. Be clear if you do not want restrictions of the use of your pseudonym.

4. Is there and advance? How much is it? Brenda Hiatt’s Show Me the Money web site can give you some idea of reported advances. http://www.brendahiatt.com/id2.html

5. How many author’s copies is the editor offering? This is usually the most easily negotiated but don’t get hung up on it or press for an exaggerated number of copies.

6. In what line or imprint will the book be published?

7. When will the book be published?

8. What is the print run? You may not get this information in category romance but ask anyway. It will determine whether or not you have a chance at royalties above and beyond the advance. A 10% royalty on any sales beyond say 5,000 copies won’t do you any good if they only print 3,000.

9. What is the average amount new authors in my line/imprint can expect to earn with a first book?

10. Will you be my editor or will I be assigned to someone else?

11. Are any revision necessary? This is very important. You need to know if the editor’s vision of your story is the same as yours with minor revisions or if it is so different that if will require massive revisions so altering the book that it makes the original story unrecognizable. You may or may not want to do this but you do need to know what the editor expects.

12. What are the terms of the option clause? Will I have to submit the next book I write whether it is suited to this line or not?

13. Which subsidiary rights are part of the contract and at what percentages? This may be e-book, audio, foreign, movie etc. Make sure you know which are in the contract and what the payment for them will be. This may or may not be negotiable but its best to be aware of what they are.

14. How many times a year would you like to see me published? Category romances are published each month, usually four a month in most lines. You could be published three or four times a year if your editor likes your work and you can write at that pace.

15. Ask the editor, “What appealed to you about my book? Where do you see me fitting in with your publishing list?”

16. When would you like to see my next project, or a proposal for another book?

I’m sure I missed some points or details. I’d appreciate those of you who have received “first calls” to post your experiences and advise. May each of you who want once some day receive the “call.”