May be offered indie publication this week (unagented) - advice?

[JennaRink]

Hi all, last year I was shortlisted for a UK writing prize offered by an indie publisher and a major literary agents organization. At the time the publisher said they would love to publish the book but also advised me to try to get an agent.

Two months ago I started down the agent route. So far I've had two rejections, with the second feeling personalised and the rest haven't replied yet.

Lately I've started to feel that I made a mistake in not publishing with the indie publisher that loved my book. Their books do end up in Waterstones etc. So I sent them a letter and the polished manuscript. They responded quickly and want to have a meeting.

If all goes well it be a bad idea to have a book published without an agent? Will it affect my career later if I want to publish more books?

I don't know, but maybe approach agents again saying that you have a book deal already and need representation? As you have the deal you have done the hardworking already.

Alternatively maybe have a solicitor who deals with this kind of thing check your contract before you sign?

And bloody well done! I bet you are soooo excited 😊.

Thanks @HighlandCowbag

So an agent wouldn't be put off by me having a book deal?

Should I re-approach agents I've already contacted or need agents?

I am also going to speed dating agents event where I have signed up to speak to 5 differently agents in person. I'm also wondering how to approach this.

Any advice appreciated as my meeting with the publisher is tomorrow!

Hi @JennaRink It seems odd to me that the indie publisher suggested getting an agent. Did they explain why they thought you should? As I understand it, going down the indie route is a good option for people (like me) who don't write commercial fiction and are less likely to hook an agent and a trad deal.

A small few of the indie publishers will only accept subs from writers with agents, but most accept direct unsolicited subs and that's what makes them attractive. You often don't get an advance, but you are more likely to receive a higher percentage of the book sales.

Obviously, it seems that you are having the meeting today, but take the time to research the other authors that the publisher has worked with, see how well their books have done and if it looks like they have been supported.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on!

Mis-post

@BecauseOfIndia They recommended I get an agent at the time when I was shortlisted for the writing prize because they had to give the best advice for my.long term career as part of the prize deal.

But they did express that they wanted to publish the book at the same time.

So that is why I am wondering if I should continue trying to get an agent even if I get the book deal?

My fear is not understanding the ins and outs of it all too. Thanks for your advice! I will come back with how the meeting goes.

When I worked in publishing, the message was "we love authors who don't have agents" - presumably because the publisher could soak them for a greater share of the profits.

I'd always advise authors to get an agent if they can, because book contracts can be very complicated. There are now so many ways of monetising content: foreign rights, adaptation rights, audiobook rights, and probably various online rights (new since my time).

Since you already have interest from this publisher, you'll be more attractive to agents, so you shouldn't have trouble finding someone. Try to get someone who has dealt with the publisher before.

Can you say who the indie press is? There's a couple to avoid.
Have any of their books been nominated or won national prizes?
And also - join Society of Authors as they have LOTS of advice about this.
And finally - can you contact your area (if you're UK) Arts Council Funded group for advice? Like Writing South West / Writing North / Writing East Midlands etc.

^ Was just going to suggest joining Society of Authors.

@Peasnbeans I don't want to say, sorry! Worried about anonymity.

Although I would certainly welcome the names of who to avoid if you wanted to share.

I know the publisher is closely connected with Arts Council England.

I know all their books are stocked in Waterstones, WhS Smith and no doubt other places. Not sure how I'd find out the success of the books though?

The head of the publisher has a good reputation which is something.

@zaxxon do you have any advice on suggesting how I'd find an agent who has worked with the publisher before?

And yes that is my fear - being taken advantage of as an unagented author.

A writer with an offer from a good publisher is very attractive to an agent, but the key is good publisher. There are hundreds of small presses who don't sell enough copies for the agent's commission to be worth it.

Have you actually seen this publisher's books in shops, on the shelves?

What genre is your manuscript?

If you want to PM me in confidence I can probably tell you how good the publisher is. I'm published with both small presses and Big 5 publishers.

@MeowCatPleaseMeowBack can I ask roughly how many copies would be 'worth it' for an agent?

Thanks, I may do that. Have the meeting in about an hour so will have more info after that.

Good numbers are highly dependent on genre and market. The vast majority of small presses sell in the double digits for each release, which is never going to interest an agent. But the best small presses routinely sell thousands of copies.

You'll ask every agent you talk to, of course... But you can also approach it from the other side: look up the publisher's bigger -name authors and Google the name + "agent" or "agency". That will give you an in with those agents, since you can then email them and say, "I see you represent X who has a contract with Y, who have also approached me..."

The Writers & Artists yearbook may come in handy. It's expensive to buy new but you can often find last year's edition on eBay

The publishers were right to advise you to get an agent - this is <whatever the opposite of a red flag is>.

You'll be in a strong position to get an agent if you look for one when you have an offer but not a deal - ie when they have said they want to publish you but you haven't signed anything yet. Email the agents you're approaching with "Offer in hand" in the subject line - this will jump you to the top of the queue in many cases. You can also re-contact agents you have already submitted to but haven't heard from yet, as an update. Good luck!

@AppropriateAdult A green flag?

Hi everyone just wanted to give a short update.

In the meeting the publisher offered me a book deal, pending contract terms etc. Immediately afterwards they sent the contract and then asked if I have questions. I said I would take some time and let them know soon.

I sought professional advice and went back to them one week later with a series of questions about the contract. Three days later they haven't confirmed receipt of the email or responded

I find myself worrying that I asked too many questions and ruined my chances! How long can I wait before following up?

Thankd @AppropriateAdult I started doing this a week ago. No bite yet...

I'm also supposed to be meeting a series of agents in two weeks. So much could change from now until then, it's hard to plan what to say to them.

Three days is nothing. A confirmation of receipt is good but people forget, and on the plus side it gives you an excuse to chase up in another few weeks.

My only worry would be your source of professional advice. Was it a publishing specialist?

@MeowCatPleaseMeowBack yes. They are reputable among the authors I know. Gave me a forensic breakdown of the contract and advised on clauses that should be included, what I should aim to negotiate on, queries to clear up. Overall positive.

I suppose 3 days isn't much at all! I'm feeling anxious about it. Even at work and no matter what I'm doing, I feel in limbo.

Perhaps I can just check the received it at the end of the week? Or should I wait longer...I don't want to pester either.

Publishing moves incredibly slowly, three days is honestly nothing at all (I got a publishing deal last year and this has been the single hardest aspect of it all to try to adjust to). I'd definitely give them a bit more time; hopefully some of the agents will get back to you in the meantime 🤞

How is it going OP? Any progress yet?