Just spent an hour on the phone with an assistant to an agent (she called me)

[LisaGraceBooks]

Sigh. Frustration. They, of course, are interested because of the movie deal (on a side note--the movie production co. and I, through our lawyers, are in agreement so I get my copies [through Fed-Ex] to sign in front of a notary in the next few days), but the *ss't. to the agent wants me to send a full-marketing proposal, plus hard copies, and then to top it off--this agent normally doesn't rep YA supernaturals... isn't familiar with my lawyer... is not gung ho about my books all though the assistant is...

Is it worth jumping through hoops again?

Or option B, just wait for production company to make the announcement about my deal (which is being fast-tracked and tied into the announcement of the distribution deal on their current film which is in post production) and send out marketing proposals to my ET lawyer, (who is also an agent) and see who wants to bid on it?


Or option C, let it go into pre-production without a book deal, take my own money and pull a James Patterson, where I cut the deals myself directly with the stores, (basically pay for the product and advertising myself just like a publisher would and I can do it for under 200K), and just get placement in the stores myself to tie in with the release of the movie.

I've had two publishers send me emails (after going the whole marketing proposal, sending them the manuscripts, waiting on their acquisition editor meetings, etc...) saying they want the series (back in November), but haven't received any contracts from them either.

Thanks for letting me vent. Well, I have another book to finish editing and put up for sale on Amazon. I'm very glad to have the problems I do have, but being an indie seems to mean no part of the process is easy. Every part is still filled with decisions only you can make. And finding an agent is as hard as it's always been.

I honestly thought by this point, with a contract in hand, I'd have an agent. I lost that bet.
Well, if you want to vote for option A, B, or C  or what would you do and why?

 

[oliewankanobe]

Part of me says, "somebody to do a lot of grunt work."  You've sort of "arrived" on your own.  My question to the agent would be "why do I need you?"

He or she may have an excellent answer, but at this point, the focus for ME would be promo, future projects, that kind of thing.

[Terrence OBrien]

How does the agent fit into all this?

[John Blackport]

Um . . . B? 

[LisaGraceBooks]

Part of me says, "somebody to do a lot of grunt work."  You've sort of "arrived" on your own.  My question to the agent would be "why do I need you?"

He or she may have an excellent answer, but at this point, the focus for ME would be promo, future projects, that kind of thing.

I do want the paperbacks available in the stores. I could get placement on my own in the B&Ns and Walmarts. Especially if I supply nice promo materials. Like the cardboard box display so they don't use shelf space. I know I can do it for under 200K. I can even run my own .gifs on websites teens frequent.

How does the agent fit into all this?

I wanted them to get the paperback deal so I don't have to spend my time talking to publishers or my lawyer. This process sucks a tremendous amount of time away from writing. Amanda Hocking mentioned one reason she wanted an agent and an advance is because of all the work involved when you do it yourself.

[kayakruthie]

Cool your jets.  Everything will be all right.  I've been through all that meshugas, and it's a lot of folks hoping to get a free ride on your coattails.  Wait until your movie deal is announced.  Then run all proposals through your lawyer.  Only work with big, established publishers.  Don't let their eagerness/greediness/frenetic behavior throw you off.  You hold the cards.  Let them do the work.  Do not let them waste your time.  Be polite and ask them to email a proposal.   Don't look at it, but immediately send to your lawyer.  If nothing presents itself, self-publish.  When you have this kind of ready market, self-publishing really can pay off.  Meanwhile, build your base through twitter.  Don't let the bastards get your down.

[jnfr]

If you feel you  need a business partner, make sure of what they have to offer you and why you need them. I feel very cautious about you contracting with someone who doesn't understand your work and doesn't seem enthusiastic about promoting you.

[Amanda Charvi]

I would suggest working with your lawyer. Why? Because I'm a lawyer and we are cool. My first reaction in reading your post is...shouldn't the agent send *you* a marketing proposal? The agent needs you and not the other way around.

I think you know the answer already...they are interested because of the movie deal. So I believe people should be jumping through hoops for you and not the other way around.

[cidneyswanson]

Shhh.  Cool your jets.  Everything will be all right.  I've been through all that meshugas, and it's a lot of folks hoping to get a free ride on your coattails.  Wait until your movie deal is announced.  Then run all proposals through your lawyer.  Only work with big, established publishers.  Don't let their eagerness/greediness/frenetic behavior throw you off.  You hold the cards.  Let them do the work.  Do not let them waste your time.  Be polite and ask them to email a proposal.   Don't look at it, but immediately send to your lawyer.  If nothing presents itself, self-publish.  When you have this kind of ready market, self-publishing really can pay off.  Meanwhile, build your base through twitter.  Don't let the bastards get your down.

This! 
Okay, and the following posts by jnfr and Amanda as well!
Cidney

[LisaGraceBooks]

Thank you Kayakruthie, jnfr,  Amanda, & Cidneyswanson,

Shhh.  Cool your jets.  Everything will be all right.  I've been through all that meshugas, and it's a lot of folks hoping to get a free ride on your coattails.  Wait until your movie deal is announced.  Then run all proposals through your lawyer.  Only work with big, established publishers.  Don't let their eagerness/greediness/frenetic behavior throw you off.  You hold the cards.  Let them do the work.  Do not let them waste your time.  Be polite and ask them to email a proposal.   Don't look at it, but immediately send to your lawyer.  If nothing presents itself, self-publish.  When you have this kind of ready market, self-publishing really can pay off.  Meanwhile, build your base through twitter.  Don't let the bastards get your down.

If you feel you  need a business partner, make sure of what they have to offer you and why you need them. I feel very cautious about you contracting with someone who doesn't understand your work and doesn't seem enthusiastic about promoting you.

I would suggest working with your lawyer. Why? Because I'm a lawyer and we are cool. My first reaction in reading your post is...shouldn't the agent send *you* a marketing proposal? The agent needs you and not the other way around.

I think you know the answer already...they are interested because of the movie deal. So I believe people should be jumping through hoops for you and not the other way around.

You're right. I  guess I was disappointed that the agent wasn't more excited to want to work with me. And Amanda, I do enjoy working with Elaine P. English, my entertainment lawyer. I guess I'll wait until the deal is announced and let her solicit bids and see what happens then.

There is always option C.

[Angela Kay Austin]

What an absolutely awesome problem to have

As a marketer, I'd definitely suggest you don't take this on yourself.  There is so much we can do ourselves, and it does sound like you have a great handle on things, but it's amazing the details that need to be covered with working on a really strong marketing strategy (not just the fun pieces: giveaways, ads.) 

People are calling you about your work, definitely take advantage of it and take the time to focus on your writing and let others handle the details.

[genevieveaclark]

Can I vote against A? Just...not A, at this point. Not that agent.

[Sybil Nelson]

I have a movie option for the Priscilla the Great series with a production company and my agent still couldn't find a publisher. It sounds like your deal if further along, however. My contract was just for the option. If you can't find a good agent, just continue with the lawyer. The agent may not be able to do any more for you anyway.

Although I would be terrified at trying to do all the marketing myself. I don't know what is up with the publishing industry. Why can't they see the possible dollar signs when a production company is serious enough about a book to give it a contract?

[jackz4000]

You are in a great spot right now...do nothing.

After the film company makes the announcement the agents and publishers will swarm. If you have a good entertainment lawyer you won't really need an agent, unless you just want to have one. If it's a major production you'll have plenty of offers--maybe auction?

Much depends on the rep of the film company. Smaller the company the smaller the buzz. If it's a big flick a packager will get involved.

[tamaraheiner]

Part of me says, "somebody to do a lot of grunt work."  You've sort of "arrived" on your own.  My question to the agent would be "why do I need you?"

He or she may have an excellent answer, but at this point, the focus for ME would be promo, future projects, that kind of thing.

ditto that.

I'm all for getting an agent if you want one. I'm trying to get one. But it seems like you don't need one. Why bother?

Just saying.

[KateDanley]

I just wanted to chime in with the "breathe deep and see what tomorrow brings".  I'm not sure if your book has just been optioned or if it is going through development, but having spent some time in the entertainment biz, there are a lot of things that have to happen from the moment you sign the contract to the first day of shooting. 

The agent absolutely should not be asking you for a business plan.  My brain just exploded reading that.  That is their job.  And if they aren't on fire about your project, there is no way they are going to be able to sell you to a publisher.

And absolutely don't spend $250k on marketing it yourself (or at least "not yet").  The moment the project is announced, there will be a little "heat" around you (...it's like a campfire and everyone want to gather around).  The moment it is published in the Hollywood Reporter, there will be more "heat".  Depending upon the size of your budget and what sort of a production company you're working with, you'll probably want/be asked to tie into their marketing efforts.  You've probably got a three to five year road ahead of you before the movie comes out.  You've got some time.  And everyone is going to want to make sure that things sync up so that you peak around the opening of the film and not before.  Hang tough!  And write another sequel. 

[Krista D. Ball]

Lisa, no offense to anyone here, but I think you should ask people with experience like your lawyer 

[Rejean]

The agent absolutely should not be asking you for a business plan.  My brain just exploded reading that.  That is their job.  And if they aren't on fire about your project, there is no way they are going to be able to sell you to a publisher.

This.

You definitely don't want an agent who isn't interested in your genre, doesn't have the contacts in your genre and expects you to do all the work.

Sit back, let them come to you. Let them sell you on what value they can add. Personally, I might skip the whole agent thing and go right after a publisher. After your deal is signed you should have all the leverage you need. Send out press releases to PW etc. See who comes fishing.

[LisaGraceBooks]

What an absolutely awesome problem to have

As a marketer, I'd definitely suggest you don't take this on yourself.  There is so much we can do ourselves, and it does sound like you have a great handle on things, but it's amazing the details that need to be covered with working on a really strong marketing strategy (not just the fun pieces: giveaways, ads.) 

People are calling you about your work, definitely take advantage of it and take the time to focus on your writing and let others handle the details.

/quote]
I agree. I don't have the time I need to market the way I would like. I was an account executive in a former life and I know the logistics of what's involved, which is why I'd love, love, love to have an agent. Just dealing with one publisher (who hasn't sent me a contract yet) has sucked at least sixteen hours of my time dealing with two different departments. I have no desire to keep repeating the process over and over again.

Can I vote against A? Just...not A, at this point. Not that agent.

I'm leaning against A; it's too frustrating.

[jackz4000]

The big point Lisa is to just relax and take your time. The option is the first step in a film production and there are so many other steps and time (think script, shooting script, budgets, stars, financing, insurance etc) between signing and release of the film, which could be 2 years from today or never. Most books that are optioned never get to the green light.

[LilianaHart]

If your attorney is also an agent, it seems superfluous to let another agent take more of a percentage of your work. Congratulations on everything, though! Lots of cool stuff happening for you.

[LisaGraceBooks]

I have a movie option for the Priscilla the Great series with a production company and my agent still couldn't find a publisher. It sounds like your deal if further along, however. My contract was just for the option. If you can't find a good agent, just continue with the lawyer. The agent may not be able to do any more for you anyway.

Although I would be terrified at trying to do all the marketing myself. I don't know what is up with the publishing industry. Why can't they see the possible dollar signs when a production company is serious enough about a book to give it a contract?

Yeah, my deal is further along. The production company is going to be announcing it at the same time as they announce a distribution deal for their current film. They're going to mention it's fast tracked and going straight into pre-production.

Rejean  

Quote from: KateDanley on Today at 03:12:24 PM
The agent absolutely should not be asking you for a business plan.  My brain just exploded reading that.  That is their job.  And if they aren't on fire about your project, there is no way they are going to be able to sell you to a publisher.

:Rejan
This.

You definitely don't want an agent who isn't interested in your genre, doesn't have the contacts in your genre and expects you to do all the work.

Sit back, let them come to you. Let them sell you on what value they can add. Personally, I might skip the whole agent thing and go right after a publisher. After your deal is signed you should have all the leverage you need. Send out press releases to PW etc. See who comes fishing.

You're both right. My gut instinct is if the agent is not excited about it, and asking me to do the work I'm wanting them to do--I'm as well off as I am now dealing with publishers directly.

[LisaGraceBooks]

The big point Lisa is to just relax and take your time. The option is the first step in a film production and there are so many other steps and time (think script, shooting script, budgets, stars, financing, insurance etc) between signing and release of the film, which could be 2 years from today or never. Most books that are optioned never get to the green light.

They're fast-tracking the project. It's going into an immediate (within three months) pre-production phase (scriptwriting, investors, other hiring) . And the way publishing works (slower tham molasses) I won't have more than two years lead time.

[LisaGraceBooks]

Lisa, no offense to anyone here, but I think you should ask people with experience like your lawyer 

I have spoken to my lawyer. She's more than willing to take bids on my behalf. And why not? She gets paid by the hour in six minute increments to do it. Having a lawyer is not like having an agent at all. You can't bounce ideas off them the way you can an agent. You pay lawyers to perform a specific duty, but they come very light on the advice end of things.

It's also very hard to talk to other authors about what is "normal" in a contract, because some have privacy clauses, and others because of the nature of their contract, it was very different than mine to begin with.
I'm actually going to write a book about the process because so much of it was up to me.

[jackz4000]

They're fast-tracking the project. It's going into an immediate (within three months) pre-production phase (scriptwritng, investors, other hiring) . And the way publishing works (slower tham molasses) I won't have more than two years lead time.

If it's a decent size company with a track record as soon as they announce it will be buzzing all over Variety and Hollywood Reporter and you'll be very popular. Nothing gives a book a big bounce like a movie and everyone wants a slice of the pie.