So, you have found yourself a poetry publishing agent, and he has offered to work with you! Oh, how fascinating!
Phew! You can finally take some time off and depend on your publishing agent as they can take it from here, right?
WRONG! Even if you have found yourself a reputable agent, you must not let them decide important things on your behalf. It can take a hazardous toll on your writing career. But, to make such important decisions, you are required to know some important pointers.
The contract will not be elementary; rather, it will be based on a language that might come back to haunt you for a very long time. So, don’t sit back and let your agent choose what clause will haunt you and which won’t.
Don’t fret about where to begin and what to do if you are clueless about where to begin and what to do. We have written this blog to inform you all about it so that you can ensure that instead of haunting you, your agreement will protect you as well as your book.
Here are 5 things that you need to know before signing the dotted line on the contract paper. So, grab your glasses and read on!
5 Things To Know Before Setting The Deal With A Poetry Publisher
Author’s Grant
The Author’s Grant or the Grant of Rights, is the first section of the contract you will sign. So, why not take a look at what it means? Signing this section will allow the publisher to publish your work.
But, because you are the man or woman of the words, you will be in charge of all the rights to your work. By this, we mean to say that you will control who can perform on it, print it, put it up their tote bag, etc. Without signing this section, your prospective poetry publishers London cannot proceed further with the process.
Option or Right of First Refusal
Your contract might also include options or a right of first refusal for your next book. If you are happy with your agent and want to work with them for your next book as well, then this clause will be more like a compliment to you.
However, it is better that you know that this section favors the agents, not you. To clarify this point a bit, we would like to inform you that it reserves your agent’s right to contemplate your work before you pursue other offers. Imagine how scary it can be, especially if you are not willing to work with them. Shudder!
Book Design & Cover Art
How your book design or cover art will be determined may or may not be specified in your contract. The contract language is often very firm about the agents or the press making the final call. Yikes!
However, it must be a collaborative process. You should be permitted to give your opinion on the cover art and the book design, scan it, and give remarks. This is why it is extremely important to read all the clauses of the agreement yourself instead of relying on these publishing agents.
Royalties and Other Financial Matters
It is an open secret that there is not much $$$ to be earned in the poetry field for either the poet or the publisher themselves. Unfortunately, there is not a single magic spell that you can add to your contract that possesses the power to alter the financial landscape of poetry publishing.
But, still, you need to understand what your contract really says about how you will be reward for your work. You will receive this reward in the form of an advance, award, royalties, or even a combination of them all.
We hate to break it up to you, that if you get an advance, you won’t receive any royalties till your poetry book has earned out the advance in the first place. It suggests that you have to sell enough copies or your press to get back that advance it paid you. The royalties can be calculate in three ways:
- As a percentage of the Book Cover design price.
- As a percentage of net income, which is the price paid by the online vendor or bookstore to the publisher.
- As a percentage of net profit, referring that after deducting the cost of the book production, the publisher calculates the royalties.
Marketing and Publicity
Different publishing houses have their own specific commitments about publicity and marketing in the agreement. So, whenever you feel ready to sign on that dotted line, make sure that you have had a detailed conversation about the agent’s plans to promote your book in the future. Only sign the contract if you are fully satisfy with their answers. If you find anything fishy, then feel free to contact any other publisher instead of getting all bogged down.
What can I expect from a poetry publishing contract?
The main things to focus on each time you are present with a publishing deal are the duration of the license, the range of rights, as well as the share of income taken by the publisher. Moreover, take all the time you require to evaluate whether they are a fair return for the rights you are handing over. If they are not, then what is your excuse for not seeking a better agent?
What are the requirements of a poetry book?
A lot of poetry book publishers adhere to the following definition “A poetry book is a collection of poems, which is longer than 48 pages”. There is no guideline as to how many poems must go in a collection. However, it is crucial that the assemblage looks out and out to the publishing agent.
What do poetry publishing agents look for in a poetry book?
The publishing agents want the poetry book to be written very well. And, of course, the author must have made the necessary changes and polished the work as much as possible before handing it out for publishing.
Is it difficult to publish a poetry book?
The most difficult form of literature to publish is none other than poetry itself. But don’t worry; self-publishing such work is much more rewarding and easier than the traditional way.
In A Nutshell!
We agree that finding a reputable publishing agent and setting the deal with them is much more daunting than it sounds. Fortunately, there are some tips that can make this process a bit easier. Following bits of advice, like the ones above can make your poetry book go a long way and shoo away any chances of your agreement becoming your nightmare.
So, what are you waiting for? Jot down the necessary information and embark on your journey to become the next sensation in the poetic world by publishing your masterpiece.
