I GOT THE CALL… NOW WHAT?
Copyright August 2002 All contents are the work of the author unless otherwise credited

PART ONE - Negotiating

The Call can take many forms. Mine happened to have a month long break in between. Brenda Chin called me on July 10, 2002, to say Harlequin wanted to buy RED SHOES & A DIARY for the Blaze line. After I stopped thanking her, I had a big decision to make- what name was I going to use? I had one in mind but it didn’t go over well. I spent the next 36 hours wracking my brain for something that Brenda would consider ‘young, sexy, girl-next-door’. You might want to have a list ready, in case your editor doesn’t like your number one choice. I was lucky that Brenda loved my title, but I would suggest having a list of alternates ready for that as well.

Now it just so happened that Brenda and I were both getting ready for the RWA National Conference in Denver, so she said we’d hold off discussing the contract until we got back. This actually was a blessing. It gave me time to do research and ask for advice. If your Call is all-inclusive,  listen to what the editor says, ask for clarification and to write everything down. Then tell him or her that you want some time to consider the offer and you’ll call back.  Even if you don’t want anything changed, this gives you time to calm down and speak coherently.

Because I sold to Harlequin, I chose not to get an agent. I’ve heard many times that it’s not necessary when writing category fiction. The decision is a personal one and only you know whether having an agent is worth the 15% it will cost you. I bought a copy of How To Be Your Own Literary Agent by Richard Curtis. [Go get yours now so you’re familiar with the terms and standards.] Then I emailed several Blaze authors I know and they generously shared their experience and advice.

Be prepared to just accept whatever money you’re offered. Even an agent is unlikely to get you any more on a first contract. Two things you can negotiate are the number of author copies you get [the standard is 25] and the form your option will take [your publisher gets first dibs on the next thing you write]. Don’t waste your breath on any other deal points- let your agent or literary attorney do it.

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