Getting a multi-book deal sounds pretty dream-worthy. Like, the only thing better than getting one book published is having several, right? Well, like everything in life, there are some wonderful things about multi-book deals…and some bad.
Disclaimer: I am more grateful than you can ever, EVER know about becoming a published author. But everyday I learn new things about this whole “writing under contract” that I had no idea about before I sold my book. I don’t want you to think I’m complaining; I am merely stating the way things are in my life and also the lives of many of my author friends. C’est la vie d’un auteur. 
Why Getting a Multi-book Deal is Awesome
1. The obvious reason is that you’ve just sold three books. You’re guaranteed >1 published novel–huzzah!*
2. Your first advance is kinda big. I mean, not necessarily huge, but certainly the biggest of your advance checks. Why? Because it’s your “Signing Advance”. For example, in a three book deal where each book sold for $15K, then each book’s advance will be split three ways. This means each advance check will be $5K. HOWEVER, that first signing check is nice and fat because you just signed for all three books. So you’re first check is a wopping $15K. Yippee!**
3. You can brag to people about selling multiple books because it sounds really wicked cool. Read More
Of your house getting struck by lightning?
I’ve cut a lot from the original manuscript and written in new POVs to show the same scenes. It has taken time, and I’ve had to plan this book out more than any other book I’ve written. Otherwise, there’s no way for me to get ALL the POVs and plot threads to finally meet up at the end.
Publishing Industry Lowdown (April 30-May 18)
It’s that day again–time for Sooz’s YA and MG Publishing Industry Lowdow. The general idea is that I share all the deals I know 0f in the young adult and middle grade publishing world each Friday.
My source for deal news is Publishers Marketplace, which requires a paid subscription. As such I’m only sharing part of the information here–basically, just author names and pitches. If you want to know deal sizes (e.g. advances), editors, publishers, and agents, I highly recommend you sign up for PM–it’s totally worth the cost!
Holy moly, we have three weeks of deals to catch up on. YIKES! We’d best get started!
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