auria “Hussein” cortes

This is how Linda’s contract worked: when she received her book deal, she received half of her advance at the signing of the contract and the other half when the project was submitted and accepted.

Though Linda received her advance in two payments, many publishers have implemented a three payment schedule - partial payment at the signing of the contract, delivery of the first draft, and the last when the book is published. This schedule means that it will take years before a writer receives her full advance. 

Let’s use Linda has an example to illustrate the point above.

1) She received a book contract in 2006
2) The book was submitted in 2007 
3) The book was published in 2008 

Under the three tier system, she would have received payment almost a full year AFTER she fullfilled her end of the contract. Yikes!

This is where an agent can help. He can negotiate the terms and push for the two-payment option. If he is unsuccessful, then he can negotiate the terms of payment for the three-payment option.

For example:

1) 45% at the signing of the contract
2) 45% when the first draft is submitted and accepted
3) 10% when the book is published

Many writers wonder what the purpose of an agent is besides their portofolio of contacts. Negotiations is a part of their job and a good agent is worth his 15% commission (that’s industry average).

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