Blogger: Rachel Kent
In the publishing world, and especially in the Christian publishing market, we consider fellow writers to be friends, and we all want to help each other. The shared understanding of those long, lonely hours spent typing away to produce a book creates a bond between authors. And when we are friends, we want to share any helpful tips and tricks that we learn with everyone else. It is fine to be kind and helpful, and to pray for each other, but there are certain areas where information should be kept proprietary.
Here are a few areas to use caution:
1) Contracts and negotiations: Your publishing contract is proprietary. Do not share it with other writers, editors or publishing houses. That contract reflects an agreement between you and the publishing house and likely reflects years of work that your agent or agency has put in to negotiate important changes. This agency-negotiated contract is yours because of your ties with your agency, but those negotiations don’t belong to anyone else. Sharing a contract can create major problems for future negotiations because a publishing house will lose trust in an author or agent if word gets out about a special exception they made for one contract and then everyone starts asking for the same changes–with the same wording. It’s easily tied back to an author or agent when the change that was requested was a special request. When an agent requests changes, he or she agrees not to share contract details, but an unaware writer could create a big conflict by sharing a contract with others as well as harm the agent’s reputation. And certainly stymie that agent’s ability to negotiate with that publisher in the future.
2) Editor Requests, committee meetings and offers: Your agent will likely share with you where your project has been pitched, who has requested it, and which houses are taking it to committee or making an offer. This information is for you and your agent to know only. If you need to tell someone, tell your spouse, parents and close non-publishing-world friend and ask them to keep it a secret and to pray. Telling anyone in publishing these details could lead to a publishing house backing out of an offer or it could take away your agent’s ability to negotiate your offer. For example, if you post on Facebook that your agent received an offer for your book from Big Publishing House (even if you don’t share the amount of the offer), and Little Publishing House sees that but was prepared to make a bigger offer that Big Publishing House, Little House might back out because they mistakenly believe they can’t compete with Big House. If this wasn’t posted on Facebook, both houses would have come forward with their best offers, and you and your agent could have discussed the options and decided to go with the best publisher for you.
3) Your advance and royalties: Sharing this information is a big “no no.” Most contracts state that contractual details are not to be shared. Sharing how much you got for your advance could get you in legal trouble with your publishing house. There’s no reason to share this with anyone other than your agent, spouse, and tax accountant.
4) The inside scoop about what publishers are looking for. This one is probably the hardest because we all want to help each other, but if your agent tells you that a publishing house is looking for a certain type of book, or even if you find out yourself (perhaps at a writers’ conference), this information shouldn’t be shared with your writing friends. Telling someone else to submit to a publishing house creates competition for yourself, and in this tight publishing market, that could ruin your chance at publication. Do share information with your agent, so he or she can pitch your project to that house, but don’t take insider information out for all to see.
In what additional areas have you learned to use caution when talking to others in the publishing world?
How do you balance your writer friendships with the competitiveness of the publishing market?
TWEETABLES
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How sharing publishing info could hurt your writing career. Via @RachelLKent. Click to Tweet.
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Well said, Rachel. And such good advice all around.
This goes for any job. You’re never supposed to discuss wages or contract stipulations with anyone other than spouse and those who you’re negotiating with, and even then you have to be careful what and how much you divulge.
Very true.
Wrong. Employers don’t want people to discuss compensation, that’s for sure. But the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects an employee’s right to discuss with their co-workers their wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. A confidentiality clause for a book contract might be different under case law (and we’re not their employees) – but unspoken prohibition against discussing salary at companies isn’t legal. I think half the campaign to make people think it is gauche to do so is driven by employers/managers.
I think prospective authors should remember that editors and houses and agents, for that matter, are looking not JUST for a great book; but for a great partner: someone who is going to enhance a community. Ranting, complaining and having a bad attitude about anything from timelines to impatience can make you appear to be a hazard to the community and not a good working partner. All online presence can be easily found/scrutinized –and surveyed–by prospective editors and agents and your personality shines through. A good attitude and professionalism goes a long way.
Indeed, one should know as a writer that when seeking to enter into the traditional publishing industry they are not expected to publicly write anything passionate about their industry, craft, or culture.
Blacklisting and censorship goes a long way, indeed.
I know this wasn’t the theme you were going for, Rachel, but it was kinda hard to read things like:
“Sharing a contract can create major problems for future negotiations because a publishing house will lose trust in an author or agent if word gets out about a special exception they made for one contract and then everyone starts asking for the same changes–with the same wording.”
“Sharing how much you got for your advance could get you in legal trouble with your publishing house.”
“This one is probably the hardest because we all want to help each other, but if your agent tells you that a publishing house is looking for a certain type of book, or even if you find out yourself (perhaps at a writers’ conference), this information shouldn’t be shared with your writing friends.”
And think to oneself, “Because goodness forbid writers should know how much we could actually be getting paid, or what publishers are actually looking for!”
Many of my pals in the tech sector know exactly how much their fellows are being paid, and when there are new clauses added to various contracts, due to other companies trying to “poach” talent, and thus divulge such information. Coincidentally, the tech sector is able to attract very bright, passionate people, and product some amazing products.
Though I would add that one thing that I have learned is that something a writer should not share is legitimate criticism. The traditional industry views any criticism as an assault on its (once mighty) monopoly of content and content channels, and other writers, of all people, are quick to censure when critiques are not of their liking.
For example, literary journals and academic trade journals which profess to be a bastion of free-speech seem to never allow speech contrary to their ideological bias (which brings up the even more disturbing question of how anyone could believe literature needs to have an ideological bias).
Thankfully groups like the AAR are out there to help authors and agents fight legal battles and to stay informed. And you can share–in general terms–about an offer on sites like Publisher’s Marketplace.
I’ve seen blogs where the blogger (would-be author) has given hints as to what editor, publishing house, or agent they have sent their book to. Sometimes it is so easy to figure out who they are talking about. All one has to do is put a few key words into Google and then one knows who the blogger is talking about. Rule #1 – If you don’t want personal, private, or proprietary information known don’t blog about it or even give hints.
This topic is flypaper sticky. On one hand, we need to support each other, but on the other hand, its business – plain and simple. Revealing ANYTHING confidential, whether in publishing or otherwise, does nothing to build a professional image, loose lips sink careers. I’m sure many B&S blog followers have non-compete contracts in their day jobs, I know I do. I don’t even tell my husband about confidential story assignments in fear of accidental disclosure – he’s a good guy, but chats like a twelve-year-old girl. I know it’s hard to keep good news quiet, but it’s a heck of a lot easier than doing damage control to your livelihood down the road.
It’s always a good idea to use caution! 🙂 I laughed about your description of your husband.
Rachel, don’t laugh. My husband is a twin to Kathryn’s. He’s totally transparent. If the knows it, or thinks he knows it, it is out on the table for everyone to see.
On the plus side, it makes for a good working marriage. He tells the truth, the whole truth, all the time. It’s worked for us for forty-nine years. And like Kathryn’s, my husband is a really good guy.
Rachel, I hadn’t even considered these aspects of confidentiality yet. But, they make perfect sense. Being the wife of a man who works on top secret projects, I’ve learned a lot about keeping mum. My honey doesn’t tell me about his work, and I’ve learned what not to ask.
In the pre-pubbed writing life, I find that there are a number of topics that probably shouldn’t be shared. Discretion with words is an invaluable quality.
Thank you, Rachel. This is an excellent reminder that it is business and we always need to be professional.
I share with my spouse. He is my confidant.
I think we even need to be careful what prayer requests we share as they can be too detailed and since God already knows everything, an unspoken is all that is truly necessary.
This is very timely, Rachel. My agent is currently shopping my manuscript and I’ve had a couple writer friends ask how things are going. I always err on the side of caution and give very little info, but it is hard to know what we can share and what we cannot–especially when they are very good friends. Thank you for the insight.
It just about killed me not to bring writer friends in on the joy until everything was firmed up. But you just can’t!
One more thing that we ‘didn’t know we didn’t know.’ Seems the longer I’m swishing around this industry, the list of ‘didn’t knows’ gets longer. Thanks for another tip, as those of us who haven’t yet experienced the benefit of signing with an agent, wouldn’t have thought about these issues on our own.
Definitely food for thought, Rachel. I’m often surprised by the amount of information that is shared and spread around out there. Thanks for the reminder.
One thing that helps me in this regard is to remind myself that to pray for someone else, I don’t have to know the details. God doesn’t need me to tell Him the specifics. I know there is something to be said for “praying intelligently,” but I can balance that concept with the knowledge that “above reproach” business practices aren’t contrary to effective prayer. Generalities are just fine in some cases. In fact, they are preferred. Having said that, I will also say that one of the more frustrating things about the publishing industry for me personally is the perceived secrecy behind things like “good sales” (could I have a number, please?) and “a generous advance.” Obviously the publishing house knows the numbers … but boy do they ever guard that specific information. HOWEVER … I have decided to assume that there is sound business philosophy behind that practice. It makes me even more grateful for my agent. “He who knows and knows that he knows is wise … follow him.” Or her. 😉
Definitely helpful. Thanks, Rachel!
Blessings,
Andrea
Thanks for the post, Rachel.
I have a question about posting inside info. Is this a problem when an editor or agent announces it publicly at a conference?
I have mixed feelings about this blog post. Yes, I think you should be discrete about offers until the contracts are signed.
Yes, you have to abide by the confidential clauses in your contract.
However…I disagree on the not helping others out, which does not feel very “Christian” to me. I think that we are supposed to be helping others out. However, that doesn’t mean being stupid. Listen to your intuition (your connection with God) if it’s telling you not to share. Otherwise, share information and trust that if your book is meant to sell to that publishing house, it will, no matter how much competition.
Also, you I believe in sharing GENERAL information about a contract that doesn’t violate the clauses can be a good way to help other authors.
I am where I am today–a successful NY Times bestselling author–because SO many people have given to me and supported my writing journey. I have always done my best to be there supporting others as well, one because that’s who I am, and two because I’m giving back to the writing community that has done so much for me.
Amen! Well said, Debra.
Debra said it much better than I could! Thank you!
Places like Publisher’s Marketplace do give a good outlet for sharing general information. It’s important to be careful what you share.
And I think you can be very Christian and pray for and support each other without sharing all the details, but please do listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Agreed, Debra! If a friend gets that publishing contract, then she deserved it. Not me. And I sleep better at night knowing I did the right thing, the Christian thing.
“This one is probably the hardest because we all want to help each other, but if your agent tells you that a publishing house is looking for a certain type of book, or even if you find out yourself (perhaps at a writers’ conference), this information shouldn’t be shared with your writing friends.”
Hmmm. I understand NOT making a stink because you got 1.77% on 20K copies because they were sold in Canada (which I’d done) or NOT mentioning publishing house offers (which I’ve never done).
But it’s difficult for me to understand why telling my friend that her book might find a home with a house would be bad. True, this writing gig is a business but I believe in paying it forward. If our books are in competition, may the best writer win. My friends will understand that. It doesn’t seem very Christian to hoard information on what could potentially help my friends.
At each house there might be 2 or 3 slots for new writers each year and the competition is fierce. Sharing info with a friend likely means that information will be shared with that friend’s agent and friends and then that editor will get three times as many submissions to pick from. I do believe that God is in control, but I also believe in being smart and business-like even in the Christian publishing market.
It is very important to pray for and support each other, but being there for a friend doesn’t mean you have to share everything with them.
I am friends with many of the agents in CBA, but we don’t talk “trade.” That’s not fair to our clients.
I’m really sorry, but NOT talking to your friends at your same publishing house about the terms you get will prevent you from knowing if your agent is terrible.
I have friends who gingerly mentioned certain terms in their contracts that their agents had negotiated, that they were on the verge of signing, only to be told that NOBODY, and that is NOBODY else had an option clause that egregious and they should NOT sign it under any circumstances.
Not all agents are good, and if you don’t talk to your friends about your contracts, you are leaving yourself open to the worst excesses of having an incompetent agent.
With all due respect, rules that consistently disempower authors while putting the information in the hands of the agent are not in the author’s best interest. Ever. I hope people read this with a grain of salt.
But are your friends the right place to go? There are organizations to help with contracts and lawyers can look as well.
Yes, they are, if you can trust them. They’re a lot cheaper than lawyers, a lot more accessible than organizations, and they’re not afraid of getting sued for libel, so a friend will tell you, “Wow, that’s crazy that your agent said that.” Most organizations will dance around the question.
Your friend might be wrong, so you need to exercise judgment, but if 6 people say your agent is crazy to have a clause in your contract, it clues you in pretty well.
I’ve learned more about the business of publishing from my friends than anyone else. Not that my agent isn’t good, but she’s busy. If I waited to get all my information from her, I’d never have gotten anywhere.
Likewise, sharing information with a friend about a book that they’re looking for might look like it hurts you in the short run, but it never hurts to have successful friends who have your back. And if they get an in with the editor, that might mean an introduction for you later. It never hurts to help someone else out.
I agree that there’s a time and a place for secrecy, but like Debra, I am where I am–working full time as a New York Times bestselling author–because of the generosity of other authors who were willing to share, and I would never in a million years think it was my place to withhold information that could help someone else on grounds as fearful as the ones that are listed here.
I think many of these rules are not in the best interest of authors.
This is really old school. Well said, Courtney!
Never said they were rules, just areas to use caution. They were written each with a situation in mind where an author I knew ended up getting very hurt because of a lack of discression.
I didn’t go back up to see if I used the word rule, but I don’t think I did. Typing from my phone. I do appreciate your thoughts and the discussion!
I don’t think it matters whether you call them rules or guidelines or just things to think about. I don’t think it makes sense to suggest that authors should be wary of learning and giving information.
This sounds to me like saying, “This isn’t a rule, but you should be cautious about cooking your eggs.” There are some situations where uncooked eggs are okay, and some people like undercooked eggs, but cooking eggs is important to reduce the risk of salmonella. Suggesting that you should be cautious about cooking eggs when you should be cautious about precisely the reverse makes no sense.
You should be cautious about people who think that you are better off ignorant and not helping others.
I would be cautious, for instance, about an agent that thinks that “most” contracts in publishing have confidentiality clauses–because mine didn’t have them and none of my friends had them, and the only publisher I know of that insists on a confidentiality clause right now are the Amazon divisions. An agent who thinks that “most” have them is unlikely to be thinking about removing something egregious from her clients’ contracts.
My agent has always been extremely open about information she shares with authors, and not just her own authors. When she visits New York, she posts on her blog about what editors say they’re looking for. That tells me that when she takes on a client, she believes that she can sell their work regardless of the competition.
If you, as an agent, don’t believe you can sell your client’s work just because of competition at the editor, how on earth will you build your client’s career with the much fiercer competition at the bookstore? That shows such a lack of faith in the people you represent.
I can’t imagine a world where it’s better for authors to remain ignorant.
Don’t fear truth.
I agree Courtney–with EVERY word. I too am a full-time writer and NYT bestseller due in part to the generosity of my author friends. Just like agents and editors share info about authors they want to work with (and don’t want to work with), authors share, too. We talk about EVERYTHING. To think otherwise is ridiculous.
Agreed.
Thanks so much. I just signed a contract with a publishing house for my first novel and this info. is perfectly timed for me. Thank you.
I’m going to chime in here and agree with Debra, Courtney and Marie. Talking and sharing information also helped me to become a NYT Bestselling Author within the first year I published my first book.
If I hear something that I think would be beneficial to an author friend, even if it’s the exact same genre as I write, I pass it on. And if it’s to warn them, I do the same. I call that being a good friend. Heck, I call that good business.
Ephesians 4:29 tells us to speak on things that are good and TRUE. To build up others according to their needs, that it may BENEFIT those who listen.
I don’t think the Bible was merely speaking on spiritual things in that verse. The Bible should be applied to our daily lives.
Another example I follow is my husband’s. He helps his competition out all of the time, and he’s a small business owner! If a customer chooses the competition over him, then he loses money. BUT he gains respect and more times than not is repaid in kind.
I understand in some part where you are coming from, because there are some things we shouldn’t share with the world, but this list (the majority of it) isn’t one of them.
Rachel, I strongly disagree with much of what you’ve written. When these things aren’t discussed, it enables publishers to take advantage of authors, especially those new to publishing. These are exactly the kinds of things that MUST be discussed, to maintain fair practices and keep everyone honest. Keeping secrets promotes the dog-eat-dog mentality that brings out the worst in everyone.
This is the kind of mentality that keeps authors in the dark and allows everyone to profit but the author.