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Writer's Room => Picture Books (PB) => Topic started by: charles-richardson1 on March 23, 2020, 09:38 AM

Title: Small Press Offer. What do you think?
Post by: charles-richardson1 on March 23, 2020, 09:38 AM

I have my first PB offer from Barefoot Books. It is a $750 advance with a royalty of 5% of net receipts?

Is that a typical offer for a small publisher? Should I ask for more? Do folks do royalties on net or gross receipts?

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Charles

Title: Re: Small Press Offer. What do you think?
Post by: JodyJS on March 23, 2020, 11:23 AM

Congratulations, Charles! I can't advise about the advance--it's low for bigger publishers, but I don't know how it compares with other Barefoot Books offers--BUT Barefoot Books is a great publisher.  Royalties on net sales is typical. You could always ask if they have wiggle room on their advance. Way to go!!

Title: Re: Small Press Offer. What do you think?
Post by: charles-richardson1 on March 23, 2020, 11:59 AM

Thanks for the info.

Title: Re: Small Press Offer. What do you think?
Post by: Melody on March 23, 2020, 02:43 PM

Contracts are usually standard for each publishing house, especially for new authors or those who are new to the house. It won't hurt to ask if there is any wiggle room. But yes, smaller publishers usually have smaller advances, etc.

Title: Re: Small Press Offer. What do you think?
Post by: Debbie Vilardi on March 23, 2020, 06:09 PM

Negotiate. It can't hurt. Just know what you're willing to say yes to and when you'd walk away. Look at other things than up-front money. For example, can you get more author copies or a cheaper price on your purchases of them? Can you get the percentage to escalate at a certain number of books sold? The key is to remember the publisher needs to see a return on their investment in you and your work to ever consider another book by you.

I have no idea what is standard for Barefoot. Good luck.

Title: Re: Small Press Offer. What do you think?
Post by: Vijaya on March 23, 2020, 06:54 PM

:congratulations 

I second all the advice given above. Ask for more. Perhaps they'll be willing to negotiate. But be prepared for this being their final offer as well. Remember that royalties add up. If the book does well, you'll continue to receive checks in the mail.

Title: Re: Small Press Offer. What do you think?
Post by: charles-richardson1 on March 23, 2020, 07:30 PM

Thanks for all the feedback.

Title: Re: Small Press Offer. What do you think?
Post by: Trine on March 23, 2020, 08:11 PM

Congratulations!! This is great to hear. :goodlucktable

Title: Re: Small Press Offer. What do you think?
Post by: Mindy Alyse Weiss on March 24, 2020, 04:10 AM

 :yay Congrats!

It's fine to ask for more--but also be prepared to see if there are other things besides money they can add. You have some great suggestions already.

Title: Re: Small Press Offer. What do you think?
Post by: Ev on March 24, 2020, 08:05 AM

 Congratulations! I agree with what others have said. Negotiate, it doesn't hurt to ask for more or for added perks instead, but be prepared to take no for their answer if that's how it turns out.  Best wishes to you.