Institute Childrens Literature

Rx for Writers

Transcripts

Part 2 of Kassandra Duane's interview:

MODERATOR: Kassandra, we have some viewers that have joined us during the second half that wonder about the percentages agents charge, fees, etc. Could you recap that information for us for their benefit? Thanks!

Kassandra: Sure, each agency varies. But we commission 15% on domestic deals and 20% on foreign sales as we work with co-agents in foreign territories. Domestic deals are anything from publishing contracts for books, magazine articles, film deals etc. We charge for expenses like postage and copies made, etc. But we do not charge reading fees.

MODERATOR: This might seem like an obvious question, but what is your goal when negotiating a contract?

Kassandra: Our goal is to reserve as much as possible to the author in terms of rights and protect the author as much as possible. Of course, before we even get the contract we try to get the best deal for our clients. This means not only the best money, but the best publishing house and editor, one that shares our enthusiasm and wants to see the book sell.

MODERATOR: What kinds of things can an agent negotiate in a contract that an author probably couldn't (or wouldn't know how to)?

Kassandra: Publishing contracts are legal contracts particular and peculiar to publishing. So there are all kinds of points that we try to fight for. An author without experience looking at a contract from a publishing house doesn't know what should come out and what should remain. And often lawyers don't either. There are royalty issues, issues regarding publication or the non-publication of a work, what happens if the author has to repay the advance, etc. Most contracts are about twenty pages in length so you can imagine the technical and legal aspects they contain.

Ravena: Do agents require you to sign a contract, and if so, will they accept minors?

Kassandra: Agencies vary. Our agency uses an agent's clause. If we are successful in selling your work, in any binding contract we insert our agency clause which binds the author to an agent. I have never encountered an issue regarding age. I suppose contracts must be signed legally and I think, but am not at all sure, that this is 18.

Kevin: There's a lot of talk about electronic rights and paying to put books on the web. Can you talk about that?

Kassandra: This is an issue we are all dealing with and learning about as it unfolds. From a publishing perspective, publishers are beginning to incorporate electronic publishing in their contracts. So this allows them to sell a book in a whole different way. Books can be downloaded onto a computer, or excerpts can be taken. We are trying to be sure authors receive royalty for these sales. It is a very interesting time as non-traditional publishing such as electronically is becoming more popular.

Ducky: What exactly is electronic publishing?

Kassandra: There are groups that publish electronically, I believe RocketBooks is one and there are others. But basically, an entire book can be downloaded onto a hand held reading device. There is a fee for this that is like purchasing a book. I think at this point it is slightly more costly though.

MODERATOR: If you sold a manuscript yourself, is it then okay to bring in an agent to negotiate? (Or will that make an editor mad?)

Kassandra: I think it is fine. Editors will often refer authors to agents because they feel that one is necessary.

pmjv: In getting an agent , do you think it is more beneficial to have had short work, like stories and articles, published by magazines, etc?

Kassandra: It is always helpful to have a resume of sorts. So magazine articles can be very useful. Agents will often read magazine writers and pursue them for books.

DebO: What criteria do you use when choosing to represent an author? Must they have a certain amount of work already published?

Kassandra: Not necessarily. We look for work and projects that we are excited about. I usually look for good stories written very well. Although I think all agents are looking for that!

Kevin: Do you work with small presses or just the big New York publishers?

Kassandra: We do some work with smaller presses. Much of our work is with major publishers.

Ducky: Is there someplace we can check to confirm that an agent is qualified?

Kassandra: There is an agents' trade group called the AAR that is one step, and looking at what authors are represented by what agents is a good indicator as well.

pegasus8032: Do we have the right to either have a book electronically published or refuse?

Kassandra: Publishing contracts generally deal with electronic rights as well. So if you have a deal with a publisher, typically, though not always, the publisher will control electronic rights.

Ducky: Do you make money only when my work sells?

Kassandra: Basically. Our agency works on commission. And like any commission job, we generate income from sales of our clients' work.

Kevin: I've found that small presses don't seem to want to work with agents. Why would this be?

Kassandra: Typically, smaller presses do not have funds for large advances so sometimes expectations on both sides may not be reasonable.

Ducky: I am interested in writing for very young children; would an agent be interested in my work?

Kassandra: I really can't say. The place to start is with some research into which agents handle this type of work. If you have published examples, you can always call the publisher and ask who the agent is. This can be a jumping off point.

pmjv: Does the agent's commission include a percentage of the royalties?

Kassandra: Our commission is 15% of all income. So that is from the advance and if the advance earns out and a book begins to earn royalties then we commission 15% of that too.

Ducky: Are authors always expected to travel to publicize their new book? I don't fly. (Moderator note: what kinds of publicity *is* an author expected to do?)

Kassandra: Authors are not always expected to travel. And as costs become higher for publishers, publicity tours are being somewhat reduced. Usually publicity involves interviews, hopefully in print, possibly on the radio. Sometimes readings in bookstores. If there is a national tour, then travel of some sort is necessary; if it is a regional tour, then travel is not as extensive.

pmjv: Is it possible these days to query agents by e-mail?

Kassandra: Our agency does not respond to online queries. There is just too high a volume to accept them in this form.

MODERATOR: I really hate to interrupt here, but I'm afraid our time is up. This has been a most helpful discussion tonight, Kassandra. We appreciate your taking the time to share with us tonight.

Kassandra: Thank you for having me! I enjoyed it.

MODERATOR: Please join us again next week when Pat Marcello will give pointers for "Finding Reliable Information on the Internet". If you conduct research on the World Wide Web, but find it overwhelming, come hear Pat discuss tips on Internet research, including the difference between "good" and "bad" sources, plus how to use databases. Pat will be sharing some links that are the most helpful to writers of all genres. And in the meantime, have a great week! Good night, everyone!

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