Alle interviewed on "Behind the Bite." Plus: "I found my own book deal and ... "
"NOW an agent wants my book."
Alle is interviewed: EATING DISORDER RECOVERY AFTER TRAUMA ~ THE LONG ROAD TO HEALING, CREATIVITY, AND COMING BACK TO YOURSELF.
Please listen and leave a comment.
[04:20] Alle’s early recovery journey, starting in Japan.
[06:30] Roots of childhood trauma and self-hatred.
[20:20] Postpartum depression and perimenopause.
[24:20] The fears and realities of parenting after surviving childhood abuse.
[28:00] The meaning behind the book title: As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.
More, more, and much more!
The Question:
A brand-new, small, traditional publisher is keen to publish my book. Unfortunately, their first available run is not until January 2028.
Alle sez:
1). CONGRATS!
2) It is not unusual to have to wait two years from the time you sign a contract to book-in-hand — on the long side, yes; far from unprecedented.
In your position, I would be concerned about the deal coming to fruition. This is a new press and the proposed publication date is two years down the line. There is a chance they might fold or have to cut their list before your book’s publication. Assessing their finances would be important to me. In this respect, an agent could really help.
Other questions?
Yes. I emailed about my offer to the agents/publishers that had queries/pitches outstanding. One agent replied quite quickly. They now want to discuss representation.
What’s better? To go with the bird in the hand (with a contract on the way) or to involve an agent, to see what else I can get.
Alle sez:
You should have a lawyer look over any contract before you sign. It usually takes two weeks for the turnaround.
Requesting a “lawyer delay” is perfectly in line with industry norms. It also happens to give you time to explore the agent’s offer. You wouldn’t be the first writer to take advantage of the pause to assess your possibilities.
It is possible that the agent sees a better deal. Pointedly, it is their job to find that better deal. You can bet they will use the fact that you have an offer to speed up the process with additional publishing houses they approach.
If you sign with the agent, they simply let the house of original offer know they are now your agent. They take over the wheeling and dealing. It might could be the agent gets you a better publication date, and it might could be they get you a better deal altogether.
If you decide to go with the original press, they might have residual feelings as you embark on the relationship. I’d bring up the subject in the first conversation with them that does not involve the agent. As professionals, the press needs to come to terms with their feelings and move on. Publishing is a business — and a tough one at that.
And it is your job to not worry about their feelings. Rest assured: none of the above is immoral or unethical.
GOOD LUCK. Keep us posted.