Book contract question...

[theturnaround]

Sometimes I see that a publisher bought a writer's book, and sometimes I see that it was a two book deal. Is that generally a good thing? Is it because the agent negotiated it, or more likely that the publisher asked for it? They want to take on a writer who will continue delivering to the audience?

any insight is welcomed

theturnaround

[JakeSchuster aka Ostroff]

Typically, a first novel is a one-book deal with a first-look option for the next. Multiple-book contracts are not always popular with writers or agents, as, should the first book of the contract hit really big, the room for negotiating or holding an auction is obviously limited. A number of successful, more literary, authors insist on one-book contracts. A previous agent always insisted on my doing it this way.

But other writers like the luxury of knowing their next title is a slam-dunk, at least as coming out between hardcovers.

[theturnaround]

thanks Jake. You're the best :D

take care,
theturnaround

[holdenscott]

yes, as Jake said. The two book deal is usually a bad idea for a first project (if it's for low money), because if you are successful with the first one there's no room to renegotiate. However, if the offered deal is for a lot of money, it's often a good idea to take the security of having a second book, as it will make the publisher try even harder in terms of promotion and such.