Well, the past week has been very interesting. Thanks to my new agent Lori Perkins, I now have SIX new book deals under contract. Yep, SIX. Four of which haven't even been written yet (yikes), and one of which is only partially complete and due to be finished by mid-November (double yikes). This doesn't even include MARKET FOR LOVE, which will be in bookstores October 14.
So now, I am the published author of seven novels. (All under my pseudonym Jamaica Layne). Pretty freaking wild, huh?
What's even more wild is the fact that I now must finish the work that is due to my publisher in November, tentatively called KNIGHT MOVES. This book is a time-travel erotic romance that takes place mostly in twelfth-century Europe (with some trips back and forth to the 21st and 19th centuries). I've written two chapters thus far (the book sold on proposal), but I've got a long way to go. And since hubby and I are moving house next week, I need to get as much written as I can over the next few days, since I'll be packing the computer into boxes and moving vans early next week, and who knows how long it will take us to get settled into the new house? And then just a few weeks after the move, I'll be heading off to Hong Kong for two weeks. So I don't know what set of stress-loving stars aligned to create a plethora of book contracts with aggressive deadlines around my house move and overseas trip, but I'll take whatever I can get at this point.
Just FYI for my readers, most of my new book deals will be with a new publisher of erotic romance, Ravenous Romance, which will launch with a bang on December 1, 2008. Check it out at http://www.ravenousromance.com/.
Well, back to writing. I've got my work cut out for me.
Peace.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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7 comments:
Out of curiosity, have you actually seen the Ravenous contract yet? Just wondering what you thought of the deal after reading the fine print.
A Concerned Fellow Author
I have seen and signed the contract, which has no major pitfalls or "fine print" whatsoever. My agent negotiated the contract on my behalf and made sure of that.
I know there is a boilerplate version of the Ravenous contract that is not as favorable as the version my agent negotiated, but that is true for every publishing house in existence. That's why authors need agents.
Hi, Jill,
I saw a debate re: Ravenous on another blog/discussion group and wanted to tell you that I very much admired your calm and non-confrontational tone during what became a very nasty exchange. I'm doing books for Ravenous, have a very favorable opinion of Holly and Lori and the relationship between editor and agent, and while I just have the boilerplate version of the contract, I'm new at the erotica biz and content with what I've got for now. Anyway, hats off to you.
Thanks, zhadi. Unfortunately most of the nasties on that debate did not find me level-headed or non-confrontational (even though that's exactly what I am.) The fact they didn't like the information I provided just made them all the madder.
Good luck to you with Ravenous and your titles there. I think it will be a great operation with lots of fantastic authors.
Re: the contract, I didn't see the boilerplate version but I know it was different than what I got based on my talks w. my agent.
If you didn't actually see the boilerplate contract, then how do you know (for certain)that what you got is different/better?
When your agent (Lori Perkins) is also an editor for Ravenous (and possibly more based on what's been reported on various blogs,) how can you be sure that your best interests are being served?
Not that it matters at this point since you've already signed with them.
I am not trying to rain on your parade here. All I'm saying is every author needs to do their homework. Having an agent doesn't mean that you don't have to worry about these things anymore.
A Concerned Fellow Author
ps. I do sincerely hope this works out for both of you.
Concerned, I know there are differences between the boilerplate contract and the terms I got because I discussed it with my agent.
And I have indeed "done my homework", Concerned. To insinuate otherwise is ridiculous.
Authors are responsible for their own careers. And I do indeed take responsibility for mine, and for the decisions I make about my career. I do not make career decisions lightly or in the dark, either.
I have signed deals with other publishers (multiple) as well, so I have something to compare Ravenous' contract terms to, by the way. (And the terms I got from them were actually better in many ways that the deals I've signed with print houses). Just FYI.
Jill -
If you are happy with the deal you got, then that's all that matters. My question was not meant to insinuate that you hadn't done your homework. I was just asking what seemed logical to me based on the comment you made. I think what's bothering people most about the whole Ravenous venture is the whole issue of the agent also being an editor for a publisher that she is steering her clients to. I don't personally have a problem with that (so long as the relationship is disclosed.) Unlike some of the people on the other blogs, I was trying to get the truth from someone who would know (you, as an author who has a deal with them) vs. speculating about the possibilities. I was questioning the things that I'd want to know before getting involved with this market. I really do wish you the best.
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