<< Stuff Coming Here… Close >>
 

06.14.07 Deal Memo

Just before signing a contract with a record label or a publishing company you receive a “deal memo.” It’s a one page document listing the key points to be agree upon.  If I agree with those points I sign it, fax it over, and it becomes the foundation for the contract which the legal department then draws up for me to sign.

The book deal memo arrived yesterday.  In it is stuff like…

  • A book summary.
  • Editor’s name.
  • Publication Date (August 1, 2008)
  • The amount of the advance (money paid upfront) and the schedule of payment after that.
  • Royalty rate.
  • The rate at which the author can purchase the book to resell.
  • The dimensions of the book and any other production peculiarities - paper type, for instance.
  • Word count and the date the manuscript is to be turned in.

    • All that’s agreed upon.  So I’m signing, faxing over, and waiting for “legal” to do their thing.



    There are (5) comments.


    said:

    Congrats!  Is this book non-fiction?  What’s the topic?  Maybe you said before, but I forgot.

    Beth


    Posted  on  06/14  at  07:56 PM


    said:

    YAY! This is so wonderful.  I’ve been wishing for a book from you for a long time.  This’ll be the first of many!

    It’s excruciating for the writer, but I love following the publishing process, love seeing the manuscripts change over time.  I have two other friends with book deals in various stages--one is due to be released in several weeks and he’s busy today getting his media training for his press junket. 

    I’ll watch all of you and then maybe take my turn at bat in the book writing game one of these days…


    Posted  on  06/15  at  03:21 PM


    Cali Amy said:

    I hope so, Nancy!

    Can’t wait for your book Shaun.


    Posted  on  06/15  at  03:30 PM


    said:

    That goes for me too Nancy!  I’d be the first in line to get it unless I was lucky enough to be able to preview.  I’d definitely want it autographed!

    Beth


    Posted  on  06/15  at  10:07 PM


    said:

    We didn’t have much choice on the contract itself. Did you get to negotiate, Shaun?

    I guess since we’ve got a “switchfoot sized” author platform, we’re happy that Wipf and Stock even wanted to publish our book…

    Shaun, did you get to look at the PDF of our book?

    Grace and Peace,
    Jon


    Posted  on  06/20  at  04:55 PM

    Your Comments:

    Name:

    Email:

    URL (optional):

    Smilies

    Remember my personal information

    Notify me of follow-up comments?

    Submit the word you see below: