Offer From Europe Received
September 30th, 2005 by Yvonne
Good news! Euro1 Motion Picture and Literary Agency sent me an offer of representation, as agent to market my book in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. I’m not alone in this because John received an offer from them as well, so all the more I shouldn’t reject it. Nothing beats having a partner-in-crime in whatever you do because this world is simply so big and scary at times. Moreover, I think it’s brilliant coincidence that the both of us received an offer from the same literary agent across the globe. Our queries were sent separately and at different times, before we even got to know each other. Even lottery doesn’t come this close! Let’s hope that Euro1 will be able to secure a publisher for us very soon.
I’ve been advised to hold back international rights until the local publication is out in stores. That’s how things work usually. The author writes a book, gets it published locally, and then markets the book at literary festivals and book fairs abroad. But I decided to take up this offer. The local publication is only a few months away so I’m sure that we can beat Euro1 in terms of time. After all, Euro1 is only an agent. They still need to find a publisher that may take up to a year to publish my book. If that’s the case, then I am right on track. By time my work is available in Europe, the local publication would be around long enough to drop out of bookstores.
Besides, a chance like this doesn’t come around all the time, so praise the Lord!
Posted in Book Project |
September 30th, 2005 at 12:01 pm
congtaulation yvonne! wish u all the best!
September 30th, 2005 at 12:12 pm
Congrats! ^_^
September 30th, 2005 at 12:24 pm
WOW!! Congratulations!!
By the way, I think I met a childhood friend of yours in my university, AIMST, in kedah.
her name is Lydia and she was from ur primary school.
You were from SMSJ??
I am from Subang too! SMk Su that is. Just thought i’d drop by to let u know that we have a mutual friend.
September 30th, 2005 at 12:42 pm
Wu ching, jayelle, and mei thank you! and Jayelle, yeah I know Lydia. Please send my regards to her!
September 30th, 2005 at 1:03 pm
Congratulations! I’m happy for you.
September 30th, 2005 at 3:33 pm
Hi Yvonne,
I’ve had a look at their website and I can’t help but be curious as to why a legitimate set up would use a website set up on a free hosting service like Netfirms. This is not to say that all sites hosted on Netfirms are bogus but this would be the first thing that would raise a red flag for many.
Just be a bit wary and, if necessary, consult some legal counsel before making any commitments. One good red flag to look out for is if they require any money up front.
I hope this is a legit deal and will be very happy for you if it is but with the amount of scams and schemes online, it’s always a good idea to be a bit more careful.
Cheers,
Bob K
September 30th, 2005 at 3:42 pm
Couple of other things to consider:
1) Do they ask for any money towards printing your book?
2) What about copyright? I think there are different types of copyright covering different parts of the world. Make sure you don’t end up signing over the copyright of the book to them.
As Bob K said, best to get someone in the legal business to go over the contract before you sign it.
All the best.
September 30th, 2005 at 5:17 pm
Chet Nope they do not ask for money upfront and I am wary of such literary agents around. I’ve gone through the agreement and it’s satisfactory. They can’t ask money and copyrights to print the book because this is an agent, not a publisher. By the way, this is my second agent *wink*
September 30th, 2005 at 7:39 pm
This is incredible!!! But like some have pointed out, just be careful. I do hope that someday I will someday find the success that you enjoy now!
September 30th, 2005 at 8:27 pm
Well, let me clear things up.
First of all, like any other legitimate agent, they do not ask for any payment upfront. They only take a commission fee of 15% when they sell your manuscript to a publisher. If no sale happens, then they take no commission.
Secondly, they make it clear that they do not ask for the copyright to your book. They only ask for limited rights to sell your manuscript in the Balkan market. All other rights remain with you.
Thirdly, they don’t accept just anything. A very good friend of mine whom I consider an excellent writer submitted his manuscript to them. They took a few months, but ultimately rejected him.
Fourthly, reputation and integrity is very important when it comes to literary agencies. If one misbehaves, you can be sure that it won’t be long before their abused authors start complaining all over the Net.
So, no, this isn’t a cheap scam. =)
September 30th, 2005 at 8:49 pm
Congrats!!! So happy to hear that.
*hugs*
September 30th, 2005 at 9:25 pm
Yvonne - sorry I mixed up agents and publishers.
John - thanks for the explanation.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:49 pm
No problem, Chet. =)
October 1st, 2005 at 6:24 am
Woo! Have said it once, am saying it again.
Congratulations!
October 1st, 2005 at 5:28 pm
Praise God!!!!
He has never fail us…as his children…
October 1st, 2005 at 11:43 pm
hey yvonne! its andrew from the bloggers meet. congrats on ur book =). tell me when its gonna be out and stuff, email me. its always heartening to connect with teenagers who have a passion.
btw, i hate apostrophes; they always make me hit enter instead.
email me. =)
October 2nd, 2005 at 1:18 am
great news yvonne! am really happy for ya…=)
*hugs*
March 4th, 2007 at 8:19 am
Markus…
It was quite useful reading, found some interesting details about this topic. Thanks….