Selling a Book to a Publisher
What happens once publishers receive your proposal?
What happens in a book auction?
Before each of the five get-to-know conversations with publishers.
GET-TO-KNOW CONVERSATIONS
Once my book proposal was final, Roger made a list of publishing houses that we considered a good fit. He reached out to them and shared the proposal. Then he scheduled virtual conversations with those interested in learning more about the book.
I met with five different publishers. They each asked questions about the book and my plans to sell it. I asked about their approach and what made an ideal author for them. Each conversation was different, with both sides trying to figure out if they wanted a second date. Sometimes random things like the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile came up in the discussions.
TAKING THE BOOK TO AUCTION
After the meet and greets, Roger set an auction date. Publishers interested in bidding on the book were to submit a bid on a certain day and time. Then the highest bid was revealed to all bidders and the process moved to round two.
I ended up being at auction for three rounds over three days. On the third day I accepted the bid from Harper Horizon, an imprint of HarperCollins, and I had a book deal last November! I was really pleased with the outcome. I know I’m with the publishing house that shares my vision for this book and love the experience of working with them.
I have wonderfully talented and supportive friends who offered encouragement throughout the process. One of my friends made me this card to cheer me on.
Going to auction is a bit weird. Up until this point, you’ve spent months writing the proposal and meeting with publishers. During the auction process, you are an observer waiting to see what happens. I was also running a business and working with clients during all this.
It’s a bit like Schrodinger’s box. You simultaneously feel like you have sold the book and haven’t sold the book while you wait for things to be finalized.
THE MOMENT IT BECOMES REAL
On Friday, November 5, I got the final word from Roger that I had a book deal. I got to celebrate with my parents and watch my nephew perform in the halftime show of a high school football game. I happened to check my phone while in the stands and saw an email from my agent. It was the deal offer from the publisher. Complete with the working title of the book, my name, the price of the book and the specs for it. That was the moment it hit me that I would be an author published by a big five publishing house.
