Getting Your Book Published: Questions To Ask Publishers

Are you a writer who has been lucky enough to get an offer from a publisher? That's wonderful, because the hardest part is over, and you can be justly proud of yourself. Don't get carried away by the excitement, though. Keep your head and bear some important points in mind before you sign anything. Here are some questions you should ask your publisher before you close a deal.

1. How will I get payment?

When your book is accepted, your publisher will usually tell you what, how and when you are going to be paid, but make sure you do get this information. How will you be paid? Will it be with an advance payment, royalties, a flat fee or an amalgamation of these? You would be wise to ask for an account of total payments - this is difficult to assess when you are being paid in royalties on the sale of your book, but you must know as much about how you are going to be paid as possible.

2. Is an advance payment possible?

Some publishers offer advances on books they have accepted for publishing. If you need the money urgently, you could ask for an advance, but in general, you would be better advised to wait for royalties.

You will also want to know when exactly you will receive remuneration when you are getting your book published.

3. How many complimentary copies of my book will I receive?

It's always nice to get free copies of your own work that you can distribute to your family and friends. After all, you have achieved something of importance, and sharing your achievement with those who love you is natural. Generally, your publisher will give you at least one free copy, but getting extra ones depends on the publisher with whom you are getting your book published.

4. Will my book be published in foreign countries?

You need to be aware of this part of your publishing contract since the amount of your royalties will depend on whether your book will be offered abroad or not. There may be a separate rate for overseas royalties, but they are definitely to be paid, and you must make sure that this is part of the deal when you are getting your book published.

5. Will I retain the rights to my book and its characters?

Check your contract to find out whether you will still retain the rights to your book. Other related issues here would be whether you would be the one to write a sequel if any, and what your rights are if the book is adapted to a film or for a TV programme.

You'll have loads of things to ask your publisher when you are getting your book published. Don't sign your contract without reading even the finest print carefull, and make a list of other questions you may want to raise when you are getting your book published. Clear all your doubts as early as possible, so that things proceed smoothly without you wondering what is going on!