The Art of the Book Deal (and How Much Money You Can Expect)

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If you're interested in getting your book published by a major publishing house, you should know the ins and outs of how a book deal actually works. In this video, I walk you through the structure of a book deal, including its common terms and conditions, and answer common questions about how much money you can expect from a traditional publishing house. This is a key for anyone looking to publish traditionally or who wants to learn about how to make money from writing!

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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:

SOME OF MY FAVORITE NOVELS:

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RELATED LINKS:

GETTING A BOOK DEAL:
03:16 - How are book deals structured?
09:57 - How do publishers value a book?
16:41 - Common terms and conditions in a book deal

ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.

Feel free to get in touch!

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MUSIC:
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Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

[Loud_Thinker]

There are so many monkeys in the jungle. Jungle called YouTube. Those who self published a few books and acting like a top literary agent, publisher, editor, best selling author all at once who spew imaginary "tips and tricks" on traditional publishing online. Your one video crushed them all in a few minutes in. Your video speaks volumes. Easy to tell how much "real experience" you have. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your expertise.

[AdrianJamesEllis]

It's worth carefully checking what the publisher means by 'advance' and by 'royalties'. I was offered a publishing contract with advance and royalties for a western I'd written (following a request from the publisher), only to discover that their advance was tiny and it was in return for me waiving royalties on the first print run of the hardback and paperback versions of the book. I was only going to get royalties after that first print run was sold. I declined the contract. On the plus side, it was a useful piece of writing practice. I learnt a lot about plot structure, contrasting characters, emotional dynamics etc.

[Greed]

Really interesting and clearly presented. Hopefully one day I'll have to come back to this for a refresher before a meeting with a publisher...

[vietto]

I works as a rights executive at a Vietnamese publisher and this video still enlightening me even though I worked in the publishing industry for nearly a year.
Thanks a million for the useful comment, Alyssa!

[Vaerrh]

Best explanation of advance and graduated royalties I’ve heard. I can see the dynamics clearly now.

[Cassy]

I'm glad I found your channel. Very honest and straightforward.

[latashastewart-estelle]

Biggest thing missing in this video is the lack of the sales team input. The Sales Teams at major houses are instrumental in helping in the acquisition process and they weigh in on every book acquired.

[girlscandrum]

This has got to be the most helpful video I've ever watched. Thank you!

[ericbreau]

Great information Alyssa, thank you so much for these videos.

[sveinnbenonysson]

Thank you so much. You're one of the best in here. So clarifying. Stay safe! :D

[autonomyllc]

You are a gem! Following you faithfully! ❤

[ladyjatheist]

Wow, you do a fantastic job both keeping it real AND hopeful! Thank you!

[MaxieJove]

Learning so much. Really appreciate the content and quality you supply in these videos!

[gregoryhirsch]

I absolutely LOVE this channel! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for demystifying this industry for me and other budding authors!!

[laurenchausse]

Invaluable advice!! Thank you so much for taking the time to put your knowledge and experience out there for us!! So helpful and I’m very grateful🙏😇🤞💕📚

[terribuckner]

Thank you so much for the most comprehensive explanation. I just entered the last period on my first novel. Perfect timing!

[hijklmnop]

Honestly so helpful for someone who's curious and knows nothing about this world! Thank you!

[fyrimamirosa]

I'm so happy to have discovered your channel, you are so lovely and helpful. Thank you for this treasure trove of information!

[singin]

Love the vid, some great info, thanks.

[LeilaHolley]

Just found your channel. Lots of valuable information here! Glad to see someone giving info on traditional publishing.