How Literary Agents Negotiate

Contracts are an important part of the book publishing process and, fortunately, most authors have agents that will negotiate even the smallest of details in a contract. But what does that look like? Literary agents Jessica Faust and James McGowan get into the nitty gritty of these conversations and give you a behind-the-scenes look into how they negotiate.
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Jessica Faust’s love for books is what first brought her to open BookEnds Literary Agency. It is her desire to be an advocate for all authors that pushed her to create her blog, the BookEnds TH-cam channel and to maintain a vibrant presence on Twitter.
Jessica is proud to have grown BookEnds to an agency that represents authors of all genres for children and adults, allowing her to reach more readers and help more authors and illustrators achieve their dreams.
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Since interning at BookEnds as an undergrad in the summer of 2015, James has (basically) never left. He's just continuously level-up-ed inside of BookEnds. Now he is the Agency Assistant and Social Media Manager for the team. He’s been a reader since his mom gave him the first A Series of Unfortunate Events book and ordered the sequels regularly through Scholastic book orders.
James is currently growing his own list and is actively seeking submissions in adult literary and upmarket fiction, mystery, thrillers, and suspense. He is also actively building his picture book list.
Connect with BookEnds!
Twitter: bookendslit
Instagram: bookends_literary
Website: www.bookendsliterary.com
Connect with Jessica: bookendsjessica
Connect with James: jmcgowanbks

[@Ruthie888]

Thank you for another look behind Oz's curtain.

[@dlshelton1218]

My artist and marketing brain(s?!) thought this video was going to be BO-RING! But, surprise, surprise, I found it fascinating! You two manage to keep even the most tedious subjects (or what we non-biz types think are tedious) interesting. Kudos and much appreciation to you both. If you're ever fighting for me, I'll know I'm in good hands.

[@jhstone1937]

Again, thank you both for these videos. This one was super! I cannot imagine trying to publish without an agent.

[@mevia_mastropietro_author]

Thank you! This was insightful!

[@anneboydston6443]

Good info! Frankly, it's fun just watching you two chat.

[@BookEndsLiterary]

Hey thanks

[@MastersofHumility]

I'd always wondered how this process worked. Thanks!

[@HeyItsAaron]

I feel like the Michael Scott “explain this to me like I’m 5” gif is super appropriate when it comes to authors asking their agent to clarify some of this.

[@BookEndsLiterary]

YES.

[@BookEndsLiterary]

Which we are happy to do.

[@robertcoyle1532]

Damn good info...as usual. Thanks again.

[@saturnn77]

I enjoy your posts... Good job!

[@JJasonHicks]

I am grateful that I have had to negotiate complex software licensing contracts. When the time comes I will apply that focus and rigor to publishing contracts.

[@jeffmcmahon3278]

So glad I came across this channel. Good to know that in essence , everyone is working to the best deal for the author. But there didn't seem to be any consideration for what is best for the book itself, for the story. I would be very happy to get a reasonable pecuniary reward for my efforts in writing the novel, but the greater reward would be knowing my story was reaching the widest possible audience that will appreciate my efforts.

[@barrym.puttjr.7142]

I love your channel and have learned a lot from watching your videos. Curious, if you don't have an agent but have a contract with a publisher on a 'how to' book and want to move into writing biographies with the same publisher is there value in looking for an agent for your biography writing or is it not necessary? There is a 'first look' clause in the initial contract.

[@bencowles2105]

Great video. If there was one thing about the publishing industry that you would change what would it be.

[@apagssim]

Is it kosher for the literary agency (not the publisher) to ask for the digital rights when signing an author?

[@BookEndsLiterary]

A literary agent should not be asking for any rights. They are representing your work, not licensing it.

[@StageGeek]

I’m in the industry. Can I come work with you guys?

[@JoanieDoeShadow]

During deal & contract negotiations what are the things that matter to you as agents that authors don't understand or care about as much?

[@BookEndsLiterary]

This could be a whole video -- competitive works clauses, option clauses, morality clauses, publication & termination clauses

[@TamelaRich]

@@BookEndsLiterary please make that video