TL;DR: How do I prepare for a phone call with an editor who wants to acquire my novel for publication?
See below for excruciating details. This is the first time I've done anything like this, so any advice from others who've been through the process would be appreciated!
Long story follows.
I have an agented manuscript on which two editors from reputable publishing houses have made competing acquisition offers. My agent has scheduled phone calls with both of the editors this coming Tuesday (20 Jan 2015) for me to "get a feel of what they're thinking with the books, and see who you jive[sic] with." This will be the first time I've communicated directly with either editor.
NOTE: my agent says "books" above because I also pitched a second book in the series, which is now part of the deal. This is what happened:
1. Publisher A made an offer.
2. Publisher B made a higher offer, for two books.
3. Publisher A increased their offer, also for two books.
4. Agent set up phone calls.
5. I'm freaking out a little bit over here.
I'm new to all this business, so I have no idea what to expect. What are these editors likely to want to know? What kinds of things should I ask them? Are there any red flags to watch out for in this initial conversation?
Thanks in advance!
~Curtis
See below for excruciating details. This is the first time I've done anything like this, so any advice from others who've been through the process would be appreciated!
Long story follows.
I have an agented manuscript on which two editors from reputable publishing houses have made competing acquisition offers. My agent has scheduled phone calls with both of the editors this coming Tuesday (20 Jan 2015) for me to "get a feel of what they're thinking with the books, and see who you jive[sic] with." This will be the first time I've communicated directly with either editor.
NOTE: my agent says "books" above because I also pitched a second book in the series, which is now part of the deal. This is what happened:
1. Publisher A made an offer.
2. Publisher B made a higher offer, for two books.
3. Publisher A increased their offer, also for two books.
4. Agent set up phone calls.
5. I'm freaking out a little bit over here.
I'm new to all this business, so I have no idea what to expect. What are these editors likely to want to know? What kinds of things should I ask them? Are there any red flags to watch out for in this initial conversation?
Thanks in advance!
~Curtis