One of those new readers has been Alankria, a self-confessed consumer of all things fantastical, and also a writer. She’s basically how I was as a 19 year old – and reading her blog has sent me down Memory Lane with a broad grin. Needless to say, I’ve included a link to her blog left.
Alankria is considering sending her finished manuscript to Macmillan New Writing, and I guess there are others reading this who might be thinking the same thing. And so to answer Alankria’s question of what I think of MNW as a publisher:
So far, my experience has been good. This blog can attest to the positives that have come from my association with Macmillan New Writing. I’m blessed with having a great editor (Will Atkins), a great publishing assistant (Sophie) and Macmillan New Writing has a great patriarch (Mike Barnard). Having read blogs on the progress other authors have made and how they have been treated by their publisher, I think Macmillan New Writing have definitely got the personal touch right. I feel like a family member, I receive regular communication with the team, and have had much input with the book, from final drafts through to the design of the cover. Promotion is something that I’m new to, but Will and Sophie have been guiding me on this as well (for example, the pitfalls of doing a book signing where no one turns up!); in other words, I feel as though I’m in safe hands.
The only sticky issue will always be the contract. I was quite pragmatic in my approach to the author’s contract – I had a view of what I wanted and if the contract fulfilled that, I knew I would sign up.
In brief the contract is thus:
- The writer receives 20% of the net receipts of the book. In other words 20% of the monetary returns to Macmillan, rather than 20% of the cover price.
- The book will be sold through the usual Macmillan channels, ie via the internet, high street booksellers etc.
- The book will be printed in hardback (and I might add, very high quality hardbacks too!) and kept in print for a minimum of 2 yrs.
- Macmillan New Writing will acquire all rights in the work, the writer receiving 50% of the monies when sold externally ie to a movie studio, TV company etc.
- Macmillan New Writing will have first refusal on the writer’s second book.
- This contract is non-negotiable.
But do they?
Well, take a look at Roger Morris’ blog. He’s just got his first Macmillan New Writing royalty statement and being the “transparent” guy he is, he’s kindly published the details on his blog. I’m not sure about you, but I don’t think the figures are that bad. And certainly not bad for an imprint that has been slated by other writers and agents (particularly) who have their own reasons and agendas for wishing to see the whole initiative fail…
Yes, the rights thing is the main concern, but let’s face it, how many writers sell their books to Peter Jackson these days? Not many, and unless you intend to write only one book in your lifetime, you should think about the publicity it will give you for further books.
The other important factor, is that Macmillan New Writing is not just the opportunity to get published, but a chance to get your leg through the door of one the biggest publishers in the world. And let’s face it guys, would a major publisher try and shaft a little writer for the sake of a few quid and their reputation?
They really aren’t that stupid, you know…
I hope that answers a few questions. I don’t have any regrets about signing up with Macmillan New Writing. My only regret is that they weren’t around a few years ago.