Q&A (and brownies) with J.J. Murray discussion

Kensington is offering me a three-book deal (my first) to include True to the Game, my holiday romance The Last Place You Look, and maybe Every Dog or a "new" book I have yet to write.

I have been "off contract" for over six months. Great things come to those who wait.

More info hot off the phone and my email inbox:

True to the Game will come out in October 2012, which means I'll have two titles out in the same year for the first time, the other being I'll Be Your Everything in March.

That was the cool news. And now for some pressure.

Kensington wants the holiday novel The Last Place You Look by October 1, 2011. That gives me 67 days to get a final draft out. I'm 12,000 words in with an outline and the ending already written, so I'm not too stressed. I'll get some time off in August to live with the novel 24-7 ... and I have saved up plenty of PTO (paid time off) as well. I have already set this precedent since I was able to write Something Real in 57 days.

I am one click from sending the synopsis for The Last Place You Look, and I'm a little nervous. I actually want to illustrate the thing! Nothing fancy. If you've read The Book Thief, you know where I'm headed--simple stick figures.

Hmm. If Kensington wants the holiday novel in October 2011, and holiday novels usually come out in October, does this mean I'll have three titles out next year? Not sure.

I have to get back to work!

Correction:

This just in from my agent:

"Sorry to confuse things, but John gave me the wrong publication dates for you yesterday.

I'LL BE YOUR EVERYTHING will be published in March 2012.

TRUE TO THE GAME will be published Spring 2013, the Christmas book will be published in October 2013, and book 3 will be published in 2014."

So at least I'll have two books out in 2013.

Well that is interesting. If you are happy with your contract, I am happy for you. Was it your agent that negotiated the contract for you? Would your books be released in nook and kindle formats as well on there due dates?

Jo wrote: "Well that is interesting. If you are happy with your contract, I am happy for you. Was it your agent that negotiated the contract for you? Would your books be released in nook and kindle forma..."

Jo wrote: "Well that is interesting. If you are happy with your contract, I am happy for you. Was it your agent that negotiated the contract for you? Would your books be released in nook and kindle forma..."

J.J. wrote: "Kensington is offering me a three-book deal (my first) to include True to the Game, my holiday romance The Last Place You Look, and maybe Every Dog or a "new" book I have yet to write.

I have be..."
Tracy Ann-HI JJ-newbie author here. Congratulations on your deal! Wonderful wonderful. Have you had your agent for some time?

J.J. wrote: "Kensington is offering me a three-book deal (my first) to include True to the Game, my holiday romance The Last Place You Look, and maybe Every Dog or a "new" book I have yet to write.

I have be..."

Tracy Ann again- What is 'off contract'? Out of a ....

As far as I know, Jo, they will all be in all formats at their release.

Tracy Ann, I have had my agent (Evan Marshall) working diligently on my behalf (and then some) since 1999. He is my sounding board and voice of reason, and he's very good at what he does.

I use the phrase "off contract" to describe the time between contracts. The longest (and worst) time I was off contract was 2002-2004. Once I sign this new one, I will be "on contract" through 2012 for books coming out in 2013. Thus, by December 2012, I will be "off contract" again--and I'll have to pitch another couple of ideas.

I hope I explained that to your satisfaction.

JJ-
More than!
If you don't mind discussing particulars-and if you do I sincerely understand-were initial contracts void of advances? And if not-was the time the advance allowed you to live while writing equal to the cost of living while you were writing?
Thanks for your perspective and have a most Wonderful Writing Day-
Tracy Ann

All my contracts have come with advances, and no advances have been large enough to release me from my day job (teaching).

I will say that the advances (and twice annual royalty payments) are increasing nicely; however, they are not enough to support a family, a mortgage, a child off to college next year, car payments, (the list seems endless) ...