So, my attorney finished going over the contract, we talked about what to change and what to leave alone, and I assume she has contacted M. Press. If “protracted contract negotiation” could delay the book a year, I would think I’d hear back from them pretty soon.
One thing I’ve learned from this experience — I understand children’s book contracts better than I thought I did! Going over this with an attorney in the know was a great idea. And the best part is *I* don’t have to do the negotiating. I can stay out of it.
The only thing that really surprised me was what the attorney told me about the options clause. As far as I’m concerned, I CAN’T sign it. My “next two” books are already under contract somewhere else. (And I am completely unwilling to promise I won’t sign a contract with another publisher until M. Press has had two months to consider my “next work.”) But this attorney told me, “don’t get your knickers in a twist about whether or not it’s “legal” to sign such an agreement. Be Italian–pay attention to it if you feel like it, ignore it if you don’t.” Maybe I’m too much of a “good girl,” but how can you IGNORE something that’s in a legal, binding contract??? Hopefully they’ll just take that clause out and I won’t have to worry about it…
Actually, the lawyer meant IGNORE IT. Pretend it’s not there. I’m still a little shocked…
I should’ve been clearer…they did just ask for an option on my NEXT work, not the next TWO (I just happen to have the next TWO committed elsewhere). And you’re right…I COULD just send any old thing from the file drawer to satisfy that clause. But I’d rather be honest and send them something I want to send them, when I want to send it. And unless they decide to give me an advance on this book, why would THEY be my first choice on my next work? Other publishers will give me an advance. So I just want that clause out. (And I will not agree to not sign a contract with another publisher on another work…absolutely not!)