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Publishing in the time of Covid

Asked by Rob Samborn on March 28, 2020

Jerry,

I wish I found your guild years ago. Your lessons are the most comprehensive I've every come across. You've already improved my writing!

I recently signed a contract for a three-book deal with an independent publisher (only the first MS is "finished").

I signed the contract on Feb 16 and sent it back to my agent, who in turn, sent it to the publisher. I still have not received the signed contract back.

My agent is in New York, so I'm hesitant to pester her, but the publisher is in Arkansas. They easily could've turned the contract around weeks before the pandemic started.

So, two questions:

1. Do you think it's appropriate to ask my agent what the hold-up is?
2. The book won't be released for 12-18 months. Many scenes take place in crowded areas in Italy. Do you think I should rewrite a bit of it to reflect a post-coronavirus world?

Thank you!
Rob Samborn

Jerry's Answer

First, thanks for your kind comments, Rob.

Publishing is a notoriously slow business, even in the best of times.

Why does your agent being in NY make you hesitant to pester her? :) Six weeks is about the right time to be asking where things stand, but of course do it kindly and with deference, not with demands.

  1. It's absolutely appropriate. Handling the business side is what agents are for, and good ones are happy to answer your questions and keep you informed.
  2. That totally depends on the fictional construct of your time line. If it's present day and would have inlcuded the Coronvirus news and all its ramifications, especially in Italy, I don't see how it would be realistic to ignore it.
    |
    If on the other other hand it's set before the outbreak, just make that clear with date taglines.

All the best with it!

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