What to Expect

It is important to us that you understand the process involved in writing and publishing a book. At Abrams & Stile we take the time to help you through this process and provide you with complete information throughout the project.

1) Upon hearing your idea or story, we assess how it fits with our interests and expertise. We also inform you of its market potential.

2) We then consult with our affiliated agents and editors to gauge their degree of interest in the project.

3) Based upon these initial conversations, Abrams & Stile discusses with you the scope of the work to decide whether you wish to pursue the project at an agreed upon price and time line. A contract is generated and signed.

4) We match you with a writer who best fits your particular project. You and your writer work together, over the phone, through e-mail, and in person, to prepare the manuscript. Some clients and writers speak every few days; others much less. This is something you work out with your assigned writer.

5) Writers submit material for your review on a regular basis, chapter by chapter. Your input is respected and honored as the pages are produced. Typically, our contract with you includes one revision.

6) Once the project is completed, if appropriate, Abrams & Stile writes a customized query letter, and sends your work to at least one of our affiliated literary agents, who then prepares a submission list of viable editors. Usually, but not always, this submission list includes editors who have published the writer's own books.

7) The agent may call individual editors to gauge their interest prior to sending out the manuscript.

8) As offers come in, the agent negotiates for the best deal. If the manuscript is sold, the agent retains 15% of the advance. Please see our On Publishing Section to get more information about what this means.

9) You DO NOT pay the publishing company unless a client chooses to self publish.

10) Except in rare cases, you DO NOT share any of the proceeds from the advances, the royalties, the foreign sales, movie or TV rights with the ghost writer. All fees are paid up front for the writing of the book, and all money generated by the sale of the book goes directly to you, minus the agent's commission.

Facts On Publishing

Fact #1: Publishers are eager to sign up new books.
Fact #2 It's extremely difficult to get a book published.

Abrams & Stile is guided by these two apparently contradictory facts, which means that while we strive to write superlative books, we do not assume any given book will be published. And yet, to our pride and amazement, books we write do get published. Because the ways of the publishing industry can be somewhat arcane, and because we find that most people are curious and eager to know more the business side of writing, upon signing up with Abrams & Stile, we will send you a copy of our Publishing Primer. By reading The Abrams & Stile Publishing Primer, you will learn:

• The difference between a royalty and an advance.
• Why and when you need a literary agent, and what an agent does.
• What happens to your manuscript AFTER you sell it to a publishing company.
• How books become films and television shows.
• And many other pertinent facts to answer frequently asked questions.

If you are interested in our services and how they might benefit you please contact us today.