Meeting with a publisher after “same humor, different concept” feedback - presentation, sample, or just conversation?

[DoctoreX]

Hi all, I’d really appreciate some advice.

I sent a manuscript to a publisher, and their response was essentially that they liked the humor and the voice, but would prefer something with the same kind of humor and fewer necromancers. They also said they’d like to meet in person, which we’ll be doing next week at their office.

So now I’m rethinking the project, and I believe I may have found a direction that could work. What I’m trying to figure out is how best to approach the meeting.

I want to strike the right balance between being prepared and not coming across like I’m pitching a startup instead of a novel.

A few things I’m unsure about:

• Should I prepare a short presentation or pitch document?
• Should I bring a sample chapter or excerpt?
• What should I realistically expect from a meeting like this?
• Has anyone here had a similar experience with a publisher saying, in effect, “same voice, different concept”?

I may also be overthinking this like an old corporate warhorse who’s one step away from putting together a slide deck with “key takeaways” and “next steps,” so I’d especially love to hear how people in publishing would view that.

Any experiences, advice, or cautionary tales would be very welcome.

Thanks.

 

[Homer Potvin]

I've never heard of a publisher wanting to meet with anybody who wasn't already a client. Sounds like it's their meeting, though. Whenever somebody said they wanted to meet with me for anything I assumed they'd be doing the talking. Otherwise, why ask to meet? I'd be prepared to talk about whatever you expect them to ask, though.

“same voice, different concept”?

That's pretty common. Most publishers are looking for specific things. They like the writing but not what you wrote exactly.

Should I bring a sample chapter or excerpt?

I'd have all the ammo in the briefcase but wouldn't let anyone know unless they asked.

Are you sure this is legit? It sounds wonky, but not sure where you're located. Outside of the US?

 

[DoctoreX]

I've never heard of a publisher wanting to meet with anybody who wasn't already a client. Sounds like it's their meeting, though. Whenever somebody said they wanted to meet with me for anything I assumed they'd be doing the talking. Otherwise, why ask to meet? I'd be prepared to talk about whatever you expect them to ask, though.


That's pretty common. Most publishers are looking for specific things. They like the writing but not what you wrote exactly.


I'd have all the ammo in the briefcase but wouldn't let anyone know unless they asked.

Are you sure this is legit? It sounds wonky, but not sure where you're located. Outside of the US?

Thank you for your reply.
Yeah, they are legit.
And yes it is outsife of US, in EU, non-english speaking country.

 

[CatrionaGrace]

I'd have all the ammo in the briefcase but wouldn't let anyone know unless they asked.

Are you sure this is legit? It sounds wonky, but not sure where you're located. Outside of the US?

What Homer said. I've had agent and trade publisher for two books and counting. Phone calls have sufficed for all business interactions. Of course, I live in the back of beyond and it's not just a walk down the street to the office.

Caution lights re: writing a book to order and on spec for a publisher. No handshakes on the deal. Any agreement should include a firm contract without clauses that are detrimental to the writer. Writers who lack experience and are breathlessly eager to see their work in print sign contracts that can ruin their writing lives.

My two cents worth: if the publisher offers you a book deal, find an agent or at least a knowledgeable attorney to negotiate the conditions and review the contract. One of my certification areas as a legal assitant was contract law, but I'd never trust myself to okay a writing contract without expert advice.

 

[Homer Potvin]

And yes it is outsife of US, in EU, non-english speaking country.

Okay. Not sure then. Nobody meets in person for anything in the US anymore, so that would have been weird.

 

[DoctoreX]

Okay. Not sure then. Nobody meets in person for anything in the US anymore, so that would have been weird.

What a sad world to live in...
But to be honest - for me it meants two hour drive, not six on plane.

 

[CatrionaGrace]

What a sad world to live in...

I dunno. I'm at the age where I understand why fairytale witches move to the middle of nowhere and cast spells on anyone who disturbs their peace.

 

[DoctoreX]

I dunno. I'm at the age where I understand why fairytale witches move to the middle of nowhere and cast spells on anyone who disturbs their peace.

Yeah, that is other way how to look at it.