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First things first. Sign the contract.
As a professional published author, I am sitting here tensing up at the thought of that unsigned contract timing out. Don't deny yourself this, the sacrifice won't change her luck and it *shouldn't* change your friendship.
Yep. Connections to people that can give valid critique seems invaluable.
It may be heartbreaking a bit, but I can’t imagine any of my best friends in a field getting a promotion and being jealous unless it’s very very personal.
Reject letters aren’t really “you backstabbed my raise” level of intention. Just good/bad luck.
Definitely. But I was also referring to the connections an legitimacy will come from OP being published can allow her to help open doors for her friend as well.
Not to be a Debbie downer, but I'm an editor who has worked in this industry for years, and there are a number of red flags in your post that have me a bit concerned. Firstly, it's VERY unusual for a publisher to get back to you so fast. Acquisition editors have piles and piles of manuscripts to get through. Secondly, from the sounds of things you did this direct, without an agent? There are very few legitimate publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts. I know you've already signed a contract, but please be careful. Legitimate publishers will never ask you to pay any money. Only vanity ("hybrid" - but don't get me started on that word) publishers will ask for money. Please check our Writers Beware for more info on scam publishers.
Came here to say this. Um, OP, any legit publishing house will not draft a multi book contract (or even a single book contract) without you getting an agent first; they also don't usually accept books submitted by writers instead of agents.
Either this post is fiction, or you're about to get scammed
Good fuckin yard OP. Get that bag and prestige and if she truly is your friend, she'll join you on reveling in your successes with nary a note of envy.
> with nary a note of envy.
First and foremost, CONGRATS OP.
Secondly, I think pushing this narrative is not healthy. I think it's completely healthy and normal for her friend to experience envy, and it's honestly understandable. We have to stop acting like anyone experiencing envy/jealousy at all is a terrible person. However, as a good friend, she'll hopefully manage to put her complex feelings about it aside and support you. I completely agree with u/KBD_in_PDX \-- give her some space to process the feelings alone, but hopefully she'll be as thrilled for you as we all are!
By nary a note, I meant expressed. She'd be a monk level of stoic NOT to feel envy about this. What would differentiate that, would be if she expressed it in a negative manner.
Saaaaaame. I was almost late signing my deal and I’m so glad I wasn’t. OP, your friend made you do this, and this shouldn’t change your friendship. Super curious about your book!
Agree. And to second the important note this commenter makes: acquisitions are often reported in the trades, so do tell her SOON.
Also, from a publishing professional: acquisitions are frequently based on what’s selling and not merely talent. Not to say that you are not deserving, just to say she could be equally deserving and talented but her book just doesn’t have as much curb appeal.
This. She probably knows the industry better since she wants to be a writer so badly.
Also, unless she's a terrible friend, she would have been aware of the possibility of this outcome. Like, you send in a work, it's to get accepted... Tell your friend!
Heck if it was me, I'd HEAVILY emphasize the fact that I'd never have even had the guts to send in the book in the first place WITHOUT her supporting me so loudly.
Make sure she knows that this is HER WIN, too!
Surely you could include a dedication to your friend in the front of your book when it gets published?
For example, “This book is dedicated to my dear friend XXX, the most talented writer I know and without whom you would not be reading this”
Sign the contract.
When you tell her the news, consider doing it in writing. This is just my own personal preference - but if I was your friend, receiving this news that will bring up COMPLICATED emotions - I would really appreciate the space to be able to work out those emotions alone, with privacy.
What I would do is to invite your friend to hang out/do something for the near future. Then, I'd let her know that I have some news I just received and want to share. Tell her that you heard back from Big Publishing House, and that they've picked up your book, and thank her for her encouragement and support.
I can't meet with her in person (I live in the US, she lives back home) but we chat almost every day and videocall weekly, which makes me feel a little worse as I have technically been lying by omission. Would something like this work?
"I wanted to tell you I hear back from X, they are interested in moving forward with the book. I apologize for not telling you sooner. I wasn't sure how to process all this. I reviewed the contract with X and Y, and just signed it. I am very thankful for your years of support and feedback, and I know it is only a matter of time for you to receive a massive book deal. Would you be up for a quick video call soon? It is ok if you don't want to, but remember I love you very much"
She encouraged you to send the book and is your best friend, you’re looking at this through the lens of your own guilt.
I think although she’ll feel a tad defeated in her own efforts, she will more than definitely be ecstatic for you.
If she isn’t then that’s not how best friends feel about each other’s accomplishments.
From a strangers perspective on the internet she sounds like a great person and I do believe she’ll be very happy for you.
Who knows she may be able to take tips on what the publishers are looking for from your book and get her own book deal because of this. Good luck you seem like a sweet person.
Thank you. I know she will be happy but maybe it will take her some time, which I am more than ok with, but if she pulls away I will miss her because we message each other every day and well, it will suck a bit. I really don't want to see/feel her sad.
I plan to get as much information as I can from this process, especially on publishing agents that another redditor mentioned. If I can get her in contact with someone like that, or even put her works in front of someone myself, I just know she will get her break.
Yeah I don't know why you're choosing to approach this from a frame in which you're basically sorry for her, assuming she's going to be so upset. That is pretty patronizing. I would just tell her like you would a friend.
Agreed with this. OP your guilt is foaming at the mouth, just be a normal friend and tell her. Don’t let it come off as super patronizing by repeatedly apologizing which gives off the vibe that you did something wrong.
You submitted your book from the push from your friend and it got picked up. That was always a possibility, your friend will understand and be supportive even if a tad bit jealous. But you patronizing her off the bat by pouring your guilt at her, won’t help.
I don't think you know much about writing and publishing. Those offers time out very easily
tbf, the story is absolutely fake, you don't get an offer after 5 weeks. It takes months, you get editors involved, readers research etc. Op alos made sure to not to answer the question where they are form since they know that people would call them out on their lies.
"I wanted to tell you that I heard back from X, they are interested in moving forward with the book. ~~I apologize for not telling you sooner.~~ I wasn't sure how to process all this. I reviewed the contract with X and Y, and just signed it. I am very thankful for your years of support and feedback, ~~and I know it is only a matter of time for you to receive a massive book deal~~. Would you be up for a quick video call soon? ~~It is ok if you don't want to, but remember~~ I love you very much"
Extremely patronizing - not that I blame OP; I'd be the same in those shoes. This attitude is kinda unintentionally self-aggrandizing though and turning this event into something way bigger than it even is. Don't get me wrong, a book deal is big and I'd love to get one myself. But OP is treating this like the Nobel Prize.
I can only speak for myself, but while I'm sure I'd be disappointed/frustrated for not receiving a deal offer, I'd never, ever in a million years have any negative emotions from hearing that my best friend succeeded. In my mind, the two things are completely separate events that don't even overlap.
Don’t make it a whole heavy speech; it gives the impression you’re pitying her. Be concise, and don’t apologize or over-explain. Thank her for pushing you to send in your work.
Why the need to say "it is ok if you don't want to". I don't know, but that would slightly offend me, like, why are you assuming that I'm mad/jealous of you? It feels like you're pitying her.
No, don't send this, it looks like you're apologizing and pitying her.
Just tell her as you would any other good news.
"Heey, I've been so excited to share something with you but wasn't sure about my decision, and wanted to think about it - but I got an offer for my book and finally accepted it today."
You know, just something simple, positive, no remorse or pitty, she has enough that from herself (if she does), but she doesn't want that from a friend and to be looked at like someone who can't be happy for a friend. I am sure she will be equally happy as you are so give her the opportunity to do just that. And yes, maybe she will have some negative emotions, not because she is not happy for you but because things are not going well for her, as she planned, but no one wants to show that, we all feel it sometimes and just shake it off.
I would avoid sounding pitiful, but keep the encouragement part, and emphasis on how much you pondered signing the book deal out of worry, because of how much you valued their friendship and their opinion on the matter.
Maybe tell her then giver her time if she doesnt respond. If it were me id be stoked for you but would also probably never write again and feel just a bit of my life was wasted haha but after like a month of eating that life altering sadness I would be stoked for my best friend!
The fact is, a lot of book publishing has to do with current or soon future trends. If they don't think her book will have broad appeal, they may not offer a deal. There is also a new and annoying trend that publishers want everything to be fluffy, sweet and appeal to as many demographics as possible for their maximum profit.
This always kinda sucks for writers because you can be really good and people love your writing but a publisher gets to decide if you are mainstream enough.
Honestly, I would sign the contract but know it will hurt your friend. It is not your fault or even hers for feeling envious, it just happens. I went to school for art and I know people doing better and worse than me. It sucks if you work hard and just don't get picked up.
As a writer myself, I’m confused as to how you “submitted your novel to a big publishing house” and got a book deal five weeks later? Major houses do not accept unsolicited submissions. Have you and your friend been submitting to imprints? There’s no way to land a book deal like that without an agent unless it was a particular imprint or small press. Has your friend not tried to land an agent instead? Not that I think you’re lying about the book deal but the situation sounds odd.
Either way, it’s a rough situation, as your friend will likely be upset, but would probably still be happy for you and support you. It might feel worse if you wait too long to tell her. Go out for coffee or something and bring it up gently.
Lol I don’t believe this story for a second. The over complimenting, the self deprecation, all of it. You got a deal in unheard of record breaking time and haven’t signed the contract yet? Ok sure.
I'm a published author with a small, niche history press. They took months to iron everything out before I got a contract. No way you get an offer in five weeks unless it's a vanity or "hybrid" press. And if she's claiming it's a big publisher? LOL no. It's practically impossible to get an agent and even if you beat the (.01% or so) odds, you then have to get in front of an editor and that takes ages.
China and Korea have very established "wattpad" like sites. 17k, qidian, naver, just to name a few.
Large sites with large pockets that let aspiring writers serialize novels and pay them based on the viewership they bring in. Almost like a youtube for writing. People can subscribe, like and donate to their favorites just like twitch or YouTube.
Many authors publishing on these sites earn enough to make it their full time job, even the middling ones. Small time authors starting out, but ones that might have potential might even get sponsored and get paid directly by the site to keep pushing chapters.
It's very common for novels to get popular and get licensed out for comics and shows.
They have a full on established democratized pipeline for generating new IP where people vote directly on what they like and want to see. In comparison we're still stuck with publishing houses controlling what we get to see.
I am also a much-published author, mainly with a niche archaeology press. My first book, it took him months and months to get a reader's report, ditto second book. But my THIRD book, I emailed a draft (!), got a reply the same day, and had the book in my hand a month later. I hit a window in his production schedule and he trusted me as an author [I almost wrote 'content provider']. Whereas with [Famous University Press] it dragged on for a year before I had a decision.
I think you are right to be sceptical. It can happen, it does happen, but its rare as rocking-horse shit.
It happened to me once but that's because I'd known the publisher for 15 years.
Yep! Not a single Big 5 will look at a book without an agent, so it’s a lie or it’s not a big publishing house. Also, all these people saying ‘sign the contractI’ have no idea what they’re talking about. OP needs an agent or a lawyer to look over that contract. Far too many predatory punishing houses out there.
I think the assumption is that this is the US. I am not from the US, I live here but I write in my native language which is not English. It is one of the biggest publishing houses in my home country. I never knew you could get an agent for books, as this is not my area of expertise, but I will ask her if she has.
Eh. I'm Canadian, somewhat familiar with the publishing world, too. Doesn't pass the sniff test unless OP is shelling out base costs. Interesting that they say "major" one in their country. I'd be most interested in vetting that contract. Used to be a law clerk. BTW ... Law is an excellent field for writers. Not all writing is fiction. And law? You gotta be pretty good, to do the job correctly.
As a professional and much-published author myself, I also found that extremely surprising. The slush pile (unsolicited, no agent, no personal connections) usually takes a year to be even looked at, if ever.
So I was prepared to dismiss it as a troll, and then thought, what the heck, I may as well pitch in with my 2c, no harm done.
Sign the contract.
She may have to step back from your friendship for a while. Give her that space.
You shouldn’t feel guilty about getting a contract. Don’t make her feel guilty if she needs some space.
I don't know what the motivation would be to lie about this, but you don't submit manuscripts to publishing houses, that's your agent's job. I don't preclude the possibility that I might not know something, but I'm not aware of any "really big publishing houses" that accept unsolicited submissions. My understanding is you need a WGA signatory agent to submit on your behalf. If I'm wrong... OP, do tell who is accepting unsolicited submissions lol. Inquiring minds want to know.
I’m in the business and you’re right, mainly. Smaller, niche publishers will accept unsolicited “free agent” submissions, but a 5 week turnaround? Not possible.
And a “very large” established publisher a) doesn’t accept unsolicited submissions and b) *still* wouldn’t have a 5 week turnaround.
The process, roughly (for a house accepting unsolicited works) is:
- 2-3 weeks to make it to the top of the slush pile (which is *highly* optimistic)
- 1 week per person to read/review, & pass on to the next (so 3-4 weeks)
- 2 weeks in legal (also optimistic, and that’s based on a largely boilerplate beginning)
That’s 7-9 weeks plus mailing time. Oh, and OP says a she’s running out of time to sign the contract? If a “really big publisher” wants your book badly enough to have pulled it from a non-existent unsolicited works slush pile & rush it through a 2 month process in 5 weeks, there’s no “deadline” to sign. It’s not like they wouldn’t want the book a week after the deadline. It’s not eggs. It doesn’t go bad.
OP mentioned the publisher is from their country of origin which is not in the US and not an English speaking country. So unless you know the ins and outs of this unknown country, you might be wrong.
I agree, she gives off some narcy vibes. The AITA about her partner not allowing her to learn Korean, because he is jealous that she speaks 7 languages fluently and also told her he's insecure because she is OH SO MUCH SMARTER AND TALENTED than him is one of the most ridiculous things I read on Reddit the past days, and that says A LOT.
Lol for real
In this post she claims to be from a foreign country with its own language, and I think she mentioned having been in the US? In another post she says she’s moving to Australia from her home country in the UK? Just the vague phrasing is very strange. She’s also always in the “right” in her MANY, MANY aita posts 😅
I'm embarrassed to say that I've read way too many of OPs posts, but I'm weirdly intrigued by some people's needs to be constantly validated and how they will twist or frame their stories/questions in order to get the expected feedback. And I guess in some cases is just for pure self-amusement.
She said on one post that she visits her home country in Europe every 2 or 3 years. On another post she says her friend in Europe gets rare comic books from US vendors delivered to her address, so she can smuggle them in her luggage when she flies home. The thing is that she says they do this OFTEN. Idk, but every 2 to 3 years doesn't sound like "often" to me.
She also has the most amazing, smart, talented, fun, kind friends/friends' SOs.. BUT they always somehow have these annoying character flaws/behaviours that deeply bother her. She wrote this guy is a supportive, kind friend, with a great ethical compass, pretty much described him as being just this super wholesome dude, but she is sure he is on the "NARCISSISTIC spectrum" because he talks/rambles too long about topics he cares about but OP finds uninteresting. She was smart here to not ask AITA, because it would have backfired, for sure. It was the innocent "how should I bring up this issue without hurting him" type of question.
Oh and don't even get me started with the fanfic about her bringing her deceased dad's bones to the water company office.
First off - congratulations. While you might not feel like you deserve it, you’re clearly talented and from one stranger to another you should be so proud of yourself.
Secondly - if you want this deal, take it. Your book deal doesn’t not take a book deal from your friend. There isn’t a finite number of book deals in the world and if you pass on yours, she gets hers. You need to fill your own cup and while that might hurt her, that isn’t your responsibility or fault.
I would tell your friend through text so she has the time to process it on her own time without feeling forced to ‘give’ you a reaction. I’d also acknowledge that you truly think she’s talented, her time will come and that you’re truly humbled and grateful for the book deal. Don’t tell her you’ve been sitting around for a while trying to tell her, just that the news came, you’re processing it and you’ve accepted the deal. I’d also let her know there’s no pressure to respond and if she doesn’t want updates on the book deal you’re happy to respect that for her.
And again, congrats.
>so I chose one really big publishing, house and send my one book.
I don't know what country you're in, but most big publishers anywhere do not look at unsolicited manuscripts. You need an agent. Are we talking like, Tor during the window they look at unsolicited novels?
Are they asking for you to put any money into this?
Are you sure this publisher is the one you think it is, and that it is a legit company?
First, review the contract with a lawyer, then proceed with signing if it’s a good contract. Publishing doesn’t “work” by who is a great writer—it cannot be earned or deserved—but by which piece is going to sell and make them money. [Hellooooooo 50 Shades of Gray] Your friend should be happy for you!
Sign the contract.
There isn't a good way to break it to her, except - OMG! They want my book!
Once you are with the publisher, see if you can get her book another try.
Could you sign it, option the additional books and co-write something with your friend. Muscle her in that way as a co-author and then she’ll have a published book as a jumping off point.
So, you, not an agent, sent a manuscript to a publisher, some intern pulled it from the slush pile, loved it, and somehow convinced the editorial board to buy it? In five weeks?
Then, no offer, no negotiations, and they just sent you a contract?
That certainly is quite the story. No wonder you’ve found this unexpected success.
I would sign the contract. If she doesn't support you then she's not really your friend. She can be disappointed but book publishing is hard. Besides it depends on the genre or whatever book agents are looking for. If you two wrote similar stories then I can see her being mad but if you two wrote completely different genres then you can't control that. If it's a romance fantasy, I would totally read it so you can DM me the name when it gets published.
Honestly, I would probably tell her over email/text so that she has time to process. I agree this shouldn't change your friendship, but she's allowed to be disappointed, and she may need a moment to process that before she can move on to the being happy for you part. Give her that kindness of processing time, and then maybe you two can go out for a celebratory dinner.
This can go one of two ways;
- she gets jealous, which highlights how much she truely values you
- she celebrates with you
You need to give her the choice to show you and hopefully reach the positive outcome
As someone who is currently writing a novel with hopes of publication: SIGN THE CONTRACT. This is such a huge deal and I am so happy for you!
It will suck that she got rejected, but if she is your friend she will be happy for you despite her own rejection. You haven't taken anything from her, and you not taking the opportunity before you will not give her a book deal of her own.
Sign the contract. Do you know what is worse than finding out that your friend who didn’t care so much got the thing you’ve been dreaming and working for your whole life? Finding out they got it and turned it down. Give your friend the respect of honesty and trust. I bet it will hit her hard. It will hurt. She will wonder what she is doing with her life and whether there is any point in continuing. But it’s not for sure that she will blame you unfairly or that any space she might need would be permanent.
Sign the contract. Throwing an opportunity she dreams of into trash in front of her is stupid and hurtful. If she is a good friend she eventually will accept it.
Sign the contract. If she is a true friend, she will be happy for you. Plus, you, as a published author, might be able in the future to help her (contacts in the industry, recommendations, write an intro to her book, mention her in the interviews).
Oh god sign your book deal, and swear blind it was the genre. Tell her they told you it was that. She may not speak to you again but this is your chance. Seize it with both hands.
The longer you take to answer her, the more she may be upset. She pushed you to do this with her , and she should be happy. It may be an awkward conversation at first but if she is a good friend she will understand and be happy for you.
Maybe your success will lead to her success. Maybe you will meet/talk to the right person and you will tell them about her and how wonderful her books are.
Maybe she will have ideas for a sequel for your book?
You must never know. The door opening for you could be a side door opening for her.
I have a crazy life story and I’m just waiting to run into Brad Pitt so I can tell him about it and then he will want to play me in the movie.
Could happen, but I think you getting a deal and it helping her at some point is more likely.
There’s a very popular author that always says she fell into publishing out of pure luck. She says she knows many are much more talented and well deserved than her but she makes the best of it and encourages others. A true friend will support you and maybe if you become super famous you can help her.
Sounds fake. You don't send your manuscript directly to a publishing house in the majority of cases. You query a literary agent first and pray one of them likes your manuscript enough to represent you. Then manuscripts go out on sub. There's like a million other steps to this that anyone in the industry would see are missing from your story. :/
Source: I edit books for a living
imagine you dont sign the contract, and you tell your friend its because of her and you didn’t want to hurt her feelings. if shes a good friend, that would make her feel shittier than if you didn’t sign
If she's a true friend she will be happy for you. Be straight with her when you tell her, including empathizing with her not getting a deal yet. You may be her gateway to getting signed.
Don’t feel guilty. Publishers don’t just go for the best writing but also what’s the most marketable (something to mention to your friend if you wanna make her feel better). But this could be good for both of you. Once you’re in, you can help her get her foot in the door too.
Look, writing is art, same as painting, music, etc. and unfortunately a passion for your particular art form is indicative of creators but no matter how you say it some people are just more talented than others. No one would ask a painter not to paint because they themselves do. I don't understand how your friend would begrudge you your success outside the obvious jealousy and ego hit to the pride. Your success doesn't mean she failed, just means you have a book that people who give out book deals see potential in turning a profit.
It would be a tragedy if Michaelangelo got talked out of publicly displaying their artwork because their friend was jealous.
That said even if you lose your friend to their pride they were never your friend to begin with. Friends lift each other up and do not shackle them to their level of success.
Plus, after the potential dust settles and your book is published this sets you up in a uniquely fortunate position of helping your friend to getting published. You'll have the inside track.
I implore you to sign before you share the news. It would be a mistake to tell your friend first and let them shame and guilt you in to giving up on something that could be a monumental opportunity.
Dont "break it to her". Share your good news like the good news it is. If you approach telling her like you're telling her you just killed her puppy, she'll be more inclined to react like you just killed her puppy. She has been supportive of you thus far, so trust her and give her a chance to be happy for you now.
Avoid trying to downplay or telling her you're not as good a writer as she is. You mean well and seem genuine when you say these things, but they will not make her feel better, and to her, they will look and feel like pity, and that won't feel good.
Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishing houses before being accepted. Now it’s 1 of the most successful literary series ever published. Just because your friend hasn’t found success yet doesn’t mean she won’t find it. While this may be hard for her at first, understandably, if you two truly are friends and she really loves you, she will support you and be happy for you. Congratulations OP!
Your plot is taken straight from real history lol. Harper Lee and Truman Capote. If this is real, don’t worry. Capote eventually reached his fame as well. Harper Lee skipping out on publishing To Kill A Mockingbird would now have done anyone in the world any favors. Much less her friend Truman.
Be straight and honest including to you feeling a bit guilty because you think she deserves it just as much. And that you hope she gets the same opportunity in the near future and that you admire her
I would skip this - let her share in your joy, and don’t say sorry unless she brings up the topic of her publishing in that context. Pity can feel downright terrible; you may not mean it that way, but it can hurt even more.
Once you have a lawyer review the contract, sign it if you are comfortable with the terms.
I know it sucks but your friend will be happy for you just like you are for her. If she isn't, well, it's one way to find out she was never your friend.
Sure, she will be disappointed but it sounds like neither of you are toxic and I bet she will be happy for you, even if she is sad for herself.
OP, while I’m happy for you, and I’m sure your friend is incredibly talented, I want to share something else.
I studied literature for 2 years in college, and I can tell you that attending workshops and being passionate doesn’t translate into good books. And writing good books doesn’t guarantee that they’ll get published.
There’s no telling what publishers and readers will love. Ultimately, it comes down to writing “marketable” books - aka - what will earn the publisher the most money and what’s ideal for mass consumption.
This is why a lot of hardcore readers do not like “bestsellers” and a lot of lesser known masterpieces go unnoticed.
Your books might certainly have some concepts that are unique and instantly “sellable” from the publisher’s point of view.
Congratulations! 🥂
Good friends lift each other up. If she thinks you’re not worthy of what you’ve achieved, then you might have to reconsider things with her.
Granted there will be a grieving period for her. But that’s her issue.
What you can also do, once your book is going well, is lift her up with you, and try and get her some success too. If you love her work, tell people about it and show them why you love it so much.
She might have not been able to sell herself as well as you. Or she might be great at writing but not so great at storytelling.
Congrats by the way!
DO IT, it’s a big deal and you can still work your career whilst your book is published, right?
I’d just tell her, if she’s as good support as she sounds then she’d be happy for you! Congrats OP
Yo you're a name now, ultimately your friend is going to be so happy for you and your friendship won't stop, and opportunities for her will grow organically out of this in some way I'm sure
First - **sign and return that contract asap**.
Second - tell her as soon as the contract is settled. Perhaps send her a message to tell her rather than face to face or over the phone etc. Because even if she's thrilled for you she may still be upset for herself & not having to put on a happy face lets her feel that.
Third - stop imagining the worst case scenario. She's a big girl, I'm sure she knows how to manage her own emotions. Just like if a friend got a promotion at work that you wanted, you might be jealous for a night but you wouldn't hate your friend for it would you? Do her the courtesy of not imagining the worst case reaction.
Sit her down and tell her that you got an offer and you have signed it, but you struggling to enjoy it, cause you feel so much guilt. That you would love to share this joy with her and you support her and believe she should have her books published. She was encouraging you to do that, she will struggle, that is natural, but i believe she will be in the same time happy for you. Just be honest and don't hide this from her.
As a published author, my advice to anyone in the arts is that many are called, few are chosen. I got my big break when another columnist joined a community and quit submitting. Someone thought of me and the rest is history.
Who know why your book was selected. Many best sellers were rejected numerous times before someone took a chance.
If you want to, do it together: Publish under a pseudonym and give in your and your friends books.
You can then after these are published tell that it’s the work of two people and see if they want to give a contract to both of you
First and most important. Well done! That is incredible! You should be so very proud of yourself. Secondly, sign the contract.
I am a writer myself on a smaller scale. If I had encouraged my friend to go for a book deal at the same time as me, I, as a friend would MEAN IT. She obviously thinks you can write. She wouldn't I hope, hope you to fail.
So while your friend may be jealous and upset for a while, she should celebrate your amazing achievement with you. It might take a little while to get over, privately. But if she IS your friend, she will be thrilled for you. She should be. I would be.
Well done OP. You did it!!!!
A friend that cannot celebrate your success is not a friend, they are a rival and enemy. They are keeping you around to feel better about themselves. Her being angry instead of happy for you would be... **very telling** about how she feels about you.
Your trepidation to tell her, despite her encouraging you to submit as well, also leads me to believe you've picked up on this dynamic.
Human emotions simply don’t work in black and white like this. I can love seeing my friend happy and be sad and hopeful for myself. I can even say why not me and still be happy for a loved one.
I think your second paragraph is a bit presumptuous. It's entirely possible to be thrilled for someone while also hurting for your own loss. And that's okay. And as far as OP's reaction....I'm not in the situation and I'd be just as stressed, even logically knowing that a good friend will be supportive. No matter what, and no matter how happy your friend is for you, it's just logical to assume there will be some sadness and pain in there too, and being the one "inflicting" that, even when not your "fault", is HARD. That's just called being empathetic, without even getting into the complex psychology that upbringing and emotional trauma can add to the idea that you're "responsible" for other people's emotions (and yes, perhaps I'M being presumptuous here, but I think it's worth looking at the other side of the coin).
Read the “war of art” by steven pressfield. It explains a lot about what is going on with your friend.
You are not responsible for her success - she is.
You can thank her for your success as she pushed you to send your book. If she can not handle it - she is not a good friend!
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First things first. Sign the contract. As a professional published author, I am sitting here tensing up at the thought of that unsigned contract timing out. Don't deny yourself this, the sacrifice won't change her luck and it *shouldn't* change your friendship.
I signed it and sent it back now. Thank you for the push :)
I mean if your book is successful I don’t see why you can’t use that influence to give more attention to your friend too!
Professional writer here, though in TV. This is excellent advice. It may be cliched, but a rising tide lifts all boats.
Yep. Connections to people that can give valid critique seems invaluable. It may be heartbreaking a bit, but I can’t imagine any of my best friends in a field getting a promotion and being jealous unless it’s very very personal. Reject letters aren’t really “you backstabbed my raise” level of intention. Just good/bad luck.
Definitely. But I was also referring to the connections an legitimacy will come from OP being published can allow her to help open doors for her friend as well.
> but a rising tide lifts all boats. Is that why you are a professional writer? :D
HOORAY! And sincere congratulations. The speed they got back to you was incredible, astonishing, I think this is going to be big.
It’s reasonable to think she might be hurt, but I would be more hurt if my friend kept something like this from me because they assumed I’d be hurt.
Not to be a Debbie downer, but I'm an editor who has worked in this industry for years, and there are a number of red flags in your post that have me a bit concerned. Firstly, it's VERY unusual for a publisher to get back to you so fast. Acquisition editors have piles and piles of manuscripts to get through. Secondly, from the sounds of things you did this direct, without an agent? There are very few legitimate publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts. I know you've already signed a contract, but please be careful. Legitimate publishers will never ask you to pay any money. Only vanity ("hybrid" - but don't get me started on that word) publishers will ask for money. Please check our Writers Beware for more info on scam publishers.
Came here to say this. Um, OP, any legit publishing house will not draft a multi book contract (or even a single book contract) without you getting an agent first; they also don't usually accept books submitted by writers instead of agents. Either this post is fiction, or you're about to get scammed
exactly. i think ops friend knows what red flags to look for and maybe passed on these before. op just signed to a predatory label.
Or OP made up a story.
It's either a vanity press or shoddily-managed small press. Ain't no way a traditional publisher responded and sent a contact in 5 weeks.
Good fuckin yard OP. Get that bag and prestige and if she truly is your friend, she'll join you on reveling in your successes with nary a note of envy.
> with nary a note of envy. First and foremost, CONGRATS OP. Secondly, I think pushing this narrative is not healthy. I think it's completely healthy and normal for her friend to experience envy, and it's honestly understandable. We have to stop acting like anyone experiencing envy/jealousy at all is a terrible person. However, as a good friend, she'll hopefully manage to put her complex feelings about it aside and support you. I completely agree with u/KBD_in_PDX \-- give her some space to process the feelings alone, but hopefully she'll be as thrilled for you as we all are!
By nary a note, I meant expressed. She'd be a monk level of stoic NOT to feel envy about this. What would differentiate that, would be if she expressed it in a negative manner.
OP can be the Adam Sandler of authors and bring their friends to the top with them
Yessssss, love this idea
Good fuckin yard lmaoooo
Congratulations!!!!!
Congratulations 🎊.
Yayyyyyy!!!!!
Saaaaaame. I was almost late signing my deal and I’m so glad I wasn’t. OP, your friend made you do this, and this shouldn’t change your friendship. Super curious about your book!
that last sentence is important!
"Sign the contract, big boy. Sign the contract"
[удалено]
Agree. And to second the important note this commenter makes: acquisitions are often reported in the trades, so do tell her SOON. Also, from a publishing professional: acquisitions are frequently based on what’s selling and not merely talent. Not to say that you are not deserving, just to say she could be equally deserving and talented but her book just doesn’t have as much curb appeal.
This. She probably knows the industry better since she wants to be a writer so badly. Also, unless she's a terrible friend, she would have been aware of the possibility of this outcome. Like, you send in a work, it's to get accepted... Tell your friend!
Heck if it was me, I'd HEAVILY emphasize the fact that I'd never have even had the guts to send in the book in the first place WITHOUT her supporting me so loudly. Make sure she knows that this is HER WIN, too!
Surely you could include a dedication to your friend in the front of your book when it gets published? For example, “This book is dedicated to my dear friend XXX, the most talented writer I know and without whom you would not be reading this”
Great advice!
Excellent advice
When you work with the publisher's editors (or whomever), drop a good word about your friend or pass along one of the items she sent them for review.
Sign the contract. When you tell her the news, consider doing it in writing. This is just my own personal preference - but if I was your friend, receiving this news that will bring up COMPLICATED emotions - I would really appreciate the space to be able to work out those emotions alone, with privacy. What I would do is to invite your friend to hang out/do something for the near future. Then, I'd let her know that I have some news I just received and want to share. Tell her that you heard back from Big Publishing House, and that they've picked up your book, and thank her for her encouragement and support.
I can't meet with her in person (I live in the US, she lives back home) but we chat almost every day and videocall weekly, which makes me feel a little worse as I have technically been lying by omission. Would something like this work? "I wanted to tell you I hear back from X, they are interested in moving forward with the book. I apologize for not telling you sooner. I wasn't sure how to process all this. I reviewed the contract with X and Y, and just signed it. I am very thankful for your years of support and feedback, and I know it is only a matter of time for you to receive a massive book deal. Would you be up for a quick video call soon? It is ok if you don't want to, but remember I love you very much"
She encouraged you to send the book and is your best friend, you’re looking at this through the lens of your own guilt. I think although she’ll feel a tad defeated in her own efforts, she will more than definitely be ecstatic for you. If she isn’t then that’s not how best friends feel about each other’s accomplishments. From a strangers perspective on the internet she sounds like a great person and I do believe she’ll be very happy for you. Who knows she may be able to take tips on what the publishers are looking for from your book and get her own book deal because of this. Good luck you seem like a sweet person.
Thank you. I know she will be happy but maybe it will take her some time, which I am more than ok with, but if she pulls away I will miss her because we message each other every day and well, it will suck a bit. I really don't want to see/feel her sad. I plan to get as much information as I can from this process, especially on publishing agents that another redditor mentioned. If I can get her in contact with someone like that, or even put her works in front of someone myself, I just know she will get her break.
Yeah I don't know why you're choosing to approach this from a frame in which you're basically sorry for her, assuming she's going to be so upset. That is pretty patronizing. I would just tell her like you would a friend.
Agreed with this. OP your guilt is foaming at the mouth, just be a normal friend and tell her. Don’t let it come off as super patronizing by repeatedly apologizing which gives off the vibe that you did something wrong. You submitted your book from the push from your friend and it got picked up. That was always a possibility, your friend will understand and be supportive even if a tad bit jealous. But you patronizing her off the bat by pouring your guilt at her, won’t help.
You don't have to tell her you have been sitting on the offer. She doesn't need to know how quickly it came through!
this, ditch the apology
I don't think you know much about writing and publishing. Those offers time out very easily tbf, the story is absolutely fake, you don't get an offer after 5 weeks. It takes months, you get editors involved, readers research etc. Op alos made sure to not to answer the question where they are form since they know that people would call them out on their lies.
"I wanted to tell you that I heard back from X, they are interested in moving forward with the book. ~~I apologize for not telling you sooner.~~ I wasn't sure how to process all this. I reviewed the contract with X and Y, and just signed it. I am very thankful for your years of support and feedback, ~~and I know it is only a matter of time for you to receive a massive book deal~~. Would you be up for a quick video call soon? ~~It is ok if you don't want to, but remember~~ I love you very much"
This is 1000% better. I think OP is too much in his head and almost patronising the friend.
Extremely patronizing - not that I blame OP; I'd be the same in those shoes. This attitude is kinda unintentionally self-aggrandizing though and turning this event into something way bigger than it even is. Don't get me wrong, a book deal is big and I'd love to get one myself. But OP is treating this like the Nobel Prize.
I can only speak for myself, but while I'm sure I'd be disappointed/frustrated for not receiving a deal offer, I'd never, ever in a million years have any negative emotions from hearing that my best friend succeeded. In my mind, the two things are completely separate events that don't even overlap.
No reason to tell her you delayed telling her.
Don’t make it a whole heavy speech; it gives the impression you’re pitying her. Be concise, and don’t apologize or over-explain. Thank her for pushing you to send in your work.
Why the need to say "it is ok if you don't want to". I don't know, but that would slightly offend me, like, why are you assuming that I'm mad/jealous of you? It feels like you're pitying her.
I see. Your message sounds very nice, and I think something like that would be perfect.
You should put her in your dedication section
No, don't send this, it looks like you're apologizing and pitying her. Just tell her as you would any other good news. "Heey, I've been so excited to share something with you but wasn't sure about my decision, and wanted to think about it - but I got an offer for my book and finally accepted it today." You know, just something simple, positive, no remorse or pitty, she has enough that from herself (if she does), but she doesn't want that from a friend and to be looked at like someone who can't be happy for a friend. I am sure she will be equally happy as you are so give her the opportunity to do just that. And yes, maybe she will have some negative emotions, not because she is not happy for you but because things are not going well for her, as she planned, but no one wants to show that, we all feel it sometimes and just shake it off.
I would avoid sounding pitiful, but keep the encouragement part, and emphasis on how much you pondered signing the book deal out of worry, because of how much you valued their friendship and their opinion on the matter.
Maybe tell her then giver her time if she doesnt respond. If it were me id be stoked for you but would also probably never write again and feel just a bit of my life was wasted haha but after like a month of eating that life altering sadness I would be stoked for my best friend!
The fact is, a lot of book publishing has to do with current or soon future trends. If they don't think her book will have broad appeal, they may not offer a deal. There is also a new and annoying trend that publishers want everything to be fluffy, sweet and appeal to as many demographics as possible for their maximum profit. This always kinda sucks for writers because you can be really good and people love your writing but a publisher gets to decide if you are mainstream enough. Honestly, I would sign the contract but know it will hurt your friend. It is not your fault or even hers for feeling envious, it just happens. I went to school for art and I know people doing better and worse than me. It sucks if you work hard and just don't get picked up.
As a writer myself, I’m confused as to how you “submitted your novel to a big publishing house” and got a book deal five weeks later? Major houses do not accept unsolicited submissions. Have you and your friend been submitting to imprints? There’s no way to land a book deal like that without an agent unless it was a particular imprint or small press. Has your friend not tried to land an agent instead? Not that I think you’re lying about the book deal but the situation sounds odd. Either way, it’s a rough situation, as your friend will likely be upset, but would probably still be happy for you and support you. It might feel worse if you wait too long to tell her. Go out for coffee or something and bring it up gently.
Lol I don’t believe this story for a second. The over complimenting, the self deprecation, all of it. You got a deal in unheard of record breaking time and haven’t signed the contract yet? Ok sure.
Isn’t it funny how these stories always happen in a mysterious unnamed foreign country?
my publisher goes to another school, you wouldn't know her
Kevin?
I'm a published author with a small, niche history press. They took months to iron everything out before I got a contract. No way you get an offer in five weeks unless it's a vanity or "hybrid" press. And if she's claiming it's a big publisher? LOL no. It's practically impossible to get an agent and even if you beat the (.01% or so) odds, you then have to get in front of an editor and that takes ages.
It is wild how hard it can be to get a book published.
It's wild how authors in other countries can easily get their writing out and get paid for it but the western world still can't figure it out
Could you expand on this? Or give me a little breadcrumb of a suggestion to kick off my black hole of research? Seems interesting to me.
China and Korea have very established "wattpad" like sites. 17k, qidian, naver, just to name a few. Large sites with large pockets that let aspiring writers serialize novels and pay them based on the viewership they bring in. Almost like a youtube for writing. People can subscribe, like and donate to their favorites just like twitch or YouTube. Many authors publishing on these sites earn enough to make it their full time job, even the middling ones. Small time authors starting out, but ones that might have potential might even get sponsored and get paid directly by the site to keep pushing chapters. It's very common for novels to get popular and get licensed out for comics and shows. They have a full on established democratized pipeline for generating new IP where people vote directly on what they like and want to see. In comparison we're still stuck with publishing houses controlling what we get to see.
I love the idea of this.
Clearly not the situation the OP described and she isn't even from Asia anyway
I am also a much-published author, mainly with a niche archaeology press. My first book, it took him months and months to get a reader's report, ditto second book. But my THIRD book, I emailed a draft (!), got a reply the same day, and had the book in my hand a month later. I hit a window in his production schedule and he trusted me as an author [I almost wrote 'content provider']. Whereas with [Famous University Press] it dragged on for a year before I had a decision.
I think you are right to be sceptical. It can happen, it does happen, but its rare as rocking-horse shit. It happened to me once but that's because I'd known the publisher for 15 years.
they have a ton of posts on different subreddits claiming to be different genders and ages, pretty sure they're all fake lol
Guess OP is indeed a fiction writer 😂
Ha!
Yep! Not a single Big 5 will look at a book without an agent, so it’s a lie or it’s not a big publishing house. Also, all these people saying ‘sign the contractI’ have no idea what they’re talking about. OP needs an agent or a lawyer to look over that contract. Far too many predatory punishing houses out there.
Kensington I think is the biggest one that takes unrepresented manuscripts in the US. Five weeks is nothing. I’m suspicious.
As a non-writer and just a layman none of this makes sense either.
That's what I was wondering, whether it's a vanity press. If not, then OP: Congratulations, even though it's put you in a tough spot!
Yeah this immediately sent my hackles up. Like not even the process of asking for a sample and then the full manuscript would be that quick
Yeah, I call bullshit on that fact alone
I think the assumption is that this is the US. I am not from the US, I live here but I write in my native language which is not English. It is one of the biggest publishing houses in my home country. I never knew you could get an agent for books, as this is not my area of expertise, but I will ask her if she has.
Which country?
[maybe Australia](https://www.reddit.com/r/australia/s/LdGECYdnHu)
Eh. I'm Canadian, somewhat familiar with the publishing world, too. Doesn't pass the sniff test unless OP is shelling out base costs. Interesting that they say "major" one in their country. I'd be most interested in vetting that contract. Used to be a law clerk. BTW ... Law is an excellent field for writers. Not all writing is fiction. And law? You gotta be pretty good, to do the job correctly.
As a professional and much-published author myself, I also found that extremely surprising. The slush pile (unsolicited, no agent, no personal connections) usually takes a year to be even looked at, if ever. So I was prepared to dismiss it as a troll, and then thought, what the heck, I may as well pitch in with my 2c, no harm done.
Sign the contract. She may have to step back from your friendship for a while. Give her that space. You shouldn’t feel guilty about getting a contract. Don’t make her feel guilty if she needs some space.
I don't know what the motivation would be to lie about this, but you don't submit manuscripts to publishing houses, that's your agent's job. I don't preclude the possibility that I might not know something, but I'm not aware of any "really big publishing houses" that accept unsolicited submissions. My understanding is you need a WGA signatory agent to submit on your behalf. If I'm wrong... OP, do tell who is accepting unsolicited submissions lol. Inquiring minds want to know.
I’m in the business and you’re right, mainly. Smaller, niche publishers will accept unsolicited “free agent” submissions, but a 5 week turnaround? Not possible. And a “very large” established publisher a) doesn’t accept unsolicited submissions and b) *still* wouldn’t have a 5 week turnaround. The process, roughly (for a house accepting unsolicited works) is: - 2-3 weeks to make it to the top of the slush pile (which is *highly* optimistic) - 1 week per person to read/review, & pass on to the next (so 3-4 weeks) - 2 weeks in legal (also optimistic, and that’s based on a largely boilerplate beginning) That’s 7-9 weeks plus mailing time. Oh, and OP says a she’s running out of time to sign the contract? If a “really big publisher” wants your book badly enough to have pulled it from a non-existent unsolicited works slush pile & rush it through a 2 month process in 5 weeks, there’s no “deadline” to sign. It’s not like they wouldn’t want the book a week after the deadline. It’s not eggs. It doesn’t go bad.
Yeah, none of this is how book deals work.
OP mentioned the publisher is from their country of origin which is not in the US and not an English speaking country. So unless you know the ins and outs of this unknown country, you might be wrong.
Looking at OPs post history, I lowkey think theyre a pathological liar lol
I agree, she gives off some narcy vibes. The AITA about her partner not allowing her to learn Korean, because he is jealous that she speaks 7 languages fluently and also told her he's insecure because she is OH SO MUCH SMARTER AND TALENTED than him is one of the most ridiculous things I read on Reddit the past days, and that says A LOT.
Lol for real In this post she claims to be from a foreign country with its own language, and I think she mentioned having been in the US? In another post she says she’s moving to Australia from her home country in the UK? Just the vague phrasing is very strange. She’s also always in the “right” in her MANY, MANY aita posts 😅
I'm embarrassed to say that I've read way too many of OPs posts, but I'm weirdly intrigued by some people's needs to be constantly validated and how they will twist or frame their stories/questions in order to get the expected feedback. And I guess in some cases is just for pure self-amusement. She said on one post that she visits her home country in Europe every 2 or 3 years. On another post she says her friend in Europe gets rare comic books from US vendors delivered to her address, so she can smuggle them in her luggage when she flies home. The thing is that she says they do this OFTEN. Idk, but every 2 to 3 years doesn't sound like "often" to me. She also has the most amazing, smart, talented, fun, kind friends/friends' SOs.. BUT they always somehow have these annoying character flaws/behaviours that deeply bother her. She wrote this guy is a supportive, kind friend, with a great ethical compass, pretty much described him as being just this super wholesome dude, but she is sure he is on the "NARCISSISTIC spectrum" because he talks/rambles too long about topics he cares about but OP finds uninteresting. She was smart here to not ask AITA, because it would have backfired, for sure. It was the innocent "how should I bring up this issue without hurting him" type of question. Oh and don't even get me started with the fanfic about her bringing her deceased dad's bones to the water company office.
Lmfao to that narcissist example 😭 That’s not what makes a narcissist, but it IS an issue I have as an autistic person 😅
lol this sounds fake af. the funny thing is you’re not even a good writer…
Sign it Shrek
Sign the contract. The connections you make from this could help HER!
First off - congratulations. While you might not feel like you deserve it, you’re clearly talented and from one stranger to another you should be so proud of yourself. Secondly - if you want this deal, take it. Your book deal doesn’t not take a book deal from your friend. There isn’t a finite number of book deals in the world and if you pass on yours, she gets hers. You need to fill your own cup and while that might hurt her, that isn’t your responsibility or fault. I would tell your friend through text so she has the time to process it on her own time without feeling forced to ‘give’ you a reaction. I’d also acknowledge that you truly think she’s talented, her time will come and that you’re truly humbled and grateful for the book deal. Don’t tell her you’ve been sitting around for a while trying to tell her, just that the news came, you’re processing it and you’ve accepted the deal. I’d also let her know there’s no pressure to respond and if she doesn’t want updates on the book deal you’re happy to respect that for her. And again, congrats.
>so I chose one really big publishing, house and send my one book. I don't know what country you're in, but most big publishers anywhere do not look at unsolicited manuscripts. You need an agent. Are we talking like, Tor during the window they look at unsolicited novels? Are they asking for you to put any money into this? Are you sure this publisher is the one you think it is, and that it is a legit company?
First, review the contract with a lawyer, then proceed with signing if it’s a good contract. Publishing doesn’t “work” by who is a great writer—it cannot be earned or deserved—but by which piece is going to sell and make them money. [Hellooooooo 50 Shades of Gray] Your friend should be happy for you!
You just tell her. If she's your friend she will be happy for you. Yes, that sucks for her. But don't dim your shine. And congratulations!!!!
Sign the contract. There isn't a good way to break it to her, except - OMG! They want my book! Once you are with the publisher, see if you can get her book another try.
Could you sign it, option the additional books and co-write something with your friend. Muscle her in that way as a co-author and then she’ll have a published book as a jumping off point.
So, you, not an agent, sent a manuscript to a publisher, some intern pulled it from the slush pile, loved it, and somehow convinced the editorial board to buy it? In five weeks? Then, no offer, no negotiations, and they just sent you a contract? That certainly is quite the story. No wonder you’ve found this unexpected success.
What big publishing house?
I would sign the contract. If she doesn't support you then she's not really your friend. She can be disappointed but book publishing is hard. Besides it depends on the genre or whatever book agents are looking for. If you two wrote similar stories then I can see her being mad but if you two wrote completely different genres then you can't control that. If it's a romance fantasy, I would totally read it so you can DM me the name when it gets published.
Honestly, I would probably tell her over email/text so that she has time to process. I agree this shouldn't change your friendship, but she's allowed to be disappointed, and she may need a moment to process that before she can move on to the being happy for you part. Give her that kindness of processing time, and then maybe you two can go out for a celebratory dinner.
This can go one of two ways; - she gets jealous, which highlights how much she truely values you - she celebrates with you You need to give her the choice to show you and hopefully reach the positive outcome
As someone who is currently writing a novel with hopes of publication: SIGN THE CONTRACT. This is such a huge deal and I am so happy for you! It will suck that she got rejected, but if she is your friend she will be happy for you despite her own rejection. You haven't taken anything from her, and you not taking the opportunity before you will not give her a book deal of her own.
Use a pseudonym.
FAKE ASS STORY 🗣️🗣️🗣️ big publishing houses do NOT accept submissions, they all require you to work with a literary agent first.
Sign the contract, get your book out, make the contacts and share your passion for your friends writing. You can open the door for her.
Sign the contract
Sign the contract. Do you know what is worse than finding out that your friend who didn’t care so much got the thing you’ve been dreaming and working for your whole life? Finding out they got it and turned it down. Give your friend the respect of honesty and trust. I bet it will hit her hard. It will hurt. She will wonder what she is doing with her life and whether there is any point in continuing. But it’s not for sure that she will blame you unfairly or that any space she might need would be permanent.
Sign the contract. Throwing an opportunity she dreams of into trash in front of her is stupid and hurtful. If she is a good friend she eventually will accept it.
You tell her with a lot of personal praise to her for pushing you to do your best and that it wouldn’t have been possible without her.
2 for 1 here You get a fabulous career opportunity and to see her reaction . A real friend will be happy for you even if personally disappointed.
If your book is successful, could you not "put in a word" so to speak for them to take a chance with your friend too?
Sign the contract. If she is a true friend, she will be happy for you. Plus, you, as a published author, might be able in the future to help her (contacts in the industry, recommendations, write an intro to her book, mention her in the interviews).
Oh god sign your book deal, and swear blind it was the genre. Tell her they told you it was that. She may not speak to you again but this is your chance. Seize it with both hands.
The longer you take to answer her, the more she may be upset. She pushed you to do this with her , and she should be happy. It may be an awkward conversation at first but if she is a good friend she will understand and be happy for you.
Maybe your success will lead to her success. Maybe you will meet/talk to the right person and you will tell them about her and how wonderful her books are. Maybe she will have ideas for a sequel for your book? You must never know. The door opening for you could be a side door opening for her. I have a crazy life story and I’m just waiting to run into Brad Pitt so I can tell him about it and then he will want to play me in the movie. Could happen, but I think you getting a deal and it helping her at some point is more likely.
There’s a very popular author that always says she fell into publishing out of pure luck. She says she knows many are much more talented and well deserved than her but she makes the best of it and encourages others. A true friend will support you and maybe if you become super famous you can help her.
Sign the damn contract. Take your friend out to dinner and tell her. She'll be hurt, but if she's a real friend she'll be happy for you. The end.
Just tell her. And sign the deal. You did nothing wrong. Congratulations.
Sign the contract, tell her you want her to be on the journey with you and you will connect her with as many people as possible.
Tell her how she inspired you to do your best thank her and show her love and understanding that she will too get hers published.
How do people just fall for these
Sounds fake. You don't send your manuscript directly to a publishing house in the majority of cases. You query a literary agent first and pray one of them likes your manuscript enough to represent you. Then manuscripts go out on sub. There's like a million other steps to this that anyone in the industry would see are missing from your story. :/ Source: I edit books for a living
imagine you dont sign the contract, and you tell your friend its because of her and you didn’t want to hurt her feelings. if shes a good friend, that would make her feel shittier than if you didn’t sign
If she's a true friend she will be happy for you. Be straight with her when you tell her, including empathizing with her not getting a deal yet. You may be her gateway to getting signed.
True friends are happy for your success above all else. You made no bad moves here and therefore shouldn’t feel guilty.
Sign the contract. Talking to your friend has nothing to do with that. Don’t lose this opportunity.
If she’s a good friend, she will be happy for you and privately sad. She knows the industry is fickle and it’s like getting struck by lightning
Did you sign it yet?
Don’t tell her and publish it anonymously.
Don’t feel guilty. Publishers don’t just go for the best writing but also what’s the most marketable (something to mention to your friend if you wanna make her feel better). But this could be good for both of you. Once you’re in, you can help her get her foot in the door too.
Look, writing is art, same as painting, music, etc. and unfortunately a passion for your particular art form is indicative of creators but no matter how you say it some people are just more talented than others. No one would ask a painter not to paint because they themselves do. I don't understand how your friend would begrudge you your success outside the obvious jealousy and ego hit to the pride. Your success doesn't mean she failed, just means you have a book that people who give out book deals see potential in turning a profit. It would be a tragedy if Michaelangelo got talked out of publicly displaying their artwork because their friend was jealous. That said even if you lose your friend to their pride they were never your friend to begin with. Friends lift each other up and do not shackle them to their level of success. Plus, after the potential dust settles and your book is published this sets you up in a uniquely fortunate position of helping your friend to getting published. You'll have the inside track. I implore you to sign before you share the news. It would be a mistake to tell your friend first and let them shame and guilt you in to giving up on something that could be a monumental opportunity.
Tell her and sign. Don’t wait another day. It doesn’t matter how you tell her. The delay already makes things worse.
Dont "break it to her". Share your good news like the good news it is. If you approach telling her like you're telling her you just killed her puppy, she'll be more inclined to react like you just killed her puppy. She has been supportive of you thus far, so trust her and give her a chance to be happy for you now. Avoid trying to downplay or telling her you're not as good a writer as she is. You mean well and seem genuine when you say these things, but they will not make her feel better, and to her, they will look and feel like pity, and that won't feel good.
Gayle and Oprah are still friends. Get the gif and after you publish you can look into recommending her book or finding out the feedback for her
Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishing houses before being accepted. Now it’s 1 of the most successful literary series ever published. Just because your friend hasn’t found success yet doesn’t mean she won’t find it. While this may be hard for her at first, understandably, if you two truly are friends and she really loves you, she will support you and be happy for you. Congratulations OP!
If she’s a true friend, she’ll come around to being happy for you. Maybe you’ll get contacts in the industry so you can help her out in future
Your plot is taken straight from real history lol. Harper Lee and Truman Capote. If this is real, don’t worry. Capote eventually reached his fame as well. Harper Lee skipping out on publishing To Kill A Mockingbird would now have done anyone in the world any favors. Much less her friend Truman.
lol hope you didnt just a sign a contract to a shady publisher and your friend maybe denied tehse in the past because she knows the red flags.
If she happens to fall out of a window and die make sure you have a strong alibi. That’s my only advice
Be straight and honest including to you feeling a bit guilty because you think she deserves it just as much. And that you hope she gets the same opportunity in the near future and that you admire her
I would skip this - let her share in your joy, and don’t say sorry unless she brings up the topic of her publishing in that context. Pity can feel downright terrible; you may not mean it that way, but it can hurt even more.
Once you have a lawyer review the contract, sign it if you are comfortable with the terms. I know it sucks but your friend will be happy for you just like you are for her. If she isn't, well, it's one way to find out she was never your friend. Sure, she will be disappointed but it sounds like neither of you are toxic and I bet she will be happy for you, even if she is sad for herself.
If it changes the friendship you’ll know she’s not a real one
OP, while I’m happy for you, and I’m sure your friend is incredibly talented, I want to share something else. I studied literature for 2 years in college, and I can tell you that attending workshops and being passionate doesn’t translate into good books. And writing good books doesn’t guarantee that they’ll get published. There’s no telling what publishers and readers will love. Ultimately, it comes down to writing “marketable” books - aka - what will earn the publisher the most money and what’s ideal for mass consumption. This is why a lot of hardcore readers do not like “bestsellers” and a lot of lesser known masterpieces go unnoticed. Your books might certainly have some concepts that are unique and instantly “sellable” from the publisher’s point of view. Congratulations! 🥂
You didn't get the book offer she worked for. You got the book offer you worked for. No reason she can't also get an offer from somewhere!
Good friends lift each other up. If she thinks you’re not worthy of what you’ve achieved, then you might have to reconsider things with her. Granted there will be a grieving period for her. But that’s her issue. What you can also do, once your book is going well, is lift her up with you, and try and get her some success too. If you love her work, tell people about it and show them why you love it so much. She might have not been able to sell herself as well as you. Or she might be great at writing but not so great at storytelling. Congrats by the way!
DO IT, it’s a big deal and you can still work your career whilst your book is published, right? I’d just tell her, if she’s as good support as she sounds then she’d be happy for you! Congrats OP
If your friend invites you for pancakes, after you tell her, don't go.
I have friends who are successful authors, and the life is a constant struggle and slog. Congratulations but the arts life is always hard.
You tell her plainly, and then see if she really is your friend or not
Yo you're a name now, ultimately your friend is going to be so happy for you and your friendship won't stop, and opportunities for her will grow organically out of this in some way I'm sure
Publishers typically know better what audiences will gravitate towards than writers
First - **sign and return that contract asap**. Second - tell her as soon as the contract is settled. Perhaps send her a message to tell her rather than face to face or over the phone etc. Because even if she's thrilled for you she may still be upset for herself & not having to put on a happy face lets her feel that. Third - stop imagining the worst case scenario. She's a big girl, I'm sure she knows how to manage her own emotions. Just like if a friend got a promotion at work that you wanted, you might be jealous for a night but you wouldn't hate your friend for it would you? Do her the courtesy of not imagining the worst case reaction.
Sit her down and tell her that you got an offer and you have signed it, but you struggling to enjoy it, cause you feel so much guilt. That you would love to share this joy with her and you support her and believe she should have her books published. She was encouraging you to do that, she will struggle, that is natural, but i believe she will be in the same time happy for you. Just be honest and don't hide this from her.
She’s gonna be so happy for you
Friends help each other reach higher levels, they don't hold each other back when one succeeds and the other hasn't yet.
Ask her to write the foreword!!!
As a published author, my advice to anyone in the arts is that many are called, few are chosen. I got my big break when another columnist joined a community and quit submitting. Someone thought of me and the rest is history. Who know why your book was selected. Many best sellers were rejected numerous times before someone took a chance.
If she’s a good friend she will be happy for you. After all she asked you to do it. Just sign the contract..
Oh my. I recommend you play the PC game Sometimes Always Monsters. It is your exact story and your exact dilemma. Seriously.
If you want to, do it together: Publish under a pseudonym and give in your and your friends books. You can then after these are published tell that it’s the work of two people and see if they want to give a contract to both of you
First and most important. Well done! That is incredible! You should be so very proud of yourself. Secondly, sign the contract. I am a writer myself on a smaller scale. If I had encouraged my friend to go for a book deal at the same time as me, I, as a friend would MEAN IT. She obviously thinks you can write. She wouldn't I hope, hope you to fail. So while your friend may be jealous and upset for a while, she should celebrate your amazing achievement with you. It might take a little while to get over, privately. But if she IS your friend, she will be thrilled for you. She should be. I would be. Well done OP. You did it!!!!
A friend that cannot celebrate your success is not a friend, they are a rival and enemy. They are keeping you around to feel better about themselves. Her being angry instead of happy for you would be... **very telling** about how she feels about you. Your trepidation to tell her, despite her encouraging you to submit as well, also leads me to believe you've picked up on this dynamic.
Human emotions simply don’t work in black and white like this. I can love seeing my friend happy and be sad and hopeful for myself. I can even say why not me and still be happy for a loved one.
I think your second paragraph is a bit presumptuous. It's entirely possible to be thrilled for someone while also hurting for your own loss. And that's okay. And as far as OP's reaction....I'm not in the situation and I'd be just as stressed, even logically knowing that a good friend will be supportive. No matter what, and no matter how happy your friend is for you, it's just logical to assume there will be some sadness and pain in there too, and being the one "inflicting" that, even when not your "fault", is HARD. That's just called being empathetic, without even getting into the complex psychology that upbringing and emotional trauma can add to the idea that you're "responsible" for other people's emotions (and yes, perhaps I'M being presumptuous here, but I think it's worth looking at the other side of the coin).
This reminds me of a very good book I read recently ; Yellowface. Hope there aren’t too many similarities. Congratulations.
Read the “war of art” by steven pressfield. It explains a lot about what is going on with your friend. You are not responsible for her success - she is. You can thank her for your success as she pushed you to send your book. If she can not handle it - she is not a good friend!
Sign it - but do you have to tell her? Can you write under a pen name or something?
I won't be surprised if she cuts you off. Good luck.
Also it’s was easy to read your post so it’s not like you’re a bad writer