Getting a book or film deal is an exciting event. However it must be approached with caution, a focused mind and some good fighting wits because those you're dealing with will want to get your work for as little as possible. Don't let a studio or publisher make a fortune off you without making a fortune yourself. Here's negotiate a script or book deal.
Instructions
1. Talk to your agent. It's an agent's job to negotiate deals for you. However, if you don't have an agent, research your options. Do a little homework on what this potential buyer has bought other material for so you can get an idea of what is a typical offer for something of near equal level as your work.
2. Decide what it is you want from your meeting. What is the lowest amount you will accept? Do you want to have a say over the direction of the marketing, future rewrites, adaptations and so on? You have to decide what is most important to you. A publisher might want the film rights for themselves, are you willing to part with them? A studio might want the option to have a book written based on your script. Do you want to be a part of that? Know your terms. Also, brush up on the industry terminology as well as legal terms so you can be sure you understand what is being said without having to ask and look like a novice.
3. Bring up your terms and what you think you're worth at your meeting. You will likely be given a lowball offer. Counter with a higher offer and hopefully you'll be able to find a middle ground.
4. Stand your ground during the negotiations. Give a little but not too much. If you do you'll just feel bad about it later and wish you had stood up for yourself. Remember, you have something they want and they have something you want. Do what it takes to make it work.
5. Take the contract home and read it several times making sure that all the terms you agreed to are included and they didn't slip anything else in. Have someone else read it as well for that little extra security. Then sign and you're done. That's it. You just negotiated your deal!
