Pushing Politely with Your Editor

When negotiating a publishing deal, it’s not uncommon for editors to say, “We’ve never done that before” or, “That’s not how we normally work.” Most authors interpret such statements to mean, “Sorry, but that just isn’t possible.” This is, of course, just what editors want.

But often there is room to move—if you firmly but politely push.

Editor: We’ve never done that before.
You: Fine, but is there some reason why you absolutely can’t do it this time?
Editor: I can’t make that kind of decision. I’d have to go to my boss.
You: Okay, please ask her.
Editor: She’s out of the office until Thursday.
You: No problem. Run it past her at the end of the week, once she’s back.
Editor: Well, okay, but I don’t think she’s going to let me revise our policy.
You: I don’t expect you to revise any policy. I’d just like to make this one change, this one time.

Editor: We don’t normally work that way.
You: Are you saying you’ve never done it any other way for anyone else?
Editor: Well, maybe once or twice, for some well-known people…
You: Okay, then let’s do it one more time.

Editor: This is our standard contract.
You: I know. I’d like to make a few changes, though.
Editor: Most people just sign and return it.
You: They’re welcome to do that. But I have some changes I’d like.
Editor: I hope there aren’t many.
You: I don’t like to belabor contracts, either. Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll email you my wish list of changes. Let me know which ones are fine as is and which ones won’t fly under any circumstances. We can quickly discuss whatever changes are left, and finish this deal.

Have you ever pushed back against an editor’s implied “no” and gotten a better deal as a result? If so, would you share the details with this blog’s readers?