Each book and author is different so the financial arrangements vary from situation to situation:

• I am paid a non-refundable flat fee for creating a viable book proposal.

• Once the book is sold, the author and I split the proceeds in a way that we all deem fair. I have received 50% of the advance and royalties as well as 33%. Despite these percentages, I have also commanded a minimum fee per book regardless of what the publisher pays in advance. In some cases I get no royalties at all but a flat fee, producing a “work-for-hire.”

• This variability can depend on how famous my co-authors are – their media presence – and what I bring to the table–how much my reputation and connections help to make the sale. It can also depend on whether I step into a book already in progress or begin building the book from the ground up with my partner.

• I may be willing to trade away cover credit if my cut of the proceeds is sufficiently generous. In this case, I would be acting as a “ghostwriter.”

• I do not write on spec – creating a proposal and/or book and hoping to get paid once it is sold.

Because each situation is unique, my financial requirements are best discussed with my agent. He can be reached at agent@susangolant.com.

At other times, I am paid as a consultant on an hourly basis. This occurs most often when I edit an author’s manuscript or act as a writing coach. I meet or talk with these private clients weekly or bi-weekly to help them organize and write their ideas with clarity and passion. They do the writing but submit material to me for editing, comment, and discussion. I have also edited book proposals for agents in order to make them more sellable. For these, I am also paid on an hourly basis. To access my consulting business, you can reach me at consulting@susangolant.com.