A contract between an author and a publisher that lays out how a book will be published, what the author gets paid, and who owns what rights.
A book deal is the formal agreement where a publisher commits to publishing your book and you commit to delivering it. The contract covers everything from your advance and royalty rates to the publication timeline, rights the publisher controls, and what happens if things go sideways. Book deals range from modest single-book contracts with small presses to multi-book, six- or seven-figure deals with major publishers. The specifics vary wildly, which is exactly why most authors have a literary agent negotiate on their behalf.
Understanding what a book deal actually contains protects you from signing away more than you should. The terms of your deal determine how much money you make, how much creative control you keep, and whether your publisher can sit on your rights for years. Even if you are early in your writing journey, knowing how deals work helps you set realistic goals and recognize a good offer when it comes.
Collins reportedly received a six-figure deal for the first book, which was modest compared to what the franchise eventually earned. A reminder that initial deal size does not predict ultimate success.
Kuang sold this debut while still an undergraduate, landing a deal that launched one of fantasy's most talked-about trilogies of the 2010s.
Miller's deal for her second novel came with higher expectations after The Song of Achilles won the Orange Prize, showing how one book's success reshapes the next deal.
Research three recent book deals in your genre using Publishers Marketplace, social media announcements, or industry newsletters. For each, note the genre, whether it was a debut or follow-up, and any details about the deal size. Look for patterns in what is selling and how those deals are described. This builds your market awareness before you ever sit down at the negotiating table.