No contract or advance from publisher

[kenmichaels]

Nathan,
I have written a humorous memoir which a publisher has shown interest. He asked for a full, and then two revises, and when I recently spoke to him, he said my manuscript was next in line. My question is should I push for a contract or at least where I stand with him. It is a small house and since I don't know what to expect, I feel lost. He acts as if it is a "shoe-in" and wants me to start speaking and getting endorsements, but I hesitate unless I have a contract. I don't have an agent. I know getting a publisher before an agent is unusual, but that's where I am. This has all happened over a 9 month period. Please give me your thoughts. Thanks.

[Nathan Bransford]

Nathan,
I have written a humorous memoir which a publisher has shown interest. He asked for a full, and then two revises, and when I recently spoke to him, he said my manuscript was next in line. My question is should I push for a contract or at least where I stand with him. It is a small house and since I don't know what to expect, I feel lost. He acts as if it is a "shoe-in" and wants me to start speaking and getting endorsements, but I hesitate unless I have a contract. I don't have an agent. I know getting a publisher before an agent is unusual, but that's where I am. This has all happened over a 9 month period. Please give me your thoughts. Thanks.

YES.

[kenmichaels]

Thanks, Nathan. I will.