Taking Your Money? That’s So Rude!

Yesterday, I heard from my agent’s assistant that the Pub Payment for WHEN PASSION LIES (the portion of a book’s advance that comes when a book hits the shelves) had arrived at the agency. Let’s eavesdrop on the conversation that transpired in my family, shall we?

INT. MINI-VAN – DAY

JULIE

(eyes on road)

I heard that the pub payment arrived today. I’ll get the check soon.

HUSBAND

Great!

FASHIONISTA DAUGHTER, AGE 10

So we can get me some new summer clothes?

SPENDTHRIFT DAUGHTER, AGE 8

How much?

Julie keeps her eyes on the road and reveals the amount.

SPENDTHRIFT

Wow!

(Don’t get excited; she thinks anything over 100 deserves a “wow”)

JULIE

But I won’t get all of that. The agency will keep fifteen percent.

SPENDTHRIFT

Of your money?

JULIE

That’s right.

SPENDTHRIFT

But that’s so rude!

Bwahahahahahaha!

So what do you think? If I tell my agent my 8 year old thinks their commission is rude, can I get that extra fifteen percent?