I've been thinking about this good question and wanted to come back to it. Here are some ways to ask about and discuss advances, negotiation, etc. that could be useful to you! (At least more useful than "how much will I get??" imo) https://twitter.com/heyjomachin/status/1361510295311585280

"Do you think this has the potential to be a big book?"
I sign projects that feel like a buzzy, commercial hit. I sign projects that have solid genre appeal for modest but consistent sales. I sign projects that may have a long road to find an editor that sees the magic like I do

I have a terrific eye and good instincts about a book's "big" or "small"ness, and I get surprised all the time with bigger or smaller advances than expected, big success from a small advance book, disappointing reception for a big advance book.

I'm happy to discuss any of this in regard to your project on The Call! I will not give you a promise as to a concrete advance to expect. I will not promise you anything that i am not the primary person in control of delivering.

Another good one: "How do you handle subsidiary rights?" This is a question you should be asking for a variety of reasons, and can give you insight into how they approach negotiation. Do they see territory and format rights as a value element alongside advance level?

Or do they/their agency work in a way that mainly sells world rights and focuses on getting advance level up? Neither approach is perfect or terrible, but the discussion will help you know what to expect and may give you a sense of how your agent negotiates.

"How would you describe your own negotiation style?" This is a question I've never been asked and now I'm gonna have to make sure I think about how I'd answer it But writers ask on most calls about editorial style, and asking about negotiation style should also be fair game

"When there's an offer on the table, do you share updates with clients as the negotiation proceeds?" Another one I don't think I've ever been asked, but for me this is a hearty yes. I know there are other agents who keep more of the cooking in the kitchen.

With all these questions, HOW the agent receives the question--if they're defensive or candid, thoughtful or patronizing--will give you insight into how they work, and if that's a fit for you, as much as the content of their answer.

It's natural and good for an agent to know more than you! But we shouldn't be against explaining things to you when we're working together, and if we're brandishing our expertise as a shield in The Call, that's a sign of how we might treat your questions once you're a client