Publishing a book has been my dream since I was basically a toddler.

I started querying literary agents at 17 years old. After three manuscripts, hundreds of pitches, years of research, a writers group, and a decade and a half of effort, it finally happened: I got an offer of representation for my memoir.

In my mind, this moment had always been the finish line — but I soon realized it was the starting gate.

While aspiring authors send out thousands of collective queries every week, most have no idea what happens if they get a yes. They also don’t realize that the second they receive an offer, they have the upper hand.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating what happens once you hook a literary agent’s interest, and what to expect after you sign your contract.

Step 1: Don’t say yes right away

If “the call” goes well, a literary agent might offer representation on the spot. You do not have to say yes then and there.

In fact, you probably shouldn’t. Once you have an offer, you have leverage. You can use this leverage to spark the interest of other agents, both those whom you’ve already queried and those whom you haven’t pitched yet.

Put simply, knowing that someone else wants you lights a fire under everyone else’s ass. You’re in demand, so use it to your advantage.

Tell the agent who offered, “Thank you so much for your interest. Can I please have two weeks to decide?” (Two weeks is the industry standard, but up to four is fine. Don’t ask for any less, because other interested agents need this time to consider your work.)

This partnership is a two-way street, and both parties should be sure. Most agents expect writers to weigh their options, so if they try to rush your decision, that’s a red flag.

Step 2: Celebrate

The second I got off the call, I sobbed. Then I hyperventilated. Then I tried not to throw up. Then I told my friends and family. Then my boyfriend took me out for…