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 Frequently Asked Questions

Q – What should I do if I have contest news or sell an article, etc., while you’re

        considering me for representation?

A – Please inform me of any news pertaining to your manuscripts or other writing. If you

       sign with MLA, I’ll add your successes to the Boo-Yahs! page on our Web site at:

       www.mortimerliterary.com.

Q – Is there a manuscript format you prefer?

A – Yes.

·         12 pt. Times New Roman. This type fits more words on a page, so your  

manuscript generates less pages, which equals less weight and lower 

shipping costs for you.

·         The standard format for publishing houses is one space after ending punctuation. Otherwise, someone at the publishing house has to delete all those extra spaces.

·         Use italics instead of underlining. This is now an acceptable practice in nearly all of the publishing houses.

Q – What’s your submission process?

A – After the query, I might ask for the partial, which is one chapter and a short synopsis.

       If I like what I read, I’ll ask for your first 100 pages. I’ll need a hard copy.

       Each time I send back edited pages, I expect you to use the advice from the edit and

       my Grammar Guide to improve the full manuscript. This saves me editing time and

       teaches you writing skills. If I think I can sell the manuscript, and our phone

       interview goes well, we’ll discuss representation.

       If I feel the first 100 pages need too much editing, your plot falls apart, your

       characters are flat, you have too much trouble implementing edits, etc., I may decline

       representation, or ask you to edit and resubmit.

Q – If you request my full manuscript or first 100-pages, how should I send it?

A – I’ll need a hard copy. I’ll give you information on a low-cost method of sending    

       your manuscript to me.

Q – What if I’ve sent my manuscript to other agents?

A – Please tell me if you’re considering other representation. It’s important, as I line edit

       when I read. This leaves me open to spending hours perfecting a manuscript you

       might take to someone else to sell. If I’m not your first choice, I’ll wait, and read

       your manuscript when I am. No, this won’t offend me. I have 50 people lined up

       behind you!

Q – What if I don't want to make all the changes you suggest?

A – You’re the author; it’s your book. You decide what changes to make. But (and you

       knew that was coming!), there might be changes I suggest that if you don’t make, I

      might not offer representation, or if I represent you, might keep your manuscript (in

      my opinion) from being published. I use a 3-step method:

1. Typos and punctuation/grammar edits (should always be fixed).

2. Edits to dialogue, character’s names, title, etc. (suggested).

3. Deletion of characters, plot lines, and other major changes. Discussion is appropriate, as is getting a second opinion from someone you trust will give you an honest evaluation.

Q – What do I do once you’ve signed me and I’ve finished editing?

A – I’ll need you to e-mail me:

·         A partial consisting of your first three chapters (and prologue, if applicable).

·         A short synopsis, approximately 1-5 pages, depending on the length of your manuscript. I no longer edit synopses, so do your best.

·         A comprehensive marketing plan. I’ll send an example to help you.

·         Your query letter. I’ll pull the info I need from it when querying for you.

I also require a hard copy of the full, and more as needed. Send by snail-mail, or via the preferred method, to OfficeMax, which I’ll explain if the need arises.

Q – What happens after you receive my partial, etc. and manuscript?

A – I’ll line up three editors to read your work and send what they request in a timely

       manner (usually the next day) by e-mail (partials); or FedEx Ground (full

       manuscripts), unless the editor will take your full via e-mail. 

Q – Do I have to pay any up-front costs?

A – NO!  No reputable agency will ask for money up-front. I’ll keep track of your

       shipping/postage costs. When one of your manuscripts sells, I’ll deduct the total

       amount currently owed from your first advance check. I’ve found bookkeeping a

       nightmare, so if your manuscript doesn’t sell by the end of the calendar year, I ask

       that you “settle up” your postage fees. You can claim the costs as a deductible

       expense on your taxes. If you terminate our contract, you pay all costs due in full

       immediately. If I terminate the contract, you owe nothing (yes, I’m serious).

Q – What if I’ve completed more than one manuscript I’d like you to market?

A – I’ll market two of your manuscripts simultaneously. If you have more than two,

       when one sells, we’ll rotate another in.

Q – What happens when you get an offer on my manuscript?

A – I’ll call you with the offer and give you a recommendation, but it’s your choice

       whether or not to accept the offer. If you accept, the publisher will send the contract

       to MLA. I’ll go over it, and if it covers what I agreed upon with the editor, I’ll send it

       to you to sign and send to the publisher. Your editor will give you his/her revision

       requests. I’ll have negotiated the time you have to edit; I shoot for 90 days.

Q – If I accept the offer, how do I get paid?

A – It depends on the publisher. The norm is you’ll get half of your advance when

       the publisher receives your signed contract, and half upon acceptance of the  

       edited manuscript. But that’s not set in stone. Some publishers add up to two more

       steps. The publisher will send the checks to MLA, and I’ll send you 85%, less any

       expenses, within 7 business days of the check clearing the bank.

Q – When can I expect my book to be available for purchase?

A – It depends on the publisher and how long the editing process takes. Usually 12–24

       months.

Q – What about royalties?

A – Royalties are paid twice a year. Again, the publisher sends the check to MLA and I

       send you 85% less any expenses within 7 business days of the check clearing the

       bank.

Q – What is MLA’s job after you sell my manuscript?

A – I make sure everything runs smoothly. I call the publisher to check on the contract

       if it doesn’t arrive promptly, as well as your checks. If the publisher fails to send

       your galleys, cover art, etc., notify me and I’ll run interference for you. As my client,

       you should never have to get into a hassle with your editor/publisher. Simply alert

       me, and I’ll take care of it. If you need advice about anything, I’m here to help and

       give moral support, or slap ya around. Other than that, I wanna sell your next book!

Q – What if all three editors reject my manuscript?

A – Then we’ll see if we can use any of their comments to strengthen the book, and send

       it out to three more houses. As an added service, I send a handwritten thank-you note

       from MLA and the writer to every editor who rejects your manuscript.

Q – If I need to speak with you, how do I contact you, and how long does it usually

       take you to respond?

A – E-mail is best: kmortimer@mortimerliterary.com 

       You can call M-F= 8-7 (Pacific Time) at: 951-763-2600. If you have an emergency, 

       one hour earlier, or one hour later. For weekend emergencies: SAT–8-5. I appreciate

       your respect in adhering to the days and times listed above whenever possible. I reply

       within 24 hours (on weekdays), or I didn’t get the message. I’ll inform you if I’ll be

       gone for any length of time, and would appreciate the same notice from you.

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