Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q – What should I do if I receive an offer from an editor or agent, 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. I take everything into account. If you get an offer from another agent, but I’m your first choice, please call me, as I’ll move your submission to the top of my pile. If you get an offer from a medium/large traditional publishing house, please call me, as I’ll move your submission to the top of my pile.  

 

Q – Is there a manuscript format you prefer?

A – Yes.

manuscript generates less pages.

 

Q – What’s your submission process?

A – Send the query via e-mail ONLY. I’ll either decline, or ask for the partial, which is one chapter and a short synopsis, as Word doc attachments. Put the title on the subject line.

 

If I like what I read, I’ll ask for your first 100 pages. I’ll need a hard copy and give sending instructions at that time. When I return the edited pages, I want you to use the advice from the edit and my Grammar Guide to improve the full manuscript. This will save me editing time on the rest of the submission, and teaches you writing skills.

 

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’ll 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 at that time on a low-cost method of sending your manuscript.

 

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

A – If I ask for a partial, no need to mention that. But please tell me if you’re considering other representation if I ask for 100 pages or a full manuscript. It’s important, as I edit when I read. This leaves me open to spending hours editing 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 150 people lined up behind you.]

 

Let me know if another agent has offered you representation, and you’d rather have me [it could happen], so I can move your submission to the top of my stack.

 

Q – What if I don't want to make all the editing 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), not implementing some changes might keep me from offering representation. 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 – Do I have to pay any up-front costs?

A – NO! No reputable agency will ask for money up-front. If I’m not going to sign you but  

   have edited pages you’d like to receive, I’ll mail them and you can reimburse me then.

 

Q – What’s the best way to reach you if I have a question?

A –  By e-mailing me at: kmortimer@mortimerliterary.com  While my phone number is

   listed, I don’t take phone pitches.

 

Q – How long will it take you to evaluate my submission?

A –  Depends on what I’ve asked to see, how many submissions I currently have,

   and how many client manuscripts I have to read. [My clients come first.] Generally: