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Do you accept unpublished writers? Of course we are thrilled to represent published authors. We actually prefer them. What agent doesn't? In fact, most agents avoid unknown writers and only want to work for authors who are already published. For this reason, unpublished writers have difficulty making the transition from writer to author. The truth, though, is that every published author was at one time an unpublished writer. The difference between the two is simple: Writers have manuscripts that are written; authors have manuscripts that are published. For this reason, we also enjoy evaluating manuscripts of unpublished writers who are looking for that "big break". If you are a new or unpublished writer and believe your manuscript has potential, please send it to us for an evaluation. We give every manuscript received for evaluation the same attention. You could be the next one who makes the transition from writer to author. Are all agents the same? No single agent is able to adequately and equally represent every type of written work. Any agent who represents all genres of work cannot possibly have the specialization and contacts necessary to competently handle every genre. The plain simple truth is that there are too many genres to be able to represent ALL of them equally and honestly.
Why should I consider your agency? We at Desert Rose Literary Agency have come together in an effort to collectively and individually represent our clients, we are able to give our clients what they need...an agent who specializes in their specific genre and support group of experienced and knowledgable editors. In this way, our clients receive the best personal attention possible. We work individually as well as jointly to ensure that our clients receive the best chance possible of a publisher being found who will publish his/her manuscript. It isn't always the pull of money (though it doesn't hurt) that drives a writer to seek publication...sharing a God-given talent with others and the knowledge of success is just as important (sometimes more so).
What do you do with my manuscript if I send it to you? All manuscripts received by our agency for evaluation will be carefully read and evaluated by an agent who has experience with that manuscript's genre. We try to complete all evaluations within 2-4 weeks of receipt. However, because we read every manuscript sent to us that fits our criteria for acceptance, longer and/or "deeper" novels may take longer than 6 weeks. What is the first step toward getting my manuscript published? The first thing you need to do is have your manuscript evaluated by an agent. If you are interested in sending us your manuscript for a free evaluation, please include a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope with your manuscript. This envelope will be used to send our evaluation to you. Also, if you want your manuscript returned to you, please also include a self-addressed envelope of sufficient size and postage for its return. Manuscripts will be accepted on paper (hard copy), on disc, or CD. If computer-generated, it must be in Microsoft Word or Word Perfect. Please use Times New Roman type, #12 font. All submissions need to be double-spaced. Requirements for the submission of various types of books are listed below. The following requirements list individual types of books: Poetry - 5-10 Samples Short Stories - 3-4 stories Novels and Young Adult - 3 chapters with a synopsis and/or chapter summary. After reviewing the sample chapters, we may request to see the full manuscript. If you want, you may send the full manuscript instead of the first 3 chapters. After reviewing the sample chapters we may request the full manuscript. E-mail Submissions - We accept children's manuscripts and poetry submissions by e-mail. We also accept e-mail submissions of three chapters with a synopsis and/or chapter summary. Full manuscript submissions need to be sent to our physical address. Be sure to include your address in the body of your e-mail. They can be on paper, disk or cd it is your choice! Be sure to include your address. Please send your manuscript to:
Manuscripts may be sent to us via United States Postal Service (USPS), United Parcel Service (UPS), or Federal Express (Fed-Ex). If you send your manuscript to us for an evaluation, you WILL hear from us. WE WON'T LEAVE YOU HANGING!!!!!! What happens if I receive a good evaluation? If you receive a good evaluation, you may receive an offer of representation. Please note that every manuscript with a good evaluation will not necessarily receive an offer of representation. Even good manuscripts do not necessarily meet market demands at any given time. If the market will not sustain your manuscript at the time of your positive evaluation, we will keep you in mind and let you know if the market changes in your favor. All offers are based on the publishers' market at the time of evaluation and on the marketability and readiness of your manuscript. Many things affect the marketability and readiness of your manuscript including the story line, characters, good editing, as well as other factors. If my manuscript is accepted...what then? If your manuscript meets the criteria for an offer to represent and we do make an offer to represent you as your agent, you will be notified by regular mail within five (5) days from the day we decide to offer representation. We will send you all the information we think you will need with our offer of representation to help you make your decision. If you have questions after reading our information, please e-mail us or call us at that time and we will be glad to answer your questions. If you prefer to call, we will be happy to speak with you, even if you simply want to discuss it with a "real person". What will you do as my agent? If you decide to let us represent you, we will contact publishers who we believe might be interested in your work and encourage them to read your manuscript. You will receive regular reports from us regarding the status of our search for a publisher (s) interested in reading your manuscript. We are, of course, always willing to speak with a client personally if he/she wants to speak with a "real person". What am I supposed to do during this time? The most difficult thing you will have to do at this point is to "have patience". This will be more difficult than you think!! You must also let us know if you have any questions or are unsure of the process at any point. We CANNOT read your mind! We would rather you call or write with concerns than have you worry needlessly. We truly don't mind occasional calls of concern...in fact, we absolutely prefer it to a worried client!!!! What if a publisher becomes interested? If a publisher becomes interested in purchasing the rights to publish your manuscript, we will negotiate the best contract possible with them on your behalf. We will notify you of every offer made for your material, even if we think it is a ridiculous offer. If you choose not to accept an offer, as your agent, it is our responsibility to notify the publisher of your refusal. If you accept an offer, it is our responsibility to negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf. Again, the final decision is yours! Desert Rose Literary Agency charges a 10% commission for all contracts signed with a publisher. This commission applies to all advances and royalties. What if I have a question you haven't answered? If you have a question we
haven't answered here, please feel free to contact us at:
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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS