Brown Literary Agency

Specializing in
Women's Fiction, Erotica, Single Title and Category Romance

1.) Do you represent unpublished authors?

The agency selectively reviews unpublished manuscripts. We are looking for polished material and a professional presentation.

2.) Can I query by email?

We accept brief queries by email, but do not read attachments. We prefer to review a printed proposal sent by UPS, Federal Express, or regular mail.

3.) What is a proposal?

First three consecutive chapters of the book, approximately 60-70 pages. Include a synopsis or overview, 3-5 pages. A synopsis is a strong evaluation tool for an agent. The agency is looking for a strong hook and page-turning plot. **Send only polished proposals. We do not read first drafts. Be sure to include a cover letter with a short author bio, highlighting your writing experience, organization and memberships, contest wins (if unpublished), and anything pertinent to your work. Indicate what genre your book is best suited. Your target audience. Enclose a SASE for our reply. Use delivery confirmation, but do not request a signature.

4.) How should the manuscript be formatted?

Each manuscript page should have a header: author's name, title of the book, and page number. Manuscript should be double-spaced. Use a 12-point typeface. Courier or Arial is easiest to read.

5.) How long does it take to reply to a submission?

It all depends on the influx of material. The agency receives a high-volume of submissions each week. We have two readers who give a preliminary review on each story. We try to read proposals within 4-6 weeks. Full manuscripts within 2 months. If not sooner.

6.) How hands on are you?

In the early stages of an author's career, we like to read all material submitted for editorial consideration. Once an author is published, she works closely with her editor. As long as we know the plot behind her next project, we may not read the book until it's released. We do not edit work. We will help plot, if an author finds herself with writer's block.

7.) Do you work with a written contract?

The agency has an author/agent contract. Very author friendly. We like business set in black and white. The contract specifies my obligations to our authors.

8.) What do you represent?

We represent what we love to read. Women's fiction, romance, and erotica. Nothing further. No men's fiction. No children or young adult material. No cookbooks. No non-fiction. No poetry or short stories.

9.) Do you split-payments with published authors?

We are agreeable to have the publisher send contractual payments directly to our authors and our commission directly to us.

10.) Are you able to speak at chapter meetings or conferences?

We attend RWA National, and on occasion, Romantic Times Conferences. Any request to do a workshop or panel would need to be made six months prior to the engagement.

11.) Describe your ideal client.

We consider all the authors we represent 'ideal'. In general, we're looking to work with someone dedicated. And professional. Someone who views writing as a career, not just a hobby. Someone who polishes her story; makes every word count. Someone whose style matures with each book. Someone who listens to her agent and editor, and takes their advice under consideration. Someone with creative vision and writing spirit.