of Mortimer Literary Agency represents clients in both the ABA and the CBA. Kelly gives each client personal attention, including manuscript editing. She made the top 10 (#6) of the Publisher’s Marketplace Top 100 Dealmakers - Romance Category in 2007, and is the American Christian Fiction Writers current “Agent of the Year.” Her agency is Romance Writers of America recognized. Kelly writes a monthly column for Christian Fiction Online magazine called “Gotta Get It,” as well as the “Ask an Agent” column for Romance Writers United.

Kelly Mortimer

As an agent, what types of stories are you looking for at this time?

As for genres, the list is on the agency Web site. As to stories, anything that makes me wanna turn the page and keep reading. Sadly, I don’t get too many of those.

What have you seen too much of lately, if anything?

Vampire stories. They suck the life outta me.

What is your favorite part of being an agent? Least favorite?

My favorite part of being an agent? I have a few: calling a writer to offer representation, negotiating deals, and calling a writer to tell them we got an offer.

My least favorite part is telling writers I can’t represent them, and telling my clients we’ve got a rejection.

Describe your dream author? And of course...the author from Hades?

My dream author is easy to deal with (no divas allowed), doesn’t take offense at my suggested edits, and writes something I can sell. Laughing at my dumb jokes is a plus.

The author from Hell? I wouldn't put it that way. Let’s go with “less desirable.” A writer who complains about editing or has a decrepit learning curve on editing (I don’t have the time to read the same thing three times), who goes overboard with back and forth e-mails, and doesn’t give me new stuff to sell if their old stuff has made the rounds.

What do you read for pleasure? Name three of your all time favorite books or authors.

Define “pleasure.” Sorry. I prefer Medievals, Suspense, Thrillers, and some Paranormals.

Tell us about a few titles you have coming out you are excited about

I’m excited about the second book in Julie Lessman’s inspirational historical “Daughters of Boston” series, A Passion Redeemed. I was her editing partner when I was writing, and edited her first manuscript, A Passion Most Pure, but only edited the partial of the second book. Can’t wait to read it.

Anything my clients write excites me, or I wouldn't have signed them.

How does one submit to you and do you accept e-queries?

I only take queries under limited circumstances. I keep a small list in able to give each client personal attention. My submission guidelines are on the agency site at www.mortimerliterary.com E-queries only, when applicable.

I only sign pre-published writers. To be exact: Those who haven’t sold a book to a traditional publishing house in the last three years. I don’t count e-pub, self-pub, or houses like Avalon that sell to libraries. Basically, if your book is on a shelf at Barnes & Noble, I’m not your gal. I’m here to give the little guy a shot. (Sorry, Nora, the answer is still no….)

And-- our new question section- an absolute take off of inside the actors studio-adapted for books (how's that for a switch)

INSIDE THE Agents STUDIO

Tell us your favorite movie

Rebecca, Sound of Music, Lord of the Rings, Medievals, and anything where Bruce Willis is blowin’ somethin’ up

Tell us your favorite protagonist-hero or heroine, your choice.

I’ll give ya both. Edlynne Winterbourne and Pierce de Godfrey (No, you’ve never heard of them because they’re my characters.)

What is your favorite word or phrase?

Boo-Yah!

Least favorite word or phrase?

“Pop,” as in, “That color of eye-shadow makes your eyes pop.”

If you weren’t an agent, you would be a __________.

Full-time handbag, briefcase, laptop carrier designer (my other business), instead of part-time.

Thanks for taking the time!!!!!