JLLA/JLP offers two distinct pathways to English-language publication. Choose the track that fits your work and goals — or pursue both simultaneously under separate agreements.
Track 1: Traditional Agency Representation
In this track, JLLA/JLP represents your manuscript to U.S., UK, and international publishers, negotiating on your behalf for a publishing contract.
Phase 1 — Pre-Submission
- Review JLLA/JLP submission guidelines and confirm rights ownership
- Optional: submit a query or outline for a preliminary fit check
Phase 2 — Formal Submission
- Submit complete manuscript + required materials: synopsis, author bio, author statement, and sample translation if available
Phase 3 — Intake Screening (~1 week)
- JLLA/JLP checks completeness, basic quality, and fit
- Manuscript is either declined or moved to full editorial review
Phase 4 — Initial Editorial Review (≤2 weeks)
- Editorial feedback provided
- Revisions or additional materials may be requested
Phase 5 — Author Revision Cycle (variable)
- Author submits updated manuscript
- One revision cycle maximum
Phase 6 — Final Evaluation (≤2 weeks after last revision)
- Go/No-go decision
- If declined: brief rationale provided
Phase 7 — Representation Agreement (1–2 weeks)
- Scope confirmed: territories, languages, formats
- Author-Agent Agreement negotiated and signed
- Commission, expenses, duration established
Phase 8 — Market Positioning (~1 week)
- Target markets identified; comparable titles selected
- Priority publishers and editors identified
- Pitch angle developed
Phase 9 — Submission Packet Preparation (≤2 weeks)
- Pitch letter, synopsis, author bio, sample chapters prepared
- Internal review and approval
Phase 10 — Publisher Submission (≤1 week)
- Manuscript sent to curated publisher list
- Submissions tracked and logged
Phase 11 — Follow-Up & Outreach (rolling)
- Regular follow-up with publishers
- Author updated throughout
Phase 12 — Publisher Interest Window (8–12 weeks)
- Responses collected; rejections and requests managed
Phase 13 — Final Submission Packet (8–12 weeks)
- Professional translation + editing of 2–3 sample chapters
- Quality control before delivery to interested publishers
Phase 14 — Offer Management
- Multiple offers evaluated if applicable
- Negotiation strategy developed
Phase 15 — Contract Negotiation (2–4 weeks)
- Terms negotiated: advance, royalties, rights, delivery, timeline
- Legal review coordinated with U.S. counsel
Phase 16 — Pre-Publication Coordination
- Translation scope, editing plan, and delivery schedule aligned with publisher
Phase 17 — Publisher-Led Production
- JLLA/JLP supports publisher timelines and requests
- Rapid response expected from author
Phase 18 — Marketing & Promotion
- Author participation: interviews, events, social media
- Coordinated with publisher and JLLA/JLP
Phase 19 — Post-Deal Management (ongoing)
- Royalty tracking, payments, and reporting
- Ongoing rights management: foreign, film, audio
Typical total timeline to first revenue: 12–36 months
Track 2: Self-Publishing Division
In this track, JLLA/JLP manages the full production and global distribution of your English-language edition — without waiting for traditional acquisition. You retain full copyright at all times.
Phase 1 — Submission & Eligibility Check (1–2 weeks)
- Submit complete manuscript + required materials: author bio, cover letter, author statement, synopsis, rights confirmation
- JLLA/JLP confirms world English rights are clear and manuscript is eligible
Phase 2 — Self-Publishing Services Agreement (1–2 weeks)
- Agreement negotiated and signed
- Terms confirmed: 70% author / 30% JLLA/JLP commission on net qualifying royalties
- Production costs (translation, editing, cover design) advanced by JLLA/JLP; recouped only from earned royalties
Phase 3 — Three-Stage Translation Workflow (2–6 weeks)
Stage 1 — AI-Assisted Translation (1–5 days) The complete manuscript is translated using advanced AI platforms, producing a structurally accurate, readable English draft.
Stage 2 — Bilingual Quality Assurance (5–14 days) A qualified bilingual reviewer checks linguistic accuracy, idiomatic fidelity, cultural nuance, and tonal register.
Stage 3 — English Editorial Review (5–14 days) An English-language editor refines the manuscript for fluency, narrative voice, and literary quality. The final output reads as if originally written in English.
Phase 4 — Production (1 week)
- Professional cover design
- Metadata optimization (title, description, categories, keywords)
- Interior formatting for ebook and print
Phase 5 — Platform Upload & Approval (~1 week)
- Uploaded to Amazon KDP, Google Play Books, Kobo, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark
- Platform review and approval: approximately 24–72 hours per platform
Phase 6 — Live Publication
- Ebook, paperback, and audiobook editions available globally
- Author receives reporting dashboard access
Phase 7 — Royalty Distribution (ongoing)
- Platforms pay royalties approximately every 30–90 days
- JLLA/JLP distributes author share (70%) after recouping agreed production costs
- Ongoing catalog earnings with no expiration
Typical total timeline from manuscript receipt to live publication: 10–16 weeks
Which Track Is Right for You?
| Traditional Track | Self-Publishing Track | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Literary prestige, prize eligibility, bookstore placement | Fast path to readers, genre fiction, series, catalog building |
| Timeline | 12–36 months | 10–16 weeks |
| Advance | Yes, if acquired | No |
| Royalties | Per publisher contract | 70% of net to author |
| Copyright | Licensed to publisher for term | Author retains at all times |
| Agreement | Author-Agent Agreement | Self-Publishing Services Agreement |
| Upfront cost | None | None — JLLA/JLP advances all costs |
Both tracks can be pursued simultaneously under separate agreements.
© 2025 Jade Lotus Literary Agency/Jade Lotus Press is the representation arm of US Global Connect, LLC (USA)