Welcome to Fortis Literary
We are a boutique literary agency providing a voice to high-quality authors & illustrators.
Our Focus
Illustrated Children’s Books
We are looking for unique story lines with exceptional artistic skill. Works focusing on wonder, delight, and personal growth are ideal.
Youth Leadership & Adventure
Fiction and non-fiction works requiring youth (ages 8-18) to show courage, stamina, pluck, and a willingness to endure a struggle.
Family Adventure & Sacrifice
Fiction and non-fiction works involving a family (of any size) working through extreme challenges (sickness, war, shipwreck, etc.)
About Us
Our History
Our founder, Mike Harkin, grew up in the great state of Montana, full of scenic rivers, big mountains, and the occasional bear coming through a window (seriously).
In college, Mike was a curious fellow, studying the ancient classical languages, as well as broader studies in history, philosophy, literature, theology, economics, and astronomy.
Later, he joined the Marines, ran his own small business, got an MBA, founded two schools, and taught high school rhetoric, literature, and history courses. Busy, busy, busy.
Through all his adventures, Mike never lost his love of great literature. This merging of business savvy and the perennial pursuit of a good story form the heart of Fortis Literary.
Our Vision
If you join Mike’s team, he will provide you deep business and sales experience, accountability, and an intuitive eye for recognizing stories that sing.
He will also tell you that half of having a successful book is finding your readers. This means that the writing/illustrating work is just the beginning.
So, if you are unwilling to put in the sweat equity needed to successfully connect the dots with your audience, then Fortis Literary is not a good fit for you.
If, however, you truly believe in your vision and are willing to put in the time, then reach out and connect with us. Who knows what lies around the bend?
Still round the corner there may wait, a new road or a secret gate. – Bilbo Baggins, The Fellowship of the Ring
FAQ
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Pricing is typically tied to a percentage of the net profit per sale. This way our success is tied to your success. There are no startup costs to contract with Fortis Literary.
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From our standard contract, we provide "business management, sales, publication negotiations, and marketing the artistic work".
You maintain total creative control of your project. Our job is to help you find your market, not to make you change your work to fit a market.
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We expect you to meet all writing/ illustration deadlines, be willing to consider minor edits (you will always have the final say) and - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT - "work with the Agent to build the brand and marketing plan. "
If you are not willing to put in the time to help find your readers, then FL is not a good fit. We will guide you and do much of the heavy lifting but you have to care enough about your project to find your audience.
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There are three paths to publishing.
First, a Big 5 publishing house. Second, an independent publishing house. Third, self-publishing.
Each option is viable, depending upon where you are in your literary journey.
Just always remember, whatever path you choose, the 50/50 spilt. 50% of the work is writing/illustrating your book. 50% is finding your audience and marketing your book.
The job isn't done till your work is in the hands of your buyer – and your royalty is in your pocket.
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We'll start with a free consultation to determine where you are in the writing/illustration process.
If your project has promise, we'll follow-up with another free consultation to discuss your ultimate goals and whether Fortis Literary is the right place for your project.