Submission Policy:
JLLA/JLP represents authors for English-language publication outside their country of origin only. We do not accept Political & Documentary Works. Authors are required to review and certify the Author Submission Certification before manuscript evaluation begins. [Read Author Submission Certification →]
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to write directly in English?
No. We exclusively represent works originally written in Vietnamese or other Asian languages. Translation into English is a core part of what we do — it is required in all cases.
2. Do you charge any fees to represent authors?
No. JLLA/JLP charges no fees at any stage. All production costs — translation, editing, cover design — are advanced by JLLA/JLP and recouped only from earned royalties. Authors are never responsible for any expense they have not explicitly pre-approved in writing.
3. Do you help edit or coach my manuscript?
No. We do not offer paid editing or manuscript coaching. Authors are expected to submit completed, polished manuscripts suitable for professional evaluation. Editorial work on the translated English version is part of our three-stage translation workflow and is handled internally.
4. How long does the publishing process take?
It depends on which track you choose:
- Traditional Agency Track: 12–36 months from submission to first revenue, depending on publisher interest and contract negotiation.
- Self-Publishing Track: 10–16 weeks from manuscript receipt to live publication on global platforms.
Both tracks can be pursued simultaneously under separate agreements.
5. Will my entire novel be translated immediately?
It depends on the track:
- Traditional Track: We typically prepare sample translations of 2–3 chapters first to test publisher interest. Full translation follows only after a publisher agreement is reached.
- Self-Publishing Track: Yes — the complete manuscript is translated through our three-stage workflow (AI-assisted translation → bilingual quality review → English editorial polish) before publication.
6. Can I submit my manuscript to other agents or publishers?
Under the Traditional Track, if you sign an exclusive Author-Agent Agreement with JLLA/JLP, all submissions are handled exclusively through us. This protects your rights and avoids conflicts.
Under the Self-Publishing Track, the Self-Publishing Services Agreement covers only the English-language edition on global platforms and does not restrict other arrangements.
7. Do you guarantee publication?
No ethical agent can guarantee publication under the Traditional Track. We guarantee professional representation, not outcomes. Under the Self-Publishing Track, publication is guaranteed once the manuscript passes our eligibility check and the agreement is signed.
8. What genres do you represent?
We accept literary fiction, contemporary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, historical fiction (non-political), culturally focused narratives, middle-grade and young adult fiction, and narrative nonfiction and memoir.
We do not accept political fiction, documentary works, investigative journalism, or works addressing politically sensitive or contested topics. Professionally oriented nonfiction — including business, leadership, technology, and education — may be considered subject to editorial review. See our Legal & Compliance page for full scope details.
9. Do you offer self-publishing services?
Yes. JLLA/JLP’s Self-Publishing Division offers Asian authors a direct pathway to English-language readers through global platforms — Amazon KDP, Google Play Books, Kobo, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark — without waiting for traditional acquisition.
Key terms:
- Zero upfront cost — JLLA/JLP advances all production costs
- Author retains full copyright at all times
- 70% of net qualifying royalties to the author / 30% to JLLA/JLP
- Three-stage translation workflow: AI-assisted translation → bilingual quality review → English editorial polish
- Timeline: 10–16 weeks from manuscript receipt to live publication
10. What makes a manuscript suitable for international publishers?
Strong storytelling, cultural depth, clear market positioning, and a completed manuscript. For the Traditional Track, comparable titles in the English-language market are also important. For the Self-Publishing Track, a clearly defined genre and target readership are the key factors.
11. How does copyright work?
If your work has already been published in Vietnamese or another language, we can represent you as long as the English-language rights are available. This means we can work with you if:
- Your work is not currently under copyright, or
- You personally own the copyright, or
- Your current publisher holds rights only for the non-English version
Under the Self-Publishing Track, you retain full copyright at all times — JLLA/JLP never acquires ownership of your work.
In rare cases where a publisher holds all rights including English-language rights, we can only begin representation after that publishing contract expires.
12. Which track is right for me?
| 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 | 80% net to author / 20% JLLA/JLP | 70% net to author / 30% JLLA/JLP |
| Copyright | Licensed to publisher for term | Author retains at all times |
| Upfront cost | None | None — JLLA/JLP advances all costs |
Both tracks can be pursued simultaneously under separate agreements. See full process details →
13. What is the Author Submission Certification, and why is it required?
The Author Submission Certification protects both authors and JLLA by confirming ownership of the manuscript, compliance with applicable legal and rights obligations, and eligibility for submission before evaluation begins. Reviewing and certifying this policy is required of every author prior to manuscript evaluation.
“Our goal is not speed, but sustainability — building long-term international careers for Asian writers.”