Tale Trackers Collective

Your Guide for Emerging Talent

Submission Guidelines

We embrace a wide spectrum of both fiction and nonfiction, provided they align with the evaluations of our professional critics. Our commitment to quality storytelling means that we are always on the lookout for innovative ideas, authentic voices, and narratives that resonate with readers.

Whether you're a seasoned author or a first-time writer, we believe every story has the potential to make an impact. We encourage you to submit your query for consideration, as we are excited to discover new perspectives that challenge conventions and inspire change.

Your work could be the next important addition to our catalog, and we look forward to reviewing your submission with an open mind and a keen interest in your unique vision. Let’s embark on this literary journey together!

IN THE PRESS

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“Alexander believed in my work before anyone else did. His guidance and persistence helped secure my first traditional book deal — he changed the future of my writing career.”

— Elena Parker, The Memory of Light

“He is more than an agent — he is a partner in creativity and success. Alexander’s vision shaped my book into the best version of itself.”

— Marcus Hale, A Quiet Rebellion

“From start to finish, Alexander fought for my story. Because of him, I’m now a published author. He makes the impossible feel possible.”
— Jenna Ruiz, Uncharted Faith

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Working with Amara del Toro and Victoria Munro has been a game-changer for my writing career. She has a unique ability to connect with authors and truly understand my vision, providing insightful feedback that enhances the overall narrative.

What impressed me the most was her extensive network within the publishing industry. Amara's relationships with respected agents and publishers opened doors for me that I had only dreamed of. Their strategic guidance on how to position my work in the market was invaluable.

Beyond their professional acumen, Amara is approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in the success of their clients. I felt encouraged every step of the way, and their enthusiasm for literature is infectious.

Garrard Conley

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Partnering with Amara Del Toro has been one of the best decisions I've made for my writing career. Her expertise is unparalleled. Amara took the time to deeply understand my vision and provided insightful feedback that truly shaped my manuscript.

Their network within the publishing industry is impressive, and they utilized those connections to help position my work effectively. I was amazed at how quickly they were able to introduce me to potential agents who were genuinely interested in my story.

What I appreciated most was her approachable demeanor; she made the entire process feel collaborative and supportive. I always felt heard and valued as an author. If you're serious about elevating your writing and navigating the complexities of publication, I cannot recommend Amara del Toro highly enough!

Isabel Banta

In The Press

BIO

Alex Field has built a two-decade career in book publishing and journalism, beginning as an editor and publisher and even spending time at the Los Angeles Times right after college. Before founding The Bindery, he held the position of vice president and publisher for multiple Penguin Random House imprints.

His reading tastes span a wide range—he enjoys the works of Wendell Berry, James Baldwin, and Mary Oliver just as much as he dives into new novels by N.K. Jemisin, Michael Chabon, Naomi Novik, or Dave Eggers. He’s equally drawn to niche books on topics like Radiohead and philosophy, personal pilgrimage memoirs, and biographies of creatives, business leaders, and booksellers.

Because of these diverse interests, he represents authors across several genres, including religion and spirituality, memoir and biography, self-help, pop culture, parenting, relationship guidance, and carefully selected fiction—particularly sci-fi and fantasy.

Amara Del Toro is a dedicated Talent Curator specializing in discovering exceptional writers and transformative stories. With experience as a literary coordinator to the esteemed literary agent Kuristin Armanda, she has gained a deep understanding of the publishing industry and the art of storytelling.

Currently working on a contract basis for industry-leading publishing houses, Amara collaborates with prestigious literary organizations such as the National Book Critics Circle and other major literary collaborators worldwide. She works closely with respected literary agents, including Alexander Field, Jamie Carr, Brettne Bloom, Julie Barer, and Sophie Cudd.

Her mission is to connect emerging authors with the opportunities they deserve, helping to bring captivating narratives to life.

Bio

How Much Can a First-Time Author Earn?

When I meet with first-time authors, there’s one question that always comes up sooner or later:

“What kind of advance should I expect?”

If you’re wondering about this, you’re not alone. But first, let’s clear the air:

What Is an Advance?

An advance is an upfront payment from a publisher made “against future royalties.” It’s essentially the publisher’s way of betting on your book. They estimate how many copies they believe your book can sell, what those sales will earn in royalties, and then pay you a portion of that estimate in advance.

You won’t receive additional royalty checks until your book sales have covered (or “earned out”) the advance. Once the advance is fully earned back, the publisher starts paying you royalties on each additional copy sold.

Is There a Going Rate?

Here’s the truth: there is no official “going rate” for first-time authors. Every book deal is unique. Factors like:

the strength of the concept,
the quality of the writing,
the author’s platform and visibility,
current cultural interest, and
competition among publishers

…all play into the equation.

That said, there are patterns — and the gap between having an agent and going it alone is dramatic.

Without an Agent

Authors who submit directly to smaller presses, university publishers, or niche independents often find themselves on the low end of the advance spectrum. Typical offers can range from $5,000 to $20,000, sometimes even less. In these cases, the author may be thrilled simply to land a book deal, but the financial upside is limited.

Publishers in this space are taking on less financial risk and usually investing less in marketing and promotion. A small advance often signals that the publisher’s back-end support will be modest too.

With an Agent

Here’s where things get interesting. A first-time author represented by an experienced literary agent can expect a much wider—and higher—range of offers.

Typical range: New authors with an agent may receive advances starting around $80,000.
Competitive deals: If multiple publishers are interested, an auction may drive the number upward.
High ceiling: For the right book, with the right timing and positioning, advances can climb into the six figures and in some cases, well over $1 million.

Why the leap? Because an agent knows how to position a manuscript, create competition among publishers, and negotiate aggressively. Agents also know which editors are actively seeking certain kinds of projects, which means the book lands on the right desk, in the right house, at the right moment.

Put simply: an agent doesn’t just help you “get in the door.” They help ensure that once you’re in, your book is valued at its highest possible worth.

Why the Difference Matters

A publisher’s advance is more than just money in the bank. It’s a signal of their commitment to your project.

A smaller advance usually means less risk for the publisher, and often less marketing push.
A larger advance means the publisher has made a big bet—and they will work hard to earn it back by putting resources into marketing, publicity, and distribution.

In other words, the size of your advance often mirrors the size of the publisher’s long-term investment in your book’s success.

Realistic Expectations for First-Time Authors

So what should you expect?

If you go solo, likely $5,000–$20,000.
With an agent, a realistic window is $80,000–$500,000 for many first-time authors, with exceptional cases reaching $1 million+ if the project sparks competitive interest.

Of course, there are no guarantees. Every deal is a gamble, and every publisher calculates risk differently. But the pattern is clear: representation dramatically shifts the numbers in your favor.

Final Thought

Most authors don’t enter publishing to chase a huge payday. But if you’re hoping to build a sustainable career as a writer, an advance matters—not just because of the money, but because of the marketing commitment that comes with it.

An agent can’t guarantee you a million-dollar deal. What they can do is dramatically improve your chances of landing the best possible offer for your work, whether that’s a five-figure debut or a six-figure breakthrough.

If you’re a first-time author dreaming of a career in books, know this: the right representation can make the difference between a modest check and a life-changing contract.