When he founded a small press in 1992, lawyer Bruce Bortz believed he would be spending most of his time editing and publishing books. Yet, during the past dozen years, without looking for clients, he's found himself handling the full gamut of legal matters that involve book publishing. Hearing through word of mouth that he's a lawyer who understands the nitty-gritty details of book publishing, clients have searched him out.

A lawyer since 1978, he helped found "7 on Your Side," the consumer investigation unit of WJLA-TV in Washington, DC. In the early 1980s, he served as Assistant Bar Counsel to the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland, handling client complaints about Maryland lawyers. During the mid-1980s, he founded a program where he taught repeat failures how to pass the Maryland Bar Exam, and 80 percent succeeded. In all these activities, Bruce has always pulled for the underdog.

• Literary agents
• Dramatic rights agents
• U.S. book publishers
• U.S. reprint publishers
• Foreign publishers
• On-line publishers
• Audio publishers
• Book clubs
• Movie-makers (studios, producers, etc.)
• Anthology publishers
• Publishers of periodicals (involving excerpts)
• TV production companies

• Resolved or litigated copyright infringement claims; and resolved problems with the U.S. Copyright Office
• Litigated money disputes with publicists and other contractors
• Provided advice on the necessity of obtaining clearances for material quoted or used in their books
• Served as an expert witness in arbitrations against publishers
• Provided legal opinions to authors seeking or considering media insurance for their books

• Resolved disputes with printers
• Resolved disputes with distributors and wholesalers
• Resolved disputes with advertisers
• Negotiated and drafted joint venture agreements
• Negotiated settlements involving co-op advertising agreements

FEEDBACK

As Literary Attorney:

"I want to thank you for all your sage advice along the way to getting the final contract signed. I appreciate how you helped me understand the publishing industry from the inside—this was important in negotiating the contract. I especially appreciate your attention to detail and the excellent effort you put forth on my behalf. And, not so by the way, CCH’s editorial director told me she’d hire you if she ever needed an attorney."
—Susan Posner, Author, Federal Tax Course (CCH)

"Thanks so much for resolving so quickly, and to my satisfaction, my recurring financial problems with the book and jacket printer. A different, less favorable outcome would probably have occurred had I employed a lawyer who, unlike you, didn’t know the ins and outs of book publishing so intimately."
—Don Lessne, Publisher, Frederick Fell Publishers and Lifetime Books, Hollywood, FL

"I sincerely appreciate all your work on my Citicard and PublishAmerica problems. A bottle of champagne is headed your way. I couldn’t have done it without you."
—Lois Barg

"I got the check. Thanks SO much for your work! I got all the bills paid this morning, and feel like a new woman. You did a great job, and you were a life-saver. I'm most impressed, and glad I decided to use you. I've never used a lawyer before for anything like this. I'm SO thrilled about it!"
—Tammy S. Grimes, Owner/Operator, Crescent Communications (A Graphic Design Company)

"Bruce helped me resolve a business dispute that left me feeling like justice had been served. I recommend him wholeheartedly and would employ his services again. Throughout the entire time, it was clear that Bruce is very good at what he does and really does care about his clients. He has an old-fashioned work ethic, is tenacious, and is the person I'd want to have in my corner!"
—Bob Pailet, Denver

"I wanted to let you know that my negotiations with Wiley went very well.  They agreed to give me the copyright, increased the royalty percentage, and may agree to the requested advance. Thanks for all your advice."
—Julie Harrer, Hamlet Auditing Corp., Solana Beach, CA

As book editor:

"I have gotten to know Bruce in the course of his editing and publishing the novels of a colleague and friend …and then in the editing, publication and promotion of a novel of my own, Paul and Juliana. The latter was my fifteenth published book, and never in my writing life have I worked with someone who was more responsive, literarily acute, or more infectiously enthusiastic.
"Bruce is a fine writer, which, I suppose, is how he manages to be responsive and helpful to such a wide variety of texts and voices. He shares the kind of intelligence that can quickly come to terms with the literary task at hand, shape it, clarify it, tease it out into its best self. He is a good example of the kind of writer and editor who was at large when the publishing business was about advancing literature, not merely marketing. I recommend Bruce for his intelligence, writing acuity, and quick, courteous delivery of what he promises."
—Richard Hawley, Author of The Headmaster’s Papers, Headmaster of Cleveland’s University School, and founding president of the International Boys’ School Coalition

"My novel was a small work that was intensely dark and brooding. Upon Bruce’s request, I took it home and carefully lightened aspects of the story, however slightly, and gave it back. At that point, he said, ‘Enough.’That ‘enough’ might sound minor, but it is actually huge. Knowing when to stop editing is as important as recognizing what a book needs, what is missing, and what should be missing. Bruce has a keen eye for these details. He has a great zeal for books and pages and rhythm and intention. Without his efforts, The Reappearance of Sam Webber would’ve lacked air. With his efforts, it breathed, and that breath fanned a fire. Before The Reappearance of Sam Webber, I was an unpublished author. When all was said and done, just one year later, I was a multi-award winning writer with a well-known book and a very hot career. Bruce not only published the book, but he carried it through the ins and outs of the industry. He navigated treacherous terrain and got my work seen and read. I don’t believe there are many people out there with his singular ability and desire. Would I hire Bruce to handle my work? Absolutely! He can guide a writer through the intricacies of a story arch to the final, polished product. Then, if need be, he can carry a book through secret, often-closed passageways, from anonymity to prominence. Now, I should say, I don’t think any individual can create this type of magic every time. That would be impossible. But I have no doubt that a man as driven as Bruce to show the world beautiful, important works of literature will get luckier—if luck is what you call it—far more frequently than many in the industry can possibly imagine."—Jonathon Scott Fuqua

"I am happy to learn that Bruce is entering the editing/ghostwriting business. Its wonderful services are much needed. Many writers I know have interesting and very provocative book ideas—ideas that, if well constructed, could be fashioned into good, marketable books that will sell well. But these days, unlike in the past, many editors at most large commercial publishers are so overwhelmed, they have very little time to help an author shape a book—even one with significant potential. I’ve found editors unable to spend time even talking with me about an array of ideas I wanted to incorporate into books they’d just purchased. The response I received was, ‘Just go ahead and put it in the book. I’ll see how it works.’ Any writer will attest to the fact that the relationship with an editor is key to his or her success, and, truthfully, to the success of a book. My friends and I frequently lament the absence of this close working and nurturing relationship. However, I and many of my fellow book writers have pledged to spend our own money, if necessary, to have that important interaction with an editor willing to take the time to understand what we’re trying to achieve with our books and help us reach that goal.

"Because of his work on my first book, I wouldn't hesitate to employ Bruce as an editor. I want and very much need not simply a good, competent editor, but one who’ll take the time to understand what I want to accomplish in a book, and in so doing, help me become a better writer."
--Jonetta Rose Barras, author of the acclaimed Last of the Black Emperors (Bancroft Press, 1998) and Daddy’s Little Girl (Ballantine One World, 2000)

"I’ve had the privilege to work with Bruce on several writing and editorial projects. He is the master! When ghostwriting, he has a unique talent for drawing out those things from the author that make a difference to the storyline. When editing, he instinctively knows what needs to be done to the manuscript in order for it to touch its reader with the greatest impact. And he always has the long-term interest of the project in mind. He begins planning the marketing campaign the first day he is introduced to a work, including how the cover should look and how to gain the most attention from the media. I got much more than I expected from Bruce and highly recommend him as an integral member of any publishing team."
—Jill Bertolet, Publisher, Tapestry Press

Author Acknowledgements (from their Published books)

For fiction…

"For me, writing a first novel was a harrowing experience. Special thanks to Bruce, the most perspicacious editor and publisher around."
—Bill O’Reilly, Those Who Trespass: A Novel of Murder and Television

"Thanks to Bruce for taking a first-time author and making him a published author, and for raising his own concerns and listening to mine."
—Jeffrey Cohen, For Whom the Minivan Rolls: An Aaron Tucker Mystery

"Thanks, again, to Bruce, who perseveres when all signs indicate he shouldn’t, and I’m glad."
—Jeffrey Cohen, Author, A Farewell to Legs: An Aaron Tucker Mystery

"I need to lavish praise on Bruce, not just for his input in the novel itself, but for his penchant for dreaming big dreams. His work ethic, determination, and doggedness would have made him a Wall Street titan, had he chosen that route instead of the more difficult pathway of publishing."
—Ken Morris, Man in the Middle

"Thanks to Bruce, who patiently endured a prolonged dance with a particularly skittish author, but with whom I embark on this adventure with nothing but high hopes."
—Tom Matthews, Like We Care

"I can't thank you enough for the value of your insights. Wow! Clearly, you have a gift for this. Others just put their critique in terms of gut feeling, and can't (or don't want to take the time to) articulate in a useable way what is wrong with a manuscript and what would make it better."
—Dr. Dinah Miller, Home Inspection

"More than anything else, aspiring first-timer novelists need an opportunity to show the public their wares. For giving me the break that so many deserving writers never get, I am eternally grateful to Bruce, my publisher, editor, and friend. I also thank him for his wisdom and perceptive eye. Both have greatly benefited this work."
—Arch Montgomery, Hank: The First Novel of the Gunpowder Trilogy

"Bruce loves bringing books to life. Without him, Lonesome Song would be another mass of bits encoded on a hard drive. I’m not sure how you thank someone for making a dream come true."
—Elliott Light, Lonesome Song: A Shep Harrington Smalltown Mystery

And non-fiction…

"Thanks to Bruce, who first envisioned this book, awoke in a cold sweat, and still decided to go through with the project. This is a brave man—not to mention the best publisher a guy could ask for."
—Kevin Cowherd, Last Call at the 7-Eleven: Fine Dining at 2 A.M., The Search for Spandex People, and Other Reasons to Go On Living

"There’s no thank-you big enough for Bruce. He read eight years’ worth of columns in one week and guided me, humorously, intelligently, and respectfully, through the arduous and baffling process of shaping a book out of them. For the book, he also asked me to write a bunch of additional columns on work because, he said, I hadn’t really focused on the subject in any of my previously published columns."
—Sandi Kahn Shelton, You Might As Well Laugh: Surviving the Joys of Parenthood

"He kept telling me I had something valuable to say. I now believe he was right."
—Julius Westheimer, Generation of Wealth: Time-Tested Rules for Worry-Free Investing

"I am deeply grateful to Bruce. He recognized the need to re-examine the links between loneliness and premature death, and was willing to assume the risks, as well as expend the time and energy, involved in bringing this book to fruition. His support and patience, as well as his wisdom and enthusiasm, are deeply appreciated."
—James J. Lynch, A Cry Unheard: New Insights into the Medical Consequences of Loneliness

"Thanks for taking the chance, while allowing me to retain my voice throughout."
—Gus Russo, Live by the Sword: The Secret War Against Castro and the Death of JFK

"Thanks to Bruce, who saw in these essays, gathered together, something like the book I saw in them."
—Robert Kanigel, Vintage Reading: A Personal Tour of Some of the World’s Best Books

"Bruce gets special thanks for his hard work, diligence, and perseverance on the many and complicated editorial aspects of this project. When someone shows an unwavering desire to publish the very best book possible, who could ask for more?"
—Mary Gabriel, The Art of Acquiring: A Portrait of Etta & Claribel Cone

"I am especially grateful to Bruce, whose unique publisher’s perspective was accompanied by much encouragement and numerous thoughtful suggestions on the text."
—Kenneth Lasson, Author, Trembling in the Ivory Tower: Excesses in the Pursuit of Truth and Tenure

"Thanks to Bruce Bortz, who not only conceived the idea of this book, but took a gamble on me."
—Jon Morgan, Glory for Sale: Fans, Dollars, and the New NFL

"Few editors have won my all-around praise, but I have only accolades for Bruce."
—Jonetta Rose Barras, Last of the Black Emperors: The Hollow Comeback of Marion Barry in the New Age of Black Leaders

"I acknowledge with thanks Bruce, who appreciated this story, guided me through its development, and saw it to fruition."
—Susan Laubach, The Whole Kitt & Caboodle: A Novel Leading Towards Investment Enlightenment

"Many, many thanks to Bruce for forcing me to focus, and for challenging me to dig deep inside myself to reveal more of my feelings than I thought I could."
—Herman Cain, CEO of Self: You’re in Charge

"You put it in words far better than I ever could."
—Nathan Chapman, Co-Author (with Bruce Bortz), The Chapman Way to Enrich America: Investing in Our Domestic Emerging Markets