Literary Agent
N. Nasim Homer @HomerNasim
When you meet an agent at a lit conference, what is the appropriate way to approach them about your manuscript? Do you pitch them immediately or just let them know you would like to query them? Also is it okay to follow up a few months after or does time run out? #askPSLAGo ahead and talk about your book! They'll let you know if they'd like you to send a query or other material. And time doesn't run out—reach out when you're ready. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Ayana Gray @AyanaGray
Do you prefer a query letter to begin with metadata or jump straight into plot? And why? I know this varies depending on agency/agent. #askPSLADoesn't matter to me! As long as the metadata details are somewhere, I'm happy. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Rhiannon Lotze @RhiannonLotze
1. What common phrases about fictional works do you absolutely hate seeing in query letters?2. When an agent turns down a query, is it protocol to send them a final thank you email or should you leave them be to avoid cluttering their inbox?
#askPSLA
1. There aren't a lot, mainly just people talking about how funny the book is without actually telling a joke, or other similar things like "heart-breaking" etc when I should get that from the query.
2. You're fine either way, there's no real protocol!
#askPSLA
Literary Agent
🧠🌈 Steve Asbell @rainforestgardn
For author/illustrators, are you (or other agents) ever considering to work with the client even if the picture book dummy or manuscript isn't a good fit at the time? #askpslaIf a project wasn't the right fit, but I liked the author/illustrator's style, I would probably ask them to reach out with another book in the future. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Maria Vicente @msmariavicente
@kevintreaccar Illustration notes should only be used when the illustrations add understanding to the story that the reader won't get from the text alone. #askPSLAIf it's a project from an author/illustrator though, I want to see a complete dummy of the picture book and not just the text. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
N. Nasim Homer @HomerNasim
Is it okay to self-identify in a query (such as #POC or #OWN)? If so, where does that go in the letter? Is it toward the end when you give a short bio? #askPSLAIt's ok to do so if you want to, but no one should ever feel it's mandatory. You could put this info in the bio section or with the intro details (ex: "an own voices manuscript called ___"). #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Tesse Struve @StruveTesse
Is YA still a pretty hot genre? I’ve heard rumors it’s starting to slow in popularity. Thanks! #askPSLASales are starting to shrink and it's definitely starting to slow a bit, though it's by no means disappearing. I think middle grade is where people are really hungry for some truly excellent stuff, and there's a lot of breathing room for cool concepts! #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Jaynie Hylton @jayniehylton
Are publishers hesitant about hiring debut illustrators or does the strength of the portfolio outweigh inexperience? #askPSLAEvery editor I've talked to lately says they would love to find more illustrators to add to their pool! So I think the portfolio definitely outweighs inexperience, it's all about showing you can do the kind of work required--but exp does help get your name out there. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
jstevenson @jsteven38690251
I’m planning to use a pen name. I created a twitter username to match the pen name, but it has no other activity. I have zero twitter presence in my real name anyway. How much do agents care about that? #askPSLAIf you don't want to use twitter, then don't use twitter. It doesn't bother me if my clients aren't on a particular social media platform. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Kevin Treaccar @kevintreaccar
For PBs, how detailed do you like illustrator notes to be for an author/illustrator query? Do you want to see all pagination and illustration notes? Or mostly words with just the most important notes to avoid distracting from the story? Thank you. #AskPSLAIllustration notes should only be used when the illustrations add understanding to the story that the reader won't get from the text alone. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Diane Lash Decker @Lash_Decker
Hi there. #askPSLA Would you consider representing a picture book that was self-published and is being sold locally and in local libraries? @PSLiteraryI prefer to work on new projects. I have a longer explanation here: mariavicente.com/blog/why-agent… #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Amy G Nash, LCPC @trotter47
Would you advise a writer to seek an editor who o look over the manuscript before seeking an agent? #askPSLANo, that's hardly ever necessary. But if you're feeling like you need an extra boost or don't have critique partners for free help, it can certainly be useful to get feedback on your first 20 pages or so and learn how to apply that to the entire MS. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐢 🌶🤷🏽 @gabriellaienzi
#askPSLA more for @msmariavicente. I have an adult contemp about a 19yo chasing closure after a bad breakup (THE MOTHERS, THE FALCONER). But writing style is less literary, and more YA (Angie Thomas). Will that work for me or against me? (or indifferent lol)With a 19yo protagonist, this sounds more like YA than adult contemporary (just based on this small pitch). Compare it to published YAs with college-aged characters and see if it fits in. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
N. Nasim Homer @HomerNasim
When you meet an agent at a lit conference, what is the appropriate way to approach them about your manuscript? Do you pitch them immediately or just let them know you would like to query them? Also is it okay to follow up a few months after or does time run out? #askPSLAYou can pitch them if you want (assuming you mean in the hallway and not in a meeting), but querying is free so it may be better than memorizing a pitch. Instead consider asking them things to get insight into what they like/the industry and use that in your query later! #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Adriëlle @AdrielleBlaas
Is there anything you wish would make a comeback? Genre, trope, etc#askPSLA
I'm impatiently waiting for the next big vampire thing tbh. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Barbara Martinez @Libby2964
#askPSLA Will the market always be the #1 determining factor? I know this is a business but wonder if you have rejected something you would have liked to represent, but the market is not favorable. Thank you.It is always a factor in some way. I don't want to offer to represent someone's work if I don't think I can sell it. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
WRMiller @WRMiller2
@msmariavicente @kurestinarmada Is the market still hot for dragons? #askPSLAI don't think anything is ever really "out"—any topic just needs to have a really new twist. With so many books published every year, your concept needs to stand out. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Angelique Stefanelli 🦂 @ac_stefanelli
For adult fiction (fantasy in particular), what are the best ways to make certain readers aren’t turned off by younger MCs (child/teen aged)? And are adult POVs required if it’s adult fantasy? #askPSLAGenerally it's all about the way you write it--a common technique is to make it clear that the child POV is actually the adult "looking back" on events. I would do a lot of careful reading of ones that do this well, like the Farseer books! #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Adriëlle @AdrielleBlaas
What is you opinion of softer heroines in YA Fantasy compared to the current trend of hardened/angry ones? Are they a tougher sell? #askPSLAI don't think they affect the salability of a project at all, I've never heard an editor express strong feelings either way. The concept, writing, and strength of the voice are all going to matter way more than the particular personality of the MC. #askPSLA