Literary Agent
Colleen Dougherty @ColleenDoughrty
@litbeing @marchsoloway #okscbwichat Would you represent someone who is already self-published? Thanks!Yes, depending on the book and what their new project is. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Susan Burdorf @sburdorf
#okscbwichat @marchsoloway What do you do to help your writers get over blocks or the "imposter syndrome" so many authors suffer from? (Bonus points if the answer involves ice cream)I see myself as a cheerleader for my clients. Publishing is a tough business with a lot of rejection. I try to boost my clients when they're feeling down with lots of pep talks and reminders that I believe in them. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Colleen Dougherty @ColleenDoughrty
@litbeing @marchsoloway #okscbwichat I have multiple picture books I've written, when querying a picture book manuscript should I mention there are others? Thanks Valerie and Jennifer!Yes. If I like a #PB manuscript, I will ask the author to send 2-3 more projects. I want to see they have multiple stories that we might sell together. Not every #PB sells, and it's good to have many projects ready to go. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Susan Burdorf @sburdorf
#okscbwichat When reading manuscripts do you have a fave snack or place to go to read (do you leave the house or stay in? Coffee or tea (mine is hot cocoa no matter the time of year)? socks or slippers? Pandas or Otters? Which HP house? Are you coming to Nashville any time soon?Ha! I like to read in the bathtub, where I have privacy and quiet. I also read at my desk, in the car, on the sofa, in the grocery line--everywhere. And I'm a big coffee drinker--with milk, no sugar. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Valerie Lawson @litbeing
@marchsoloway When you decide to offer representation, what comes next? What can an author expect from you as an agent? #okscbwichatWe will talk about their projects and strategize the best ways to attain publication. Sometimes, we work editorially together first and then go on submission. Sometimes, an author will have a deal in hand, and I will negotiate, etc. It's case by case. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Justin Colón @JustinRColon
Okay, really my last question(s)!1) What do consider your strength(s) as an agent?
2) When considering a client, how do you decide whether you’d benefit a potential client by becoming their literary partner? What are you taking into consideration?
Thanks.
#okscbwichat
I think my strengths are my editorial skills and my communication skills, which includes transparency. I am looking for a partnership, and I want it to be the right fit, a win-win for us both. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Rachel Rosenthal ✍🏻 @RachelRosentha5
@marchsoloway My biggest fear is mustering up the strength to query a dream agent only to be rejected. Is it okay to continue submitting new manuscripts to an agent you like if they have turned you down in the past? #okscbwichatI cannot speak for all agents, but with me, no means not yet. Our agency accepts significant revisions after 6 months, and I encourage you to take advantage and revise. Sometimes (usually) it takes more than one revision, and if it's good, I'll want it. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Linda Camacho @LindaRandom
@litbeing Lol, of course! It tends to come down to market timing. Sometimes it's too late or too soon, sigh...(1/?) #okscbwichat...I've seen terrific manuscripts get passed over for being too "niche" or too like something already picked up (2/2 #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Valerie Lawson @litbeing
@LindaRandom So one bad project is okay? :) #okscbwichatLol, of course! It tends to come down to market timing. Sometimes it's too late or too soon, sigh...(1/?) #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Linda Camacho @LindaRandom
@litbeing I take on authors for (ideally) the duration of their career. I've had several whose projects didn't...(1/?) #okscbwichat...sell, so we've evaluated and moved on to the next project we think will have a better chance next time...(2/?) #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Valerie Lawson @litbeing
@LindaRandom /how long would you keep trying to sell a MS before letting the author go? #okscbwichatI take on authors for (ideally) the duration of their career. I've had several whose projects didn't...(1/?) #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Brenda Maier @MaierBrenda
@LindaRandom @litbeing #okscbwichat Have you ever been to Oklahoma before?I haven't, so I'm really excited! I love how SCBWI conferences let me get out of my NY bubble :) #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Linda Camacho @LindaRandom
@litbeing Info dump! Like an overly long flashback in the first scene or the narration/dialogue over explaining...(1/?) #okscbwichat...the character backstory. It shows me the author doesn't know where to start and doesn't trust the reader. (2/2) #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Valerie Lawson @litbeing
@LindaRandom What stops you reading? Any red flags in a manuscript that would signal an automatic pass from you? #okscbwichatInfo dump! Like an overly long flashback in the first scene or the narration/dialogue over explaining...(1/?) #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Holly Abston @holly_abston
As a picture book writer (or writer-illustrator), should we have a few polished manuscripts before querying? @lindarandom #okscbwichatYes! Whenever I consider taking on a PB client, I always ask for several other manuscripts to review. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Linda Camacho @LindaRandom
@holly_abston That it isn't personal, is highly subjective, and very much beyond a writer's control. The only thing... (1/?) #okscbwichat...a writer can control is their craft, so always keep building on that. In the meantime, keep hope alive! (2/2) #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Holly Abston @holly_abston
What is something you wish writers better understood about the query process or publishing in general? #okscbwichat @LindaRandomThat it isn't personal, is highly subjective, and very much beyond a writer's control. The only thing... (1/?) #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Lady Stranger @shawnee40day
Back to the historical fiction market question, did you refer to the "Tricky" market in adult or childrens? #okscbwichatI meant for children's. (I'm keeping this chat about kids, unless someone asks me a specific adult question.) #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Linda Camacho @LindaRandom
@TJ_Lange ...that's the first step. Then when you're researching, ask yourself what type of working relationship... (2/?) #okscbwichat...want with an agent. Someone professional and more distant? Someone who's more like a friend? Big? Newer? (3/3) #okscbwichat