Jessica Alvarez

Yes, please withdraw, especially if the agent has requested material, but even for just the query. #askagent

Hmm. In the body of a query, I just want a few lines about the series. If I request a series overview, it’s usually with chapters or a manuscript, and I like a paragraph or two to introduce the series, then a paragraph or two per book. #askagent

It depends on the agency. At BookEnds, you can query another agent. But at some agencies, a no from one is a no from all. #askagent

I’m hearing of a lot of offers being made—and I’m considering making a few myself. #askagent

It’s a bit of all three. I’ve taken on books I knew would be challenging in the market because I couldn’t live without them, but the wants of the market do play a role a good portion of the time. #AskAgent

I genuinely don’t think conferences give you an advantage. Yeah, there’s the personal connection, but a conference pitch tells me nothing about your writing. I MUCH prefer getting queries to conference pitches. #AskAgent

For me, it usually means something in the way the story is told or written didn’t draw me in. It might be overly descriptive or overly chirpy or too dry. Any number of things, really. Another thing that’s subjective, though. #AskAgent

Yes. Something about it being the first in a potential series but can stand alone is good. I’d also include a short description of the series. Just a line or two. #AskAgent

Possibly. If you’re published in children’s and are querying an adult thriller, I’m going to want to see a full. But if it’s within the same genre, a partial is probably fine. #askagent

I don’t think so. I always advise authors to start something brand new and unrelated. If the first doesn’t sell, you’ll have to make the second a standalone. Or, if it does sell, an editor might have different ideas for a second book. Better to start something fresh. #askagent

They work for me. Part of what attracted me to @TaraLeighBooks ‘ originally was her query used Billions and the Wolf of Wall Street as comps. #askagent

You can. You might still be told no, but that’s the worst that can happen. #askagent

Gotcha. Are you working on another book? That’s what you should be doing as you wait for an answer. And, if that next book is done, start querying that. #askagent

Oh, yes, definitely say it’s a revision—and outline what has been changed. #askagent

Nudge again, but otherwise keep querying widely! #askagent

A page with standard manuscript formatting is roughly 250 words, so 10 pages would be 2500 words, give or take a little bit. #askagent

Unless it’s option material that we’re contractually obligated to only send to one editor, we send it to a bunch at the same time. #askagent

I can’t answer this. It really varies too much by genre and format to say. #askagent

Well, my preferred editor for clients is me. I almost never refer my clients to outside editors. I think the same is true for others at BookEnds. You want your manuscript to be polished when submitting to agents, but that doesn’t necessarily require professional editing #askagent

The big thing is whether I want to see that book again and if I have ideas to make it stronger. I don’t want to encourage a writer with an R&R unless I’m truly interested. And, truthfully, I’m more likely to just offer and take a chance than give an R&R. #askagent