Jessica Faust

Never at the same time. At least at @bookendslit if one agent passes you are welcome to query another. #askagent #askbookends

Hmmm. That's a question I'm not sure I know the answer to. @bookendslit #askagent #askbookends

The blurb is your cover copy so you never want to reveal the twist in the blurb. Leave that for the synopsis. To better shape your query blurb, spend time writing cover copy for your favorite books & compare to actual copy. #amquerying #askagent

Every agent is different. At @bookendslit we post our response times on our website. For requested material we ask that you give us 12-16 weeks (I believe). #askagent I think 3-6 months is plenty long.

Not for fiction. You can be a nobody with zero followers for fiction. That will grow of course with your career. Nonfiction authors typically need a stronger platform. #askagent

A title can definitely help make, but it won't always break. I would suggest trying to come up with a strong title, ensuring it fits the genre, & then be ready for it to change. #askagent It doesn't need to be perfect, but it should be representative.

Absolutely! Any professional writing experience is always worth mentioning in a query. #askagent

I think @whitleyabell's post is spot on. Don't write in rhetorical questions. Include title, word count & genre. The blurb should read like a book blurb (that's what a blurb is), and include some bio so we get to know you. #askagent

Most agencies do not hire outside editors. @bookendslit agents edit their own authors prior to submission to sell to publishers/editors. I would not object to an author hiring an editor if that's what she wants to do. #askagent

They could, but at this point it is what it is. Go out strong with your next book, pitch it well, write it well and worry about the name later. Different agents and pubs will have different opinions on that. #askagent

I think you should. I don't see any reason to put yourself in waiting mode. It only takes the power away from you & unnecessarily delays thing. Query away. Also, if you have top choice agents with the first, query the 2nd. Why not? #askagent

I'm always happy to answer questions. If the nonfiction is self-improvement/self-help a proposal is fine. You can find more information here: bookendsliterary.com/2009/01/05/wha…
#amquerying #askagent Good luck!

I only rep adult and YA books, but others at @bookendslit also rep illustrators and graphic novelists as well as picture books, etc. #askagent

I'll start this off. What was the most surprising thing about your internship at @bookendslit? I mean, besides the witty repertoire between @jamerrson and me. #askagent #askBookEnds

No ghosting should just be a standard rule of life. I agree on updates. I'll admit, sometimes if I have nothing to report I lose track of how much time has gone by & hope authors who are wondering will also send the occasional email. #askagent

I think that truth is where it becomes difficult for some authors/agents. Some agents are afraid to really tell their authors the truth for fear of being fired. So yes, at times fear controls agents too. #askagent

Thank you for the thoughtful questions. Have faith that most agents are truly hard-working people who believe in their role as and author/illustrator advocate. Most of us are good apples. #askagent.

Mmm. Maybe. Since I don’t personally rep illustrators I’m not the full expert on this. #askagent

Remember. The author/illustrator is actually the client so that should not be the case. Although sometimes, long periods can go by with nothing to report. In those times a wondering author needs to reach out. #askagent

Writers/Authors/illustrators — I was asked this terrific question & while I have/had answers & opinions I ask you— What can agents do to better protect you? To make you feel secure in this partnership? #askagent