Heather Cashman

If it's super brief, then yes. If it's out with other agents, absolutely. #askagent

For me, a synopsis can tell me if the writer can plot and achieve a satisfying character arc. So if I'm requesting the full and the synopsis is questionable, I might ask some follow-up questions. #askagent

Maybe voice, characters, or plot isn't quite right. There are loads of reasons things end up not being a good fit. Maybe we can't imagine reading it over and over even though it's a great book. So it's not the perfect fit. It's difficult to even say this but reality. #askagent

I agree with these too. I'll circle back to the one that has the most promise. Or sometimes it's just not a good 'first' sale but will be better suited to an author who already has a platform and would do well then. They aren't wasted words, no matter what though. #askagent

Everything has its cycles. And comps--I look them up and so yes, it helps anyway. I often read the pages first anyway. #askagent

Yes. I think these topics can be commercial. They do fit with a wide audience and can reach a broad readership, and should imo. Lots of other things can be layered in too that will make it even more universal. #askagent

Something I can't put down! It should keep me up at night, make me regret that I am mortal and require sleep, and something I want to read again and again. #askagent

Your book is published in a single age category. So that is the age category of the galley. Perhaps I am not understanding the question though, so feel free to follow up. #askagent

For me, this is a matter of writing to the market vs. what the story demands. I'd consider (IMO) if the themes, character arcs, personalities, content, and general storyline are appropriate for MG vs. YA. Not all stories can be transposed that easily and still work. #askagent

I would love that. #askagent

I prefer a short half or whole sentence about it, but it's not a negative if it's not there either. #askagent

I'm not sure about this. I would have a really difficult time trusting people with my manuscripts if I didn't have a longer-term relationship with them. I would highly suggest meeting people at conferences. But also, I know it does work for a lot of people. #askagent

Not for me. But I might (and probably will) ask about this if it progresses to the point of a call. #askagent

No. I just love unique premises that lean toward the commercial with writing that leans literary. This is probably no help at all. #askagent Feel free to ask more specifics if you want.

I can't speak for other agencies or even other agents at Storm, but I don't usually have any number in mind. It's all about what I absolutely fall head over heels for and will be devastated if I let it go. #askagent

For me, the stopping point can happen at any time. It can be a lot of reasons that make me stop reading. Perhaps the plot falls apart, the characters become inconsistent, etc. #askagent

I appreciate when authors do this, because I'm hoping to build my MG, YA, and Adult lists and so, it at least gives me the opportunity to grow that way with that author if I really love the PB as well. #askagent

I think a lot of form rejections could mean several things. Are they mostly coming without pages or without asking for pages? It could be the query or premise isn't unique or compelling enough. #askagent

For me, voice is paramount. Other things can be revised. #askagent

Not at all. Even before Covid, most of my clients came from the slush and still do. #askagent