Kari Sutherland

It's going to vary. I'm looking for a sense of your range and what YOU want to be publishing. If your focus is on serious pb, then submit just those. If you want to do more than one kind, submit a few. Same for fiction/nf. #AskAgentBLA

You can call it a standalone with series potential. I like to know if you have a plan for more, but that there is a satisfying conclusion. #AskAgentBLA

If the characters and themes feel more suited to YA, then query it as YA. I tend not to use NA, just call it a YA with crossover appeal. Unless the themes are really more on the adult side. #AskAgentBLA

I'd say it's worth mentioning, as it is a part of your bio. A scientific mind can make for an intriguing world. #AskAgentBLA

There's a market for these stories, too. Not impossible! College offers a new setting and just as much drama. But it should still feel YA. It may wind up as a crossover book, though. #AskAgentBLA

You mean "speculative"? Why, yes, yes, it's still here...in disguise. 😉 I think there's some fatigue about depressing worlds in general, but I've heard several editors eager for 50 years in the future, grounded speculative stories. #AskAgentBLA

Both! If you are not an artist, don't draw it yourself. There's no need to find someone to draw samples for you. If the publisher likes the script, they will find an artist. If the publisher likes the script, but not the art that was put with it...they may just pass. #AskAgentBLA

I'd want the author to note their prior self-publishing up front. As long as the current project is something new and enticing, that's what matters. Sometimes authors have self-published in one genre but what they're sending is for a different market. #AskAgentBLA

I've heard this, too, but nobody really knows. Maybe it will just be a few big books or maybe it will re-emerge as an all-consuming category. For me, it needs to feel fresh. Something with an LGBTQ romance or a diverse protagonist or a unique world/magic. #AskAgentBLA

"Quiet" YA can be hard to sell to publishers. But if it is beautifully-written, has award potential or a hook that can help it find its audience, it'll have a better chance. #askagentBLA

Also, don't write to trends! Write what you love. #AskAgentBLA

Publishing is cyclical. If the paranormal/supernatural YA romance feels fresh and unique and is well-written, I think there's room for it in the market. Some editors may not want to tread there yet, but others may be hungry for it. #AskAgentBLA

Can you clarify a bit more? Personally, I love hearing about how books are affecting kids/teachers/librarians! I try to find novels that will tug at your heart and make you think at the same time. Or just fantastic adventures. #AskAgentBLA

Other agents may feel differently, but I'd say 1-2 pages, single-spaced. Longer than that feels excessive. I'm not looking for a chapter-by-chapter breakdown, more a sense of the important plot points. And yes, spoil the ending in the synopsis (but not the query). #askagentBLA

I always finish the full before setting up a call to offer rep, but I'll fall in love with a manuscript before then. It'll differ from story to story--sometimes it's the voice, sometimes it's a really cool world that sucks me in and won't let go. #askagentBLA

As long as you note up front that you've worked to address her feedback, I think so. #askagentBLA

I also check--as will prospective publishers. But I'm not looking for a high follower count, etc. at this stage. As Natalie said, just want to make sure the person isn't obnoxious. :) #askagentBLA