Kimberly Brower

Finish your manuscript, edit it and then edit some more. Don't stop writing. If you hit a wall, try to write even a few lines a day. Or if you need a break allow yourself to take it

· 13 Jun 2021

Meredith Towbin @MtProse

@KimberlyBrower On #mswl, some agents will ask for very specific things (e.g. a YA about 2 friends competing on rival ultimate frisbee teams). I've always wondered where this is coming from-editor requests? An agent's own personal likes? Trend predictions? Thank you so much for doing this!

Replying to @MtProse

Could be a personal ask, or maybe they spoke to an editor looking for something that specific. They wouldn't be asking if they didn't have a purpose for it!

· 13 Jun 2021

Coley @ColeySummerlin

@KimberlyBrower #askagent Is it a good thing to have a portion of the manuscript published by a literary journal? Or would that turn an agent away because it is partially published? Thank you so much for this opportunity.

Replying to @ColeySummerlin

I think it would depend how much of it was published and how much you've added to it.

· 13 Jun 2021

Zoë Sehn @StorySpinner15

@KimberlyBrower How important is social media following for an offer of representation? Is a willingness to engage online enough or does an author really need to have a solid platform before querying?

Replying to @StorySpinner15

I think each agent feels differently about this. I personally don't think having a huge social media following is necessary.

· 13 Jun 2021

Maureen Hasz @o_hasz

@KimberlyBrower First, thank you for doing this.
If an author completely rewrites their book, would it be okay to query an agent who said no on it before the major revisions?

Replying to @o_hasz

I'd be honest with the agent and ask if they'd be willing to consider it again.

· 13 Jun 2021

Adrienne Thurman-Cuff @AdrienneTCuff

@KimberlyBrower If a prospective client submits one MS you love, but their next project is in a different category or genre, would that deter you? Would you be concerned about losing the audience that connects to the first work?

#askagent

Replying to @AdrienneTCuff

I love this question. When I sign an author it is to hopefully build a long-term relationship. So I think communication is key. If it's not a genre I represent or not sure on, I'll be honest and say that. I do think though that if we sell the book you were signed (cont)

· 13 Jun 2021

Lindsay Hameroff @LindsayHameroff

@KimberlyBrower I have another question! I’m sure this varies by agent, but on average, what percentage of the queries you receive result in offers for representation? #askagent

Replying to @LindsayHameroff

Mine is low. In 2020 & 2021 I have only signed 1 new client from a query but last year I was closed to queries for 6 months and this year I've been closed to queries since Jan. I also have a high number of clients that have active contracts and projects.

· 13 Jun 2021

Stephen Pidgeon @sjpidgeon

@KimberlyBrower Do you want the query letter to contain information about the writer, or is it just really about the book?

Replying to @sjpidgeon

Yes I do think a short bio on the author is needed.

· 13 Jun 2021

Joshua Danger Dobbs @J_Danger_Dobbs

@KimberlyBrower Hey, Kimberly, what should I do about comps if there aren’t any books from the last three years that fit into my category? #askagent

Replying to @J_Danger_Dobbs

Try for TV shows/Films? Or worst case use the older books.

· 13 Jun 2021

Sophie Braker @brakerbreaker

@KimberlyBrower If I’m researching an agent to query should I be putting more emphasis and time on their manuscript wishlist or what they are selling on publishers marketplace?

Replying to @brakerbreaker

Look at both, but I'd put more emphasis on MSWL. You don't know when the books that are posted on PM were sold.

· 13 Jun 2021

🆆🆁🅴🅺🅴🅷🅰🆅🅾🅲 says HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! @wrekehavoc

@KimberlyBrower Hi! I've noticed a lot of agents are currently closed to queries for quite a lot of 2021. Did agencies get overwhelmed by subs in 2020? Thanks! #askagent

Replying to @wrekehavoc

I can only speak for myself but in addition to being a literary agent, I run my agency where I mentor other agents, handle subrights, etc. so for me my time is limited and I want to be sure I can devote the necessary time to new projects and current clients.

· 13 Jun 2021

S.E. Sasaki @se_sasaki

@KimberlyBrower What are you specifically looking for at the moment (or in the fall)? When agents say they want something right now, do they expect an author to just bang out a manuscript that fits that wish in a couple of months? Most manuscripts are worked on for years.

Replying to @se_sasaki

When they say "right now" it could be because that is what the market trend is. If in 2010 and agent said I want vampires but the manuscript wasn't ready until say 2015 that ship probably sailed. We say "now" in event someone has a manuscript written already

· 13 Jun 2021

S.E. Sasaki @se_sasaki

@KimberlyBrower If a manuscript is perhaps not right for your list but might be compatible with someone else in your agency, will you pass it on or ask the author to query your agent?

Replying to @se_sasaki

I'll pass it along!

· 13 Jun 2021

Donna Wilkins @WilkinsDonna9

@KimberlyBrower @CSmallsWright For an adult novel, how many main characters are too many?

Replying to @WilkinsDonna9

I don't think there is a magic number so long as the reader doesn't get lost when reading

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