Kimberly Brower
Literary Agent
Brower Literary & Management
Literary Agent. Founder @BrowerLiterary. Book Hoarder. Pop Culture Lover. All opinions are my own.
Literary Agent
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E.Ozie 🌞 THE BEAUTIFUL MATH OF CORAL is out now! @eezowrites
@KimberlyBrower If you come across a manuscript that feels one of a kind/unique story and you've never read a book similar to it but the writing is "okay", how likely are you to offer representation? And if you end up offering representation what other factors did you consider?While we all love a one-of-a-kind story the question becomes what can we comp the story to as comp titles are important. To me writing 100% matters and I need to connect to the writing so just "okay" writing may not be something I can offer on.
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Eden Campbell @AuthorEdenC
@KimberlyBrower If you loved the writing of a manuscript, but didn’t connect with a portion of the plot (like the middle), would you still be interested in representing this book if the author was open to revisions?(Kind of connects to Tobie’s question) #askagent
I think it depends. If that was the ONLY reason I passed, then maybe yes. However, if that was only one of a few reasons why I passed, then maybe not.
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Kimberly Hensle Lowrance @khenslelowrance
@KimberlyBrower I’ve heard of agents requesting edits before they’ll sign a new client. How frequently does that happen? What advice would you have for authors facing a list of edits from someone who hasn’t yet signed them? Any things to beware of, for ex? Thanks! #askagentThis sounds like an R&R (revise&resubmit) and yes this is done quite often. I think it depends on how much the manuscript needs to change before they can offer rep. See next reply to answer second question
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tomleveen @tomleveen
@KimberlyBrower what research will an agent do on an author before requesting a full or offering rep?Me personally I just do a simply social media lookup before I offer rep
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Eden Campbell @AuthorEdenC
@KimberlyBrower The infamous question: In a query letter, do you prefer to have the secret twists of a plot revealed or does vaguely hinting what is to come build more curiosity? Just curious your preference.Thanks! #askagent
I love spoilers - it's why I ask for a full synopsis in my submission guidelines.
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WritingLetters @letters_writing
@KimberlyBrower Hi! Do you prefer a few personalized opening lines in a query letter? Or straight into the elevator pitch? #askagentPersonally I love the personalized opening. It shows you did your research and didn't just copy and paste. That being said I do not mind queries that go straight to elevator pitch.
Literary Agent
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S.E. Sasaki @se_sasaki
@KimberlyBrower Hi @KimberlyBrower. Do you take on debut authors? How many new authors do you accept in one year?Yes I love debut authors! Depends how long I'm open to queries. I don't quite have a magic number of new clients though. This year I have only signed 1 new client and with my current client workload it's all I can handle at the moment, but hoping to open up in the fall.
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S.E. Sasaki @se_sasaki
@KimberlyBrower Does your agency handle film and TV rights and foreign rights within house or do these things have to be shipped out to other agencies?We do it all in house although we do partner with co-agents in certain countries and various book-to-film agents at times.
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BraveLittleTeapotThoughts @ElyseRussell13
@KimberlyBrower If an agent follows you on Twitter, does that mean they’re interested in seeing your work, or just that they think you’re entertaining? I’m inclined to believe the latter...I honestly don't know the answer to this. But probably the latter...
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Jodi @jodilasky
@KimberlyBrower Pandemic/Covid-based stories. Still too soon?Way too soon. I'm only NOW okay with 9-11 stories
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J. Baumanis @baumanis_j
@KimberlyBrower What’s the most common reason to request a manuscript from a query letter? (Variant on prior question)Intrigued by the synopsis or really enjoyed the writing of the sample chapter.
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Catherine Manett @CatherineManett
@KimberlyBrower What is the most common reason why you turn down a manuscript?Do not connect to the narrative voice. Nothing is making me turn the page or want to read more.
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Stephanie (Lupo) Henson @stepha_henson
@KimberlyBrower Hi again. What does, "it's not right for my list" or "having trouble with editorial direction" mean? Are these code for "sorry but this is awful" :-)For me, I need a connection to the voice, to the story. If I don't have it, even if it's a great story, then I'm not the right agent for it. You want an agent who sees a vision for your project so that they can then sell it.
Literary Agent
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Shawna @ShawnaReneeArt
@KimberlyBrower When looking at a manuscript, are you (agents) turned off if the sentences are missing commas?Not if it's noticeable. A missing comma will not be an automatic rejection from me.
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Lynessa Layne @LynessaLayne
@KimberlyBrower What are the top 5 - 10 things agents desire in a book / writer?1. Strong writing 2. Strong hook 3. Someone looking to build a career as an author 4. Good communication/Personality that works with mine (I realize I'm not for everyone) 5. Not an a$$hole (I joke but it's really a thing)
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Christina Wallace @CWallace_Author
@KimberlyBrower When reviewing the query, what are you looking for in the opening pages? Is it more about the quality of the writing, or the pace of the story?I want the connection to the voice and something that will keep me turning the pages, wanting to read more.
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Konnie Writes ✍️ @KonnieWrites
@KimberlyBrower Thanks for doing this!Does every novel have to fit in the 3 act structure? I heard a lot of “what is your inciting event?” #askagent
Not necessarily but the conflicts/stakes need to be very clear cut. As does the character arc.
Literary Agent
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Melissa Rogers @Werewolf_Lit
@KimberlyBrower Hi! I've seen a ton of discussion about self pub vs. traditional pub. But...What have been your experiences with established big pub vs. small pub houses?
(Specifically I've seen an up-tick in new small pubs specializing in genre fiction and I'm wary of their longevity)
I think that depends on the story and what the author is looking for. I have worked with big pubs and small pubs and one isn't necessarily better than the other, just different. For example for smaller pubs the print run may be very small or print-on-demand or their
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Lindsay Hameroff @LindsayHameroff
@KimberlyBrower How would you define a really great hook? Can you give any examples of your favorite ones from novels? #askagentWay to put me on the spot ;) I'll go with TO ALL THE BOYS I LOVED BEFORE cause I think it has a great one: a girl’s private letters she wrote to crushes get sent out so she ends up pretending to date one of them so another doesn’t think she likes them
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Michelle Cruz @TXMichelle_Cruz
@KimberlyBrower Is it an urban legend that agents tend to request fast, reject slow? Or should we pay no attention to the length of time it takes for an agent to respond to a query? #askagentFor me personally, pay no attention to the length of time it takes for me to respond.