Tara Gilbert

Editors also have manuscript wishlists too and as agents, we build strong relationships with editors so we know what they are looking for. #askagent

It depends on the agency. @CorvisieroLit signs the author for the life of their career usually unless they part ways for some reason. #askagent

I'd say it depends on the agent. Some of us are editorial agents, but we have to fall in love with it still and have a strong vision for it. The writing needs to be there and we shouldn't have to do big edits, just enough to make it ready for editors. #askagent

Yes, as long as the contract allows for us to do so. Also, you want to mention this in your query. #askagent

It would depend on what your contract terms are with that agent. #askagent

Agents are always flooded with queries. I wouldn't wait! The only reason to wait is if your manuscript isn't ready. #askagent

Yes, basically, because they get a 1099 for their taxes. So you are especially your own business. #askagent

I'll try my best to answer this, but I think it's very subjective. For me, it's a broad umbrella of fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and anything that isn't decidedly one genre. Like with anything, it's evolving right now. #askagent

Grammar is not the end-all (unless there is a ton!), but if there is too much telling, not enough worldbuilding, passive voice, repetitive use of words, or bad sentence structure, I'll pass. 2/2 #askagent

This is going to be different for every agent. For me, if it's not something I rep or if the hook isn't there, I'll pass right away. If it is, I'll read the sample, and if they are good, I'll request. But I need to connect with the writing. 1/2 #askagent

There are a lot of ways to be published and you need to ask yourself "why do I want to be published" and then decide the best avenue for yourself. There is nothing wrong with self-publishing, or submitting to an indie publishing house, or going through an agent. #askagent

I love this question! I wish I was the one who found V.E. Schwab, or Rick Riordan, or Maggie Stiefvater. All for various reasons, but mostly because they are all super inclusive and have great characters in their books. I can break it down more in the thread. #askagent

I don't think anything has changed much. Everyone is saying "business as usual" and I know most of us are still working our butts off. 😂 #askagent

If I want to be black and white, I'd say MG is 11 to 13, and lower YA is 13-15, but it really depends on voice, topics, who your target audience is. Where do you see your book on the shelf? Sometimes it's best to say "MG with crossover potential into YA" or visa versa. #askagent

It depends on if it has a unique twist or perspective! Editors and agents want #ownvoices in pretty much everything. Or taking R&J and putting in a time or place that it's never been portrayed would work too! #askagent

As long as the work hasn't been published previously, I'm happy to look at it, but the author would have to query me. I don't seek out self-published authors. #askagent

Hi! I personally don't mind if authors write in several genres. Sometimes the author will use different pennames for each genre to not confuse their fans. I would say if you have a general brand or writing style that fits several genres, that's great! I've seen it done! #askagent

Although, agents are happy to look at other work by self-published authors!! #askagent

I do not. I haven't heard of any other agents doing this either. I'm sure someone might have though. Most agents won't take on self-published work since it's tough to get a publisher to agree to publish it. #askagent

Hi! Everyone I have spoken to, and even with the tweets I have seen, everything is business as usual with adjustments of working from home! I think there should be expected slow-down as people adjust, though. #askagent