Mandy Hubbard

I think many adults think PBs are "easy" because they are short, and many parents/grandparents decide to write them and center themselves in the story too much. Those same parents/grandparents still buy books, so if it's well done, there's room for it. #AskECLA

Hoping to stay open for quite awhile! I am 100% caught up on queries and have two fulls (from January) I need to finish. I think my vice is staying open TOO long and developing a backlog because I don't want to miss out on awesome stuff! #AskECLA

I try to say "competitive" rather than "oversaturated" because I think there is always room for brilliance. I actually signed a new YA fantasy this week. For me it's just about feeling fresh/interesting and not super derivative. #AskECLA

Yes, agree with D.Ann, it's not AT ALL uncommon in the PB world, but for novels usually it's more "what direction are you going next?" Even editors ask US this when they are about to offer on a project! It's usually good--they're looking ahead. #AskECLA

Agree with Caitlin, that CREEPY, but sometimes you don't know WHY is so cool, but I also don't mind more overt horror (I've signed one with blood and guts and more overt stuff despite the fact that I cannot WATCH that in a movie.) #AskECLA

My teen and I got really into sweet tooth! I would certainly consider something in that vein. #AskECLA

Call it a YA novel, haha. An agent can decide which way to spin it when they pitch, based on what the market wants. (That's my opinion, anyway). My debut was a YA time travel, but I didn't have to mention that- the query made it clear. #AskECLA

Linda and I constantly joke about how I want the dark/murdery books (I spend my free time listening to Dateline podcasts and watching True Crime docs!) It really is often taste and not reflective of your writing if we pass. #AskECLA

This is SUCH a good question-- and it varies tremendously from one agent to another as lists take shape. Some clients write a few books a year, others a book every few years. Some clients take more time to assist, since so much of agenting happens BEYOND the sale. #AskECLA

I think we would all look at it! #AskECLA Check out what we've sold/general wish list and query the one you think best fits what you've got. You can always query another if there is a pass.

As long as the character reads like a teenager, reacting to things as a teen, I don't think there ARE restrictions. With some topics (like sex), it is generally handled in a more emotional/grounded way, rather than scintillating. #AskECLA

We just like to get a flavor for the writing. Sometimes people can pitch a project well, but the writing is really flat. And if I'm on the fence from the query I ALWAYS read the pages! #AskECLA

You should also consider a brief, paid membership to Publisher's Marketplace! It allows you to search an agent by name and see what kind of sales they have reported. #AskECLA

My favorite thing about writing in YA/MG is you don't REALLY have to call it anything but YA/MG. Just pitch the book and call it a YA novel. #AskECLA

You want an agency founded by someone who spent years at an established agency, learning the ins and outs of industry standards. What're the going royalty rates? What are fair rights splits? What language do you need in a reversion clause? #AskECLA

The most important thing to understand is that, unlike real estate agents, there is no licensing or required education to become a literary agent. Which means anyone can be an agent, and you as a writer have to research agencies and decide who to trust with your work. #AskECLA

I wouldn't read too far into the OOO, it's easy to put up the wrong one, realize it, and fix it but it went out to a few people first. That said, I wouldn't give it too much brain space, you may hear back eventually or not. I know that's frustrating. #AskECLA

Right? That's why I said "generally!" It does vary quite a bit, and I wouldn't be upset if someone touched base at 6 weeks. Especially if they said Linda said it was okay. ;-) #AskECLA

Writers can ABSOLUTELY follow up after an appropriate amount of time (generally, 8-12 weeks is common), because you ARE a professional who is working on your career. #AskECLA

Yep! The market for graphic novels is continuing to grow which is SUPER exciting! It felt more "niche" when I got into publishing ten years ago... but more and more big 5 pubs are looking at them. #AskECLA