Megan Manzano
Literary Agent
Steven Literary
Agent @StevenLiterary • #RevPit Editor • Mentor @BreakthroughWBC • (She/They) • Latinx 🇵🇷 Opinions are my own.
Literary Agent
Katelynn Watkins @katelynnedits
@Megan_Manzano How do you feel about follow-ups from writers if they haven’t gotten a yes or a no (after whatever amount of time you or your agency specifies is appropriate, of course)?Unless the agency has a "if you don't hear from us it's a no policy" following up after the timeframe on their site is fine!
#askagent
Literary Agent
Kayla McGrath @KaylaMcGrath_
@Megan_Manzano What is the main driving reason for you to request material? (Ex. Good query letter, unique voice, etc.)Definitely voice! If the story opens with a strong hook or really good character voice, I'll almost instantly request more.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Becca Ehrlich @BeccaEhrlich
@Megan_Manzano What is one thing agents always look for in submissions that can end up being a deal breaker? #askagentAlways follow submission guidelines and be respectful and you're off to a great start. Not doing so can lead to a rejection.
#askagent
Literary Agent
GL Francis @merelecroix
@Megan_Manzano #askagent When agents state they only respond if interested in a project, what's a reasonable amount of time to wait before querying another agent in the same group?Some agencies say a pass from one is a pass from the whole, but others allow querying different in-group agents.
I'd say 60 days is often the waiting time for a lot of agents, 90 if an agent is really busy. Some agencies have the information on their site so I'd double check that before querying another agent.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Janet pearson @stellasaysme
@Megan_Manzano Is using a bestseller author as a comp title a definate no-no?It's not a firm no-no but I'd be semi cautious about using bestsellers since they can set up high expectations. If you want to use one, I'd say, "with elements of X" and pick another title as the prominent comp.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Jordan ⚔️🐰 Simonson @JordieLee_
@Megan_Manzano What’s a common “no-no” that authors may not be aware of when sending in their submissions?If a query gets rejected, only resubmit if it has gone through significant revisions!
If an agent uses QueryManager, they can see repeat submissions.
#askagent
Literary Agent
John-Michael Jalonen @John_Mike_
@Megan_Manzano What elements are you looking for in those first 5 pages?I like to see a strong voice and the beginning details of the world/the main character's life so I can start building a connection to the story.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Jessy Lee Shuler 🗽📚 @JessyLeeShuler
@Megan_Manzano I queried an agent whose #mswl practically begs for my WF ms. 😄 Her bio on the agency only mentions kidlit. Does the site info take precedence? If that's the case, is it possible to withdraw the query so I can query another agent within that agency? If so, how?Follow the site because while your MS may have elements they like, they may not be the best agent for the market you're writing in.
If you'd like to withdraw, I'd send a message saying your MS may not be the best fit for them after rereading their guidelines.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Kristi Dosh @SportsBizMiss
@erin_clyburn @Megan_Manzano @Literary_Tara That's another question I had...I know platform matters for nonfiction and wondered how much it helps for fiction. #askagentIt can definitely help for fiction if you want to engage with your audience and increase awareness about your book. But it's not required as fiction books don't need the same kind of subject expertise that nonfiction does.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Sarah Hill Darrow @sarahhilldarrow
@erin_clyburn @Megan_Manzano @Literary_Tara#askagent what are the hallmarks of the shysters out there? What tips do you have for aspiring members of the #writingcommunity who may not know that authors don't pay agents, etc?
I always advocate for doing your research. There are tons of sites like Writer's Digest, Writer's Block Party, Querytracker, Susan Dennard's Newsletter, CraftQuest, and more places to get information.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Kahlan Strop, Author @AuthorStrop
@erin_clyburn @Megan_Manzano @Literary_Tara Should one wait until line edits are completely complete before querying, or since response times are generally 4-6 weeks is it okay to query a little early?I would have your manuscript as polished as possible before querying. While those may be general wait times, some agents can request sooner and it'd be best to have the story ready to go.
I've read queries and requested the same day as an example.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Suzan Holder @HolderSuzan
@Megan_Manzano when an agent replies to your query with ‘I didn’t love your writing enough but don’t give this more than a moment’s thought I’m sure another agent will feel differently’ what should I think? #askagent #WritingCommunityThis will mean something a little different for each agent. However, the message is they didn't connect with your story as much as they would have liked, but that doesn't mean someone else won't.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Elizabeth Reed @LizLReed
@Megan_Manzano When querying agents who ask for both a query letter AND pages, is there a way to tell if it was the query, pages, or both that the agent didn't connect with?I feel like that highly depends on the feedback they give. I give feedback on the pages upon rejecting versus the query.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Charles Femia @CharlesFemia
@Megan_Manzano So I’m working on cutting my word count. How much is too much for you to give a look for an MG urban fantasy? I’m currently down to 68k and hoping to be around 63k when finished. Thanks!MG fantasy is tricky but I don't see 63k being a problem! It can fall in the 60k range.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Geri Copitch @Nekkogc
David and/or Megan 1. Could you suggest some guidelines for how to choose comps? Am I looking for similar story elements? Voice? Other?2. if an agent doesn't specifically ask for them, is it okay if I leave them out? #askagent #writingcommunity
Thanks for doing this!
This is a fantastic article that answers these questions and gives examples.
#askagent #writingcommunity
publishingcrawl.com/2018/04/16/the…
Literary Agent
Megan Manzano 🏳️🌈 @Megan_Manzano
@CorineMekaouche This is a great question! So normally a writer doesn't have two agents. Any agent who offers and youre considering signing with, there should be a discussion of what you're working on/what you want to work on in the future. (1/?)#askagent #writingcommunity
You can query your stories to the appropriate agents but I'd def make sure if offered rep an agent is interested in what you write as a whole since they're supposed to be an advocate for your work and career.
#askagent #writingcommunity
Literary Agent
Corine Mekaouche @CorineMekaouche
@Megan_Manzano Hi Megan! If an author has two manuscripts (a YA book and a MG book), would they query two different agents? Is it possible for an author to have two agents or you can only sign with one? Just curious.This is a great question! So normally a writer doesn't have two agents. Any agent who offers and youre considering signing with, there should be a discussion of what you're working on/what you want to work on in the future. (1/?)
#askagent #writingcommunity
Literary Agent
JackieThomas @JackieCThomas
@Megan_Manzano Is it appropriate to write a thank you note after receiving a rejection? Something along the lines of, “thank you for your time and consideration.”It depends. Some agents are okay with it - and it's definitely appreciated - but it can add to a full inbox.
If you wind up revising based on feedback and requerying that agent, you can include it.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Megan Manzano @Megan_Manzano
@writerzoe Having a social media presence can build excitement especially if you sell and want to promote as publication gets closer. But it is NOT necessary for fiction.A social media presence IS NECESSARY for nonfiction. Agents want to see you have authority in the field.
#askagent
For me personally, I do like if a potential client has social media mainly because it's fun to share in success and talk about my excitement for them and their work, but I won't favor someone who has it over someone who doesn't.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Zoë @writerzoe
@Megan_Manzano @jenichappelle I’ve heard some agents care about social media presence and/or a built in following - are there elements like that that you look for or that you consider a bonus as you consider an author?Having a social media presence can build excitement especially if you sell and want to promote as publication gets closer. But it is NOT necessary for fiction.
A social media presence IS NECESSARY for nonfiction. Agents want to see you have authority in the field.
#askagent