Michelle Richter

It can be weeks or months, but we do our best. Existing clients must come first. #AskFuse

As far as mysteries, I'm not really feeling a glut of anything. Still looking for domestic suspense, thriller, traditional, procedurals, but obviously fresh hooks are needed to break them out. #AskFuse

Recent is better, if possible. Like within the past 3 years. But if you must choose an older work, don't make it your only comp. I'm also not averse to "X meets Y" comps, or "with the humor of A and the characters of B". #AskFuse

It's most helpful if the books have been published in the last 3 years, 5 at most. #AskFuse

You don't have that many pages to hook an agent/the reader, so the sooner the better IMHO. #AskFuse

Cozies have a specific format. Small town, amateur sleuth usually a clever woman. Murder either quick or off the page. Maybe romantic tension w/cop. Punny title. #AskFuse

I always want comps and ask for them even in verbal pitches. It gives me a sense of tone and tells me you read in the genre. #AskFuse

I’d suggest 10 or 20 in one round, but it’s a personal decision. Be sure you can keep track of who you query and the status. And research everyone. #AskFuse

Yes, you can certainly still query in the meantime. But you may then need to let agents know that you've been selected and will have to wait until after the agent showcase to send (or ask if that's OK with them.) #AskFuse