Michelle Richter
Literary Agent
Fuse Literary
@FuseLiterary Senior Agent. Murder=my fave. @PacePublishing alum. @SINCNational member. She/her. Query Manager link: QueryMe.Online/MichelleRichter
Literary Agent
Rob @RobertPolk2
#AskFuseIs there a general response time window among agents with full manuscripts and will a writer always hear back? Thank you!
It can be weeks or months, but we do our best. Existing clients must come first. #AskFuse
Literary Agent
Chris B-eeeek!-ler 👻 @cwbuecheler
@dreamoforgonon What types of manuscripts are you folks sick of receiving right now (eg vampire books back in the Twilight era)? #AskFuseAs 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
Literary Agent
Jason Allison @jasontallison
@Michrichter1 In terms of comps for tone and feel, must they be recently published titles, or can a writer cite slightly older works that were influential? Thanks. #askfuseRecent 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
Literary Agent
Liz Boeger @LizBoegerAuthor
@Michrichter1 Do you want only recently published comp titles, or can the query include authors in the genre whose style is comparable?It's most helpful if the books have been published in the last 3 years, 5 at most. #AskFuse
Literary Agent
Liz Boeger @LizBoegerAuthor
@Michrichter1 I've read so many opinions about WHEN the murder has to happen in a cozy--first page to fiftieth. Any insights on current expectations?You don't have that many pages to hook an agent/the reader, so the sooner the better IMHO. #AskFuse
Literary Agent
Liz Boeger @LizBoegerAuthor
What are your thoughts on including COMPS in a query? Also, how do you differentiate between a cozy and a traditional mystery for marketing purposes? @Michrichter1 #AskFuseCozies 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
Literary Agent
Liz Boeger @LizBoegerAuthor
What are your thoughts on including COMPS in a query? Also, how do you differentiate between a cozy and a traditional mystery for marketing purposes? @Michrichter1 #AskFuseI 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
Literary Agent
Don Tries to Write Stuff @Orklad
How many agents should you query in one go?#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
Literary Agent
Liz Boeger @LizBoegerAuthor
Is it acceptable to query while waiting to hear back on your PitchWars submission? @Michrichter1 #AskFuseYes, 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