Naomi Davis

When I look at projects from different countries, whether there is a minor spelling difference or not doesn't matter to me. If you've written a wonderful book, that won't hold it back. An agent will work with you on adjusting those things if they feel it's necessary. #askagent

Yet, at the same time, I will agree with the advice that romance does well as a series. Just saying it's not make or break for many agents. #askagent

Honestly, the project is yours. Do you view it as a series or a standalone? Write it how YOU will write it best. Personally, I choose based on the writing, not on whether it is planned as a series or not. #askagent

I usually see the phrase "standalone with series potential" or "first in a planned series" - either way, it's important for you to tell us if there is a cliffhanger. #askagent

publishingcrawl.com/2012/04/17/how…

This is the tool I often recommend both for a synopsis and for outlining! I look for all key turning points to be identified, as sometimes I love the writing & want to see if the story goes a promising direction before requesting the full. #askagent

But you will find many authors and freelance editors on Twitter offering query critiques. There are workshops at cons, panels, etc, and hashtags like #querytip and #tenqueries to show you common pitfalls and successes. #askagent

Agents read so many queries/week that most of us cannot offer feedback on a query. I always give feedback on full manuscripts, but w/ 300+ queries/month, clients to look after, & industry relationships to build (and so very much more) it's just not possible on a query. #askagent

Depends on the genre and book, honestly.
In SFF I prefer books that conclude enough to stand alone but can be pitched as the first in a series. #askagent

Yes, absolutely. #askagent

Every agent's reading preferences are different. I prefer as close a POV as possible. #askagent

Pacing is 100% a top factor in making a story work. Look at each chapter: does it advance both internal and external plots in every chapter/interaction? How about the opening and closing of each chapter: How does the chapter change the character or her goal? #askagent

If I LOVE premise but something wrong in the execution of it, or if I see the author has mad worldbuilding skills but struggles with voice immersion, etc. If there's one HUGE strength and one HUGE weakness, I'll often ask to see if the author is capable of resolving. #askagent

Every agent is different with this, but it never hurts to try. Tell them you have revised significantly and ask if they are interested. Worst they can do is say no. #askagent

I love comps that are X meets Z. So you could say (this is not a great example), "This book is The Handmaid's Tale meets Harry Potter, in a style similar to John Green." #askagent

I always recommend using publishingcrawl.com/2012/04/17/how… to pare down your story to its hook. We don't give a solid length required, but if it's too long we do question whether you know how to use words wisely and write concisely. #askagent

Well, voice has to do with the way your character reacts to information, and sometimes that can be accomplished by immersing the voice more deeply and showing rather than telling. I hope this thread helps. #askagent
twitter.com/NaomisLitPix/s…

No comp is better than an inaccurate comp. But we do like them if you've got them, since it helps us figure out market positioning, etc. If you have a crit group, ask them for comp help. #askagent

Loglines are helpful, particularly for showing us the hook of the story. But I don't reject if there isn't a clear logline in the query. #askagent

Not true!
But much of YA tension does come from romance. If ditching the romance, DO make sure there are other relationship tensions to drive the characters development forward.
I love non romantic YA, particularly when siblings, mentors, BFFs are involved. #askagent

#askagent YA vs A often comes down to voice&character approach when age is in the gray area. Most YA stops at 18 but a particularly youthful voice, or a story about trying to learn how to use your own voice in opposition of your parents, could read YA even up to age 20.