Natalie Lakosil

I ALWAYS recommend a conversation with your agent FIRST. Communication, esp expectations, is key. Never talk to others only and assume things. If you do still want to part ways, a call or an email work. You can't control anything but your actions; be professional. #AskAgentBLA

I wouldn't say impossible, but difficult. The experiences, particularly independence, are usually difficult to relate to for a 15 year old (remember, not just 17+ reading YA!) #AskAgentBLA

High! There are editors who specifically only like "B plot" or no romance! If it doesn't need it it doesn't need it. #AskAgentBLA

Not really, personally! But I don't care if an author has one to read from :) #AskAgentBLA

I think with a contract in hand you do run the risk of agents hopping on just for that deal. I think as soon as you have a new manuscript ready, it's a good time. #AskAgentBLA

Let other agents who have your query know there's an offer in; for those with the ms, a week is standard, two is generous (consider holidays and weekends when deciding on time). #askagentbla

I hate when someone starts with just Literary Agent instead of my name. I hate floating voices (starting with dialogue with no context). Prologues. Ignoring guidelines. #askagentbla

I don't like unsolicited R&R's personally, but future queries, of course. #askagentbla

A picture book dummy! :) It's a mock-up of a picture book text with sample art and sketches. Only needed if you're an author/illo. #askagentbla

Drink a lot of wine and press SEND. #askagentbla Ok but really, you can also try Twitter pitch events?

I like this idea, that I can just give someone notice I'm their agent now and not have to fight off any others 😆 #askagentbla

Whoops, forgot to add, if it's a DUMMY then in PDF. If the PDF is too big provide a link to a Dropbox or something. #askagentbla

TNR 12, word, double spaced, helpful to put a space between where you envision page breaks #askagentbla

understanding the arc of the story. I use it to help edit when pacing and stakes aren't adding up with clients, though. #askagentbla

It can be. Platform is traditionally the answer to why are YOU the best one to be writing this book? But with a gift/humor book, it could just be damn good. But a LOT of them have platform of popular blogs/tumblrs/buzzfeeds etc. #askagentbla

I wouldn't say it's necessary, and it's not unreasonable. Just know the agent you are nudging likely knows very well they still have not read your work and feel all the guilty feels but that does not mean they don't care or don't intend to read. 12 weeks seems fair? #askagentbla

I don't have a preference, personally! I think it doesn't hurt, if you have something personal to add (met you at x conference, loved your blog post/client book, etc) #askagentbla

you can do either. I don't mind when I get an email with a revised...however, if you send me like five different versions before I have a chance to read that's annoying. #askagentbla

I hate it, personally. You only get one first impression and I've never met a manuscript I didn't want to edit. I'd much rather you save that note of interest for when it's time to go on sub. #askagentbla

My answer to this question is that technically everything is recycled bits and pieces of lore and stories we cobble together, so no, retellings are never going away. But you're doing one that was recently done a lot/already, sure there may be fatigue. #askagentbla