Kaitlyn Johnson

I'd say a year. I know it's a lot! I suggest checking in after three months. Then again after two more months and so on. If no answers, assume a pass #askagent

Definitely! I always welcome edited works. You can simply say it's had a deep edit since the last submission #askagent

Starting a story right off the bat with sex or abuse is also a big no for me. Just not my cup of tea #askagent

also, falling into memories. I want to be in the NOW and learn about the backstory delicately throughout

Lots of telling language, where we aren't in the character's head/feeling like we're experiencing the story rather than being told a story.

I'm a person who likes intimacy with characters and loves the internal emotion/physical reaction added to make it 3D #askagent

So, a synopsis is very different than a query, so be sure to research that. But I definitely put more consideration into your pitch than your bio. You do NOT need a super impressive bio! #askagent

I read pages unless it's 100% not a genre or elements of plot I don't represent (on screen rape, nonfiction, etc.). Many agents I know understand it's hard to write a query and we still consider at least your first page to gauge voice/style. #askagent it's usually a merge of both

hmmm that really depends. You can deff add it to the bio as a self published title that has had "success". It's not the one you're querying so I see no reason not to include it! Especially if it's being loved #askagent

your best bet is to try to get it as close to 110k as possible. That's around where YA fantasy is right now (I often suggest shooting for 100k). If you're not too far off, an agent will be able to keep editing in mind and still be willing to work with you #askagent

often, you can dual paragraph.

ex: introduce 1st character - opening situation in book
Introduce 2nd character - opening situation in book
Introduce conflict that brings the two together
Introduce the stakes and how they merge their stories to provide on outcome #askagent

Often, unless it had intense, successful sales, most agents won't be able to sign you on the sequels. They'd prefer you query them on something new #askagent

I always say 3 months. We have a ton of submissions and then plus client manuscripts, contracts, etc., it can take a while. I welcome writers checking in after 3 months #askagent

I WISH NA was a thing, but many agents/editors shy away from that term. Often, we now say YA w/ adult crossover potential or vice versa. College stories depend on theme, if they deal more with younger themes or more adult ones #askagent

For fiction, not really. I can work with a writer on that. It's more about having a positive social media presence. We will most likely pass if the writer seems to be fighting, bullying, or engaging in problematic things on social media #askagent

If it makes sense to the story/character, I don't have a problem with it. Depends on the agent, I'd assume.

Beginnings are the most edited spots! That being said, if the voice/situation/action isn't engaging or doesn't make sense to overall plot? You might get a pass. #askagent

If the first depends on the others, meaning it can't technically stand alone, I would say it's the first in an intended series. You don't need to mention the sequels and whatnot unless the agent wants to chat further about the story #askagent

I absolutely love fantasy, contemporary, contemporary romance (and paranormal romance and general), historical, MG horror. Those are my big loves =] #askagent

Hm, are some of the POVs older than 18/19? If so, I would state your story contains multiple POVs of varying age ranges. That will clue the agent into the potential reasoning for labeling it adult. #askagent

Depends on the themes/age. If a character is 18/19, most likely YA with adult crossover potential. If older, you're probably falling into Adult w/ YA crossover and should query agents accordingly #askagent

For adult fantasy, in today's market, I often say try for no more than 130k. That's tippy top. Best to shoot for 120k, to be safe as a debut. #askagent

It's never a problem to be done sooner than expected. You should be fine emailing them to ask if it's okay to send the work now rather than later =] #askagent