Kaitlyn Johnson

Many agencies post their openings. Search Publisher's Marketplace job boards, agency websites, sometimes BookJobs.com! For CV, that's tough. Even if you're fresh, a love of lit or maybe a past in it somehow (degree? volunteering? library frequenting? lol) #askagent

It's best to stick to submission guidelines and not try to "fudge" things. If it's super hard to condense, get readers or an editor to really help cut and focus your synopsis #askagent (trust me, I edit synopses. It's possible for Fantasy)

I know the rumors, but I'm still loving fantasy w/ diverse POVs and paranormal/horror with more unknown, non-Western legends. Also Contemporary w/ characters involved in more than school or their parents' business/drama (though I've been proven wrong there before lol) #askagent

Yes! It's great to help agents do their hw and find who you are and if you'll mesh (and to make sure, you know, you aren't a jerk to others online lol).

Platform doesn't matter for fiction as much as nonfiction. We can always work on that. #askagent

Claim they are better than any book you've ever seen. Ignore submission guidelines. Polish/edit first half of story and it falls apart in later half. Act terribly toward others on social media.

Wait, you asked for one thing? 😂 #askagent

hm, does the character age as the story continues? If so, you can just state character name and make it clear the story encompasses a certain number of years. The agent will realize that means adult #askagent

Not necessarily. If they love the story, they should be doing their hw and making sure they ask you those questions. Often, though, we do hope you've already had sensitivity readers if necessary to the story #askagent

I always say 3 months. Gives us time to get through submissions, handle client manuscripts, contracts, and whatnot. Definitely ok with a check in at 3 months (for both agents & editors). #askagent

Give me the three C's - character, conflict, and consequences. I want to know who is the focus, what challenges them/stands in their way, and what is at risk if they fail/succeed in their goal. Often, your hook will go hand in hand with those details! #askagent

Yes! Always still applicable =] #askagent

Dependent on writer/agent. Agents often expects a couple months at least, to know you took it seriously and maybe had a few new readers, too. That being said, my current client is a WIZARD and zoomed through theirs so... it depends. #askagent

Beta readers/critique partners! It's so necessary to have others read your ms before querying to catch what you might not. Also, to read titles in your age/genre within the last 5 years. So helpful on market and voice #askagent

If more, often there is 1 or 2 characters the main plot mostly centers on or the voice is strongest. Focus on them and how the story is built. Tell us of other voices in synopsis #askagent

depends how many POV. If 2, one paragraph details 1st MC and situation, then 2nd MC and situation, then conflict bringing them together, then stakes.
(1/2) #askagent

Good question! Can't think of something at the top of my head, but Writer's Digest often has current articles. You could also see what recent conferences provide handouts from talks about it.

Also, follow agents! We legit post about this so much lmao #askagent

Definitely choose one at a time. Most agencies are great at sharing if it's not for them and fits another agent. You can also ask if they mind you sending to so-and-so after that first agent passes! #askagent

There is NO set time. Honestly, some get picked up fast, some it's a year or so, and some get picked up AFTER a different title from that author first gets published.

Never throw it away. Market always changes and 1-on-1 w/ editors can always open the door again #askagent

Oof. I try to give feedback on a full because clearly something grabbed me and then turned me off. Sometimes a pass may come from something being too much work for agent to take on, or possibly it's great for 50 pgs and then falls apart. There are quite a few reasons #askagent

My Maybe Pile and General Box are caught up to May! =] #askagent

I would! Bring it on =] #askagent