Kaitlyn Johnson
Literary Agent
Belcastro Agency
Agent @belcastr . insta: kjbelcastro. Freelance Editor. Serial comma for life. She/her. Query at QueryManager.com/1147
Literary Agent
JAMIE TUCKER @500daysofjamie
@kaitylynne13 If our novel has twists that are crucial to the story and its impact, should these twists be included in the query letter?No, include them in the synopsis. That's the spoiler report. Query should hook and tease #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Angel L Chu @angellchu
@kaitylynne13 what would compel you to take a chance on a unique story concept (w/out true comps) if written by a debut author? #askagentIf I love the story and think it has potential. I don't invest too much hope in comps. I focus on story/characters #AskAgent
Literary Agent
JAMIE TUCKER @500daysofjamie
@kaitylynne13 How polished should a MS be before querying? Should we stress about getting it near perfection or have room for improvement under an editor?Perfection isn't realistic. We know. But, grammar, punctuation, plot holes should all be fixed. #AskAgent Shoot for as clean as possible
Literary Agent
ZR "Killer of Darlings" Ellor @ZREllor
@kaitylynne13 @angellchu Hi! Is this in contemporary fantasy only, or in EF too?Both, though I'm not a big follower of the term contemporary fantasy lol But yes, in multiple genres, these are spreading. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Angel L Chu @angellchu
@kaitylynne13 if you pass but provide suggestions for improving the MS, how long is ideal to wait before resubmitting? #askagentFor significant edits, we probably expect at least 2 months. Quick edits often mean it was sloppy or advice wasn't followed #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Angel L Chu @angellchu
@kaitylynne13 if you pass but provide suggestions for improving the MS, how long is ideal to wait before resubmitting? #askagentBe sure the agent is open to seeing it again. It never hurts to email back asking if, should you revise, they'd look again #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Kirk Kraft @KAKraft
@kaitylynne13 Interesting. I love that you provide feedback. I don't see that a lot.We try! Especially if we requested pages, the writer should get some direction if we pass #AskAgent
Literary Agent
E.C. Farrell @celiselott
@kaitylynne13 @RebeccaSchibler Is there a word count for that genre that you'd consider too short? #askagentPersonally, I don't go below 80k. World building should bulk up the text. Below 80k usually means more editing will be needed #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Angel L Chu @angellchu
@kaitylynne13 what is the biggest trend you are seeing in publishing right now? #askagentWitches are on the uptick again. I think creatures, too (shifters, deff). We're reaching for the weird! #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Christie Megill @christiemegill
@kaitylynne13 If an agent loves a story but it needs a little work, is it more likely to get an R&R or an offer w/editorial work after signing? #askagentHowever, you're most likely going to need some editorial work after signing no matter what. Agents will usually see something #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Christie Megill @christiemegill
@kaitylynne13 If an agent loves a story but it needs a little work, is it more likely to get an R&R or an offer w/editorial work after signing? #askagentDepends how much agent loves it or how much time they can dedicate to edits. More often than not, R&R. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Kirk Kraft @KAKraft
@kaitylynne13 What's the most rewarding part of being an agent, aside from selling a client's book? #AskAgentI'm also an editor at heart, so I don't let go of a book until it's sparkling. I LOVE seeing it so pretty and polished #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Kirk Kraft @KAKraft
@kaitylynne13 What's the most rewarding part of being an agent, aside from selling a client's book? #AskAgentThe stories! I love brainstorming with writers. The "what if we did this?" and pulling a story apart and finding new views #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Kirk Kraft @KAKraft
@kaitylynne13 How many writers actually resubmit again when you've requested an R&R? #AskAgentNot many. Not all agents ask, either. All of my clients are writers I gave an R&R to. We give feedback more often than a full R&R #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Kirk Kraft @KAKraft
@kaitylynne13 How do you balance market trends vs. finding a story you just feel/know needs to be read? #AskAgentAlso, I READ haha It's interesting to see trends in things being published now and the queries you read 6-12 months ago #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Rebecca Treasure @RebeccaSchibler
@kaitylynne13 Thoughts on current trends for YA F word count limits/averages? Mine is 92k but at a conference I was told 80k. #askagent90k is a sweet spot! I'd always shoot for 85-95k for YA Fantasy, because most try to go past this. 92k sounds perfect #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Kirk Kraft @KAKraft
@kaitylynne13 How do you balance market trends vs. finding a story you just feel/know needs to be read? #AskAgentTough one. It varies. I try to find balance: I love story, it needs to be read, and find publisher I think can market it well #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Rebecca Treasure @RebeccaSchibler
@kaitylynne13 how many query rejections before you suggest I should stop and rework the query/pages? #askagentIf generic responses, I'd wait till 10 or 12, then try to get more beta readers to help pin down what isn't working #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Rebecca Treasure @RebeccaSchibler
@kaitylynne13 how many query rejections before you suggest I should stop and rework the query/pages? #askagentThat depends on the feedback you're getting. If you get solid notes from most, edit after 5 or 7? Incorporate the notes #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Kirk Kraft @KAKraft
@kaitylynne13 How often do you see a query/pages that intrigue you w/potential but isn't quite there? Do you ask for future work? #AskAgent#AskAgent it's a time thing more than anything. We have so many queries coming in, so I can only read things I really think might work