Kaitlyn Johnson

They should email you first to set up a call and get your phone number. Then you'll agree on a time that works to discuss your story #askagent

You really should only query one ms at a time. The exception is if you see a MSWL or get a personal request for one MS and are already querying a different one, then it's ok. #askagent

The actual pitch can definitely stay the same! If you have a personalization (that is more than just "I saw you love fantasy"), go ahead and add it, but your pitch can remain as is. #askagent

If they've already sent a rejection, most ask you not to resubmit unless it's been intensely revised. A no response policy usually signals not to resubmit. #askagent

You can query any agents you like, anywhere. There's no rule saying you can't be represented by an overseas agent. Depends what you want from the agent/house/relationship. =] #askagent

You should definitely mention it's a re-query. The only problem is, the agent may not see the new query before the old one. It's kind of a toss-up, but you are allowed to withdraw and re-query if you want to #askagent

I usually advise just giving a bit about you. At minimum, where you went to college, what you majored in, what your current job is, or current state you live in. Just give us a little feel of YOU #askagent

If you don't have offers after 6 months, it may be time to consider a deeper edit. After a year, I think you might consider moving to a new ms. Unless you see a specific MSWL, though, for your story. It's hard because depends how many passes you receive in that time #askagent

This is hard, because as a writer, you often are sold on a platform. Your YA readers may not be open to following you to an Adult platform, so your series might suffer (targeting a completely different audience). Most editors want you to stick to one age first #askagent

My personal fave is seeing something like, "I've written several articles for JOURNAL/MAGAZINE and my novel TITLE was published through HOUSE in YEAR." I've seen a lot of ways but always include the title, at the least. #askagent

An editor is a great avenue to really help fine tune the query, but don't forget you can turn to beta readers and whatnot to get some clarity before paying someone. If you really dislike writing queries, I would recommend an editor. #askagent

Pitch contests, however, I wish you luck. It is then & ONLY THEN that we will welcome seeing your book details on social media and giving you a ❤️ if we are interested. Hashtags like #askagent, too, are avenues but only during the time slot the agent offers (not a week later)

Many agents do not accept previously published works, even self-published, unless they sold extraordinarily well. Reviews don't often help when searching for an agent, but add in your bio if you've previously published other titles. #askagent

Ok, #askagent is over for today, but here's a parting message:

It's 2018. A new year. Be sure to start off on the right foot. Be kind. Be understanding. And be strong.

Hm, not sure about in Fantasy. Definitely in Urban Fantasy or Magical Realism, though. Assassins and spies have become very popular, even with the touch of magic. #askagent

I also dislike cliche, stereotyped characters. Unless there's a solid reasoning, or the character grows from that form of existence, it sometimes spawns an eye roll and a pass #askagent

I love the stakes. WHY must these characters work together (or against one another) and WHAT happens if they succeed or fail? That catches me. Turn offs are usually when authors claim they are the next bestseller, or no book is like theirs, or saying genre usually fails #askagent

Ooo that's a tough one. One of my current clients has a Fantasy that's made of city, island, and colonial inspirations. It's flipping phenomenal (plus, that touch of magic!). #askagent

In fantasy, a lot of worlds are inspired from popular places here. Namibian could be interesting. Just be sure it stays true to the story. It's always obvious when a writer sets a story in a place just because of a "wow factor" and it sours the entire novel. #askagent

Platform, while important, isn't an auto no. We can always work together to bulk that presence. But I would like to see at least one frequent site where the write is active. And a website/blog is helpful for gathering an audience. #askagent