Brianne Johnson
Literary Agent
HG Literary
pottery teacher, Muggle tolerator, Literary Agent @HGLiterary. querymanager.com/BrianneJohnson
Literary Agent
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Mary Jolley @marybjolley
@SecretAgentBri How long before it’s a good idea to follow up with an agent after a full manuscript request?6 weeks, unless you get interest from elsewhere! #askagent
Literary Agent
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Tia Cristy @Tipsfromtia
@SecretAgentBri 3.14% of the time I understand the query process. I've gotten the nicest rejection letters. 'I'd buy this book, but it's not on my list', 'I love this story, but not on my list', 'I want to see you in print soon'. Q: do all agents get a similar list of upcoming trends? Thank you. pic.twitter.com/vabjAgq27BNot that I know of (if they do, I'm pissed I'm not on that list!) but I DO notice funny trend bubbles in my slush. If there's lots of VERY similar published work, it can be hard envision breaking out a new author. I gotta be able to answer "what's new & different here?" #askagent
Literary Agent
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Koji @KojiADae
@SecretAgentBri If someone was querying you because one of your client's work was similar to what/how they write, how would you suggest approaching that in the query?I LOVE it when a query-er has researched my list and my fabulous clients! Definitely let me know. "I see you rep ___ and ___, and I thought you might love my work because ___" don't bury the lede, tell me right off the bat! #askagent
Literary Agent
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Melissa Priebe @mfkaelin
@SecretAgentBri What does it mean when agents ask for partial vs full manuscript? Is the partial to save time? Is there a lesson for writers here? #AskAgentI usually ask for a partial to start and then a full if I read and love the partial. It's a natural trigger for me to be in touch with authors that I'm getting excited about and start building good communication. #askagent
Literary Agent
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Jackie Kerzner @jackiekerzner
@SecretAgentBri Q1: At a conference, I witnessed an agent do 50+ live query critiques. She spent less than 11 seconds on each (I timed them) before deciding if she would've even read the first pgs. Didn't care about voice or writing, just concepts & comps. What truly speaks to you in Q's?When scouting, I work the opposite way--I skim query letter v briefly and then skip down to the 10 page writing sample. If I love the writing, I go back and read the query letter SUPER carefully. Everyone works differently! #askagent
Literary Agent
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Sarah Newcomb @sarahknewcomb
@SecretAgentBri I worked w/ an editor who suggested I add more backstory/world bldng 2 the 1st chapter of my YA F, but am now getting opposite feedback. Do U prefer all action/inciting w/ little bk story, or do U think some action + some bksry is ok in 1st Ch?This is subjective, but I prefer an active (not ACTION) scene where we see the character making choices--and as little backstory as possible. In my bk, rule #1 for 1st chapter is making sure your reader gets emotionally invested. #askagent
Literary Agent
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Samantha Lienhard @SamLienhard
@SecretAgentBri If you got a query for a fantasy novel that focuses more on a central relationship than action, would you think it was misplaced in the genre? (Ex. actually fantasy romance, not fantasy.) If you did think so, would that mean a rejection?It would really depend on execution. If it was very well done, it might be a fresh twist rather than an unworkable departure. That said, making sure these two important elements--character and plot--are BOTH on the page seems like the strongest way to proceed #askagent