Uwe Stender

· 23 Feb 2023

🦙Vianna (hiatus she/they) 🦙 @ViannaWrites

@UweStenderPhD How important are social media engagement and in person events for authors? Would an authors ability to engage in person change your desire to represent their book?

Replying to @ViannaWrites

Realistically, an author will have to make themselves available for PR and marketing events. And at least be willing to create a website.

· 19 Jan 2023

Sarah Floyd @kidlitSarah

@UweStenderPhD I’m planning a new MG novel with a fantasy element that is also used in a well known movie (characters get shrunk, like Honey I Shrunk the Kids). The plot and shrinking apparatus are completely different…is there a copyright issue here? Thanks!

Replying to @kidlitSarah

Having a plotline re "shrinking characters" in and by itself is not an infringement. But there are details and circumstances that make this a question I cannot answer in this format.

· 19 Jan 2023

David Neuner @david_neuner

@UweStenderPhD Thank you for taking the time tonight! I am currently querying a MS and have another that is ready to query. Is it okay to query 2 MS at the same time as long as I don't sub to agents/agencies where I have an open query? What is the protocol if I receive an offer for either one?

Replying to @david_neuner

That's a great, yet tough, question. If I queried, I would query one project, and if I were to get multiple offers, then I would discuss with the offering agent if the other project would work for the agency or not and go from there.

· 19 Jan 2023

Brandy meinhardt @MeinhardtBrandy

@UweStenderPhD I recently read that editors are becoming less interested in YA contemporary (for sales reasons). Is this true? Especially for mental health/Neuro divergent?

Replying to @MeinhardtBrandy

There appears to be a hesitation in acquiring in general, incl. YA contemporary. BUT I, personally, still think that great projects can, and will, find a path to publication.

· 3 Dec 2022

Becca Ehrlich @BeccaEhrlich

@UweStenderPhD Is it looked down upon to query an agent you already queried with a different project, when that previous project was published?

Replying to @BeccaEhrlich

No. The rejection is always just for the project and not for the writer. Plus, I get about/over 12,000 queries a year. My memory is not that good.

· 3 Dec 2022

Dean Serravalle @DeanSerravalle

@UweStenderPhD Do literary agents place any value on an authors previously published works, his/her/their career up until the present, submitted query? If an author has a proven track record with multiple independents and is reviewed well, even shortlisted for awards - does it count?

Replying to @DeanSerravalle

Publishing history plays a role, yes, but it depends on the specifics. But, YES.

· 3 Dec 2022

Thinking_Too_Loud💎 @MStewart_Author

@UweStenderPhD Second question- how strongly is the publishing industry swayed by ‘trends’?

Replying to @MStewart_Author

I personally don't care about "trends," so I am not the best responder to the question. However, if certain things are popular, it is reasonable to assume people will want to ride the respective wave.

· 3 Dec 2022

Thinking_Too_Loud💎 @MStewart_Author

@UweStenderPhD I have seen a great many agents close their queues recently. Is this a response to nanowrimo? Or is it holidays? Or both?
And, is there a time when typically agents reopen to quarries?

Replying to @MStewart_Author

I can't speak for others. Holidays and/or simply being overwhelmed are good reasons to close for queries.

· 3 Aug 2022

A. W. Fleck (is drafting) 🌞🌙✨🔮 @awfleck

@UweStenderPhD Also, how common is it to for a writing duo (friends not family/spouses) to be offered rep on a joint book? Would they typically be offered for duo work only, or for all work?

Replying to @awfleck

I would try to sign them for everything. BUT, if they only want to do the duo, and not the individual, then I, personally, would be OK with that.

· 3 Aug 2022

A. W. Fleck (is drafting) 🌞🌙✨🔮 @awfleck

@UweStenderPhD I’m here on time! Does not including comp titles in your query affect a writer’s chances at getting rep? And if so, what if, after reading, the agent disagrees with the titles chosen?

Replying to @awfleck

I never pay attention to comps. BUT if you use them, then they ought to legitimately BE comps to the actual book. 🙂

· 9 Jun 2022

Darianne Schramm ⚡️ @DarianneSchramm

@UweStenderPhD Hi! Do you like personalizations in a query or do you feel like it takes up unnecessary real estate?

Replying to @DarianneSchramm

As long as they are not creepy it's fine

· 9 Jun 2022

AK London @A_KLondon

@UweStenderPhD Very kind of you to share your time, thank you! What do think of the comps SHE'S COME UNDONE x BRIDGERTON (Netflix) for #YA?

Replying to @A_KLondon

Sounds interesting.

· 9 Jun 2022

Jeanette 죄나리 @itsjeanettechoe

@UweStenderPhD Any tips for writing a good synopsis?

Replying to @itsjeanettechoe

Tell your friends about your book. As long as they can honestly follow what you're saying, keep going. The moment you lose them, fix it. All that assumes your friends are honest and don't just say "Everything is perfect."