Uwe Stender

I suspect others may have different opinions. *I* think your only responsibility is to tell agents the moment you have an actual offer. Until then you can continue querying whomever you want, as many you want, whichever way you want.

· 28 Sep 2018

Kevin J. Wangler (Deadline: Dec. 31) @KevinJWangler

@UweStenderPhD How important are comps in a query letter? #askagent

Replying to @KevinJWangler

They don't hurt, as they help with figuring out which Marketplace they cover.

· 28 Sep 2018

Laura deNoyelles @Lauradeno

@UweStenderPhD Query letter question: so much conflicting advice...should you say this is debut novel in bio? Can you say you have written more novels to show this isn't first and you are interested in this as a career? So write: debut but have written (not queried) 5 other novels? Thanks!

Replying to @Lauradeno

As long as the other novels have not been (self) published, there is no reason to mention it. The fact you are querying an agent proves you are serious!

· 28 Sep 2018

Brooks Jones 📖 @brooks_jones

@UweStenderPhD Let's say you have a couple of different MSs out and haven't heard back from everyone. What if you get offered rep on MS A: should you inform everyone else of the offer, even those who are considering MS B (and might've already rejected A)? #askagent

Replying to @brooks_jones

Yes, I think you ought to.

· 14 Sep 2018

Michelle E. Reed @Michelle_E_Reed

@UweStenderPhD Follow-up question to one previously asked: are you not a fan of multi-POV in general (so one should just query other agents with these), or just instances of too many points of view? Asking as I'm finishing up a 3 POV contemporary YA.

Replying to @Michelle_E_Reed

I just think it is so tough to do different distinct POVs. Two is great, three is possible...beyond that: "eek, try another agent."

· 14 Sep 2018

Angela Sebastian @Kauto_on_belly

@UweStenderPhD Hello! What makes you want to work with an author, even if ms isn't right for you?

Replying to @Kauto_on_belly

If the manuscript is not right for me, then I would not want to work with you until you write a manuscript that is right for me. Two exceptions: Rihanna and Simone Missick.

· 14 Sep 2018

Carly Huss @CarlyHussWrites

@UweStenderPhD Glad to hear it’s been a good week. :) I’ve written a book with 6 equal POVs which makes for a challenging query letter. In this case, would you prefer a concise query with common goals of all characters or a slightly longer query with each POVs goals?

Replying to @CarlyHussWrites

Oh wow. I personally would prefer a concise query, but admittedly, I would likely not request it either way, because the odds of pulling off a 6 POV distinctly are lowish. But you might of course have done it perfectly, thus query other agents who don't have this reservation.

· 6 Sep 2018

Dawn Hosmer @DawnHosmer7

@UweStenderPhD Do agents ever pick up authors/books that have been published with a small press? #askagent

Replying to @DawnHosmer7

Sure/maybe.

· 6 Sep 2018

Sarah Barkoff Palma @SarahBPalma

@UweStenderPhD If a writer lands an agent with a YA book, can they write MG for their next book, or are they career YA at that point?

Replying to @SarahBPalma

Write whatever you want, though it may be smart to first build on your (YA) brand. But not necessarily. Also, make sure your agent or agency reps both, though likely they would.

· 6 Sep 2018

Crystal Bell @WritingLEOW

@UweStenderPhD If I queried a debut book at 172k words (because I'm stubborn and clueless) and received no's for it, do you think it would be okay to re-query those same agents a year later now that it is down to 113k with serious rewrites? Or do you think it may just be dependent on the agent?

Replying to @WritingLEOW

It depends on the agent. But even 113 K seem *relatively * a lot.

· 6 Sep 2018

Steve Grossman @SteveGrossman17

@UweStenderPhD How critical is it for a debut commercial fiction work to be under 100k words? Is 108k toxic? Asking for a friend #askagent

Replying to @SteveGrossman17

Not toxic, but --depending on what it is-- maybe difficult.

· 6 Sep 2018

Hdkeller @Hdkellerhdkell1

@UweStenderPhD In the agenting world, are there any phrases or concepts in a query or MS that result in automatic rejection? For example, "the fate of the earth rests in his hands" = Rejections

Replying to @Hdkellerhdkell1

Lol. Not necessarily. But using a worn out, cliched phrase like that will definitely NOT help. 🙄

· 6 Sep 2018

kristinpaula @kristinpaula11

@UweStenderPhD While querying a stand along book with series potential is it best to start the second book while you’re querying or work on something entirely new?

Replying to @kristinpaula11

I think it may be best to write something new, as you don't know if book one sells. HOWEVER, there is no rule why you can't do either or both.

· 6 Sep 2018

Amber A. Logan @AmberAnnLogan

@UweStenderPhD Do published writers generally have the rights to produce merchandise using their book cover art, or can only the publisher do that? I know authors make their own promo materials a lot, but wasn’t sure about things like jewelry or T-shirt’s, etc. Thanks!

Replying to @AmberAnnLogan

I have no idea. I would guess it depends on who holds the merchandising rights. I suspect the author will ask for permission and not be denied, but --truthfully-- I don't know.

· 6 Sep 2018

Gregory Laski @ProfL12

@UweStenderPhD For nonfiction books when do you reccomend authors contact agents? I have a preface and chapter drafted for new book project

Replying to @ProfL12

A complete proposal and about 50 sample pages.

· 6 Sep 2018

Nancy Parish @nancyparish

@UweStenderPhD Is it a red flag if an agent doesn't have any deals listed in Pub.Marketplace? #askagent

Replying to @nancyparish

Not necessarily. It is brutally tough to get started. It depends on the individual.

· 6 Sep 2018

Nancy Parish @nancyparish

@UweStenderPhD Perfect timing, as I find myself needing to turn off the tv--too much bad news including an active shooter in my town. Anyway, when do you know a manuscript is ready for submission?

Replying to @nancyparish

When you and your critique partners can no longer improve it.

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