Uwe Stender

· 10 Oct 2019

kari martindale @kariloguekari

@UweStenderPhD I have someone in my chapter of Maryland Writers’ Assoc who has written nf. He’s been querying like it’s fiction. I’m wondering 1) if he’d be better off doing a tradition nf proposal, and 2) should he tell them it’s finished?

Replying to @kariloguekari

Based on the information you gave me: nonfiction isn't fiction, so no. Yes, he should do a NF proposal even if it's memoir. And if it is finished, yes, he should tell them, (why would he not,) but still write a proposal, because it explains platform, market etc.

· 27 Sep 2019

Maria Stout @MariaStout

@UweStenderPhD Before offering rep do you want to know about other manuscripts or other ideas an author has?

Replying to @MariaStout

Other agents may feel differently, but PERSONALLY I would assume that if you can write something brilliant enough for me to offer rep, that you might be able to pull it off again.

· 27 Sep 2019

K8 hearts tacos and also justice @katealicesandry

@UweStenderPhD If someone queried you a long time ago (more than 5-6 years) with a manuscript that has now been fully rebooted (and you requested), would you want the fact that it was a long ago query mentioned in the new pitch? Or is that too long ago to matter?

Replying to @katealicesandry

As long as it is significantly different, I would not care.

· 27 Sep 2019

GL Francis @merelecroix

@UweStenderPhD Is there some point where uniqueness in a manuscript is actually a liability insofar as it being too risky to consider?

Replying to @merelecroix

If it is soooo unique that nobody EVER did something like it, there may be a suspicion why that is the case.

· 27 Sep 2019

Susan Gray Foster @susangrayfoster

@UweStenderPhD I've seen a lot of discussion of the importance of "hooks" lately. In your opinion, is a hook like a high concept? Or is it a strong combination of character, conflict, stakes? Or is it something else? #askagent

Replying to @susangrayfoster

It is something that instantly grabs my attention, thus theoretically any/or a mix of the above...THAT'S where the subjective opinion comes in...

· 27 Sep 2019

Cas Fick @CM_Fick

@UweStenderPhD If a writer has a crossover genre like science fantasy what is best practices for querying? Should they only query agents specifically asking for the crossover genres or is it okay to assume that someone who has SF on their list may consider this type of ms? #askagent

Replying to @CM_Fick

In general, crossover is tough, because it is hard to define (d'uh). Make sure what your genre is and query agents who rep it. *Assuming Science Fantasy means either SciFi OR Fantasy.*

· 27 Sep 2019

Kieran McMurchy @kieranmcmurchy

@UweStenderPhD After how many queries/rejections would you advise shelving an MS?

Replying to @kieranmcmurchy

When you are out of legitimate options.

· 27 Sep 2019

carrotfarmer @pinoakbungalow

@UweStenderPhD How does a person even obtain an agent? Is that something you have to pay for up front, or do they take off the back end?

Replying to @pinoakbungalow

NEVER EVER EVER pay upfront. An agent only makes money if they sell your book.

· 27 Sep 2019

Aden Polydoros @AdenPolydoros

@UweStenderPhD At what point in a submission do you usually realize that you're going to be offering representation to the author?

Replying to @AdenPolydoros

After the last sentence. I simply have to be certain.

· 18 Sep 2019

Stephanie L. Ward @StephaineWard

@UweStenderPhD Can you give a snapshot of what a day in the life of an agent looks like?

Replying to @StephaineWard

They all differ. Let's just say, I work at least 60 hours a week, though I am actively trying to reduce that.

· 18 Sep 2019

Deidre Huesmann @DeidreHuesmann

@UweStenderPhD Which upcoming release are you most excited about right now, whether it's from one of your clients or someone else?

Replying to @DeidreHuesmann

I can't pick between clients, that would be like picking between one's kids. So...Thomas Lang "Freinacht."

· 18 Sep 2019

Megan Aronson @MeganAronson

@UweStenderPhD I love this post! Glad you got great insight today. Do you think there's a market for a memoir from a spouse's perspective on opioid addiction (w/a hard-won happy ending)? I want to show that addiction happens to everyone, even a kind & selfless dad injured helping his Grandma.

Replying to @MeganAronson

There certainly could be. The writing will decide. Best of luck.

· 18 Sep 2019

JD Lane @JLane0130

@UweStenderPhD Thanks for doing this #askagent
What’s your upper limit word count for requesting an upper MG fantasy?

Replying to @JLane0130

I don't know. IF the project sounds appealing, one can always trim it down. Though, I'd hesitate if it is more than 80k, but that is totally random, and I may not hesitate then.

· 18 Sep 2019

Rebecca F. Kenney @RebeccaFKenney1

@UweStenderPhD Do publishers tend to stay away from authors who have previously self-published but are querying new things? Is that a huge drawback in acquisitions?

Replying to @RebeccaFKenney1

No.

· 18 Sep 2019

Metra Kootsikas @Nice2Meecha

@UweStenderPhD Hello! In your slush pile, what is the percentage of actual good queries? Maybe not exactly what you’re looking for, but great writing, appropriate WC, followed submission guidelines, etc. #askagent

Replying to @Nice2Meecha

No idea. A guesstimate would be 5-10%.

· 18 Sep 2019

Dan Fitzgerald @DanFitzWrites

@UweStenderPhD If the comps hook you and you read the initial pages and you like them but don’t see the comps, is that an auto-reject? Comps are nerve wracking for a lot of us.

Replying to @DanFitzWrites

No, don't panic about comps. If I love the book, I come up with my own comps if need be. Of course having yours is helpful, and helps me ground the query. But comps shmomps, I care about the book. That's just me, though.

· 18 Sep 2019

Kirtida Gautam: Reading Harry Potter for 1st time @KirtidaGautam

@UweStenderPhD Thanks for doing this :)

My question is: Can contemporary YA fiction span over a period of a year? Say, 1.5 yrs or 2 years. (Senior year+ Gap Year)

#AskAgent

Replying to @KirtidaGautam

I guess, personally I am more concerned about the quality of the novel than the timespan.

· 18 Sep 2019

Oh Danny 🇺🇸🗽 @DanChiu4

@UweStenderPhD @Maria_Tureaud What’s the typical agent commission fee?

Replying to @DanChiu4

15% on everything, except foreign rights IF done with a subagent.

· 18 Sep 2019

Marion Lougheed @themerryonion

@UweStenderPhD Thanks for doing this! Is the publishing world much different in the UK or Canada than in the US? Do you need an agent everywhere? Are genre expectations different? Any insights into differences and similarities are very welcome! Thanks! #askagent

Replying to @themerryonion

The publishing world is different everywhere, but thanks to @btaylorbooks we have a fantastic network of Foreign Rights agent who know their territory as well as we know ours.

· 17 Sep 2019

M.A.Habib @MA_Habib_writer

@UweStenderPhD @RSAStacey Thank you for taking the time out to do this 😊. Is there a particular time of year when agents get more queries than usual and thus are more likely to give less time to each query? I imagine the number of queries increase after nanowrimo etc?

Replying to @MA_Habib_writer

Always the same for me
😎

@UweStenderPhD

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