Alex Slater

More and more editors are asking for #MG fiction that addresses "tougher" issues, and are not shying away from themes that #MG novels of the past may have avoided. #TMGtalks

It all depends on how and why you want to publish. If traditional publishing is your aim, I would suggest NOT self-publishing. Send a query and find the agent who is as passionate as you are into turning it into print. #TMGtalks

I like queries that start with a question, either literally or figuratively. They ask: What if...? What if X does Y? Etc. It grabs me if it feels fresh and inventive. Then, I'll jump to the end of query to review the bio, but for me, it's always story first. #TMGtalks

Hi! I'm a bit unclear on the question, but I think the answer is you always have a "chance" of finding the right agent, and if your book has a sequel or is the start of a series, research agents who sell those types of projects, for an even better chance. #TMGtalks

Gotta read On Writing, and a personal favorite, Bird by Bird. #TMGTalks

In the children's market, it's watching and participating in a literary landscape that's both slowly and finally striving for inclusivity, diversity, and honesty in the stories being told and who gets to tell them. #TMGTalks

Hi Tiffany! I think this varies project to project. #YA and #MG are separated by more than just age ranges. If it's currently leaning YA, I would follow that instinct, and then reassess after some betareads and revisions. #TMGTalks

It's true that trends come and go. My honest opinion is that since paranormal has been cooler than in years past, it's only a matter of time until the pendulum swings back, which I think it will. #TMGTalks

Model your query letter off of the backcover copy of your favorite books. It should be succinct, alluring, and very easy to digest. Use attention-grabbing words. Read it aloud to find the flow. Tell us a story we'll beg to hear more of. #TMGTalks #querytip

I think the #MG debut SEE YOU IN THE COSMOS by @jackcheng was one of the most beautiful books of the year. I highly recommend it as a study in structure. #TMGTalks

It's tough to make a general statement about a whole category of books, but I will say this - I don't typically seek out chapter books because of how rarely I hear editors asking for them. #MG on the otherhand, is very much in demand #TMGTalks

I don't think the ratio is as important as making clear what it is about these characters, and their story, that will stand out. Make that clear, and mention the multiple POVs, and keep it at that. #TMGTalks

Your synopsis should be succinct and broken down by Act, usually, but personally, yes - the query is more important. I won't ask for the synopsis unless that initial query letter strikes me. #TMGTalks

I'm seeing a lot of #YA fantasy, and while the genre is evergreen for the age group, what I'd love to see more of is horror. #TMGTalks