Maria Vicente

Hmm...I don't think I'm a fan of clean boxes. I want to make weird books! #askPSLA

Some of the most common reasons: personal preference, the importance of sample art to win over certain publishers, balancing out a client list (already have a number of clients writing scripts). #askPSLA

For me, I generally read in chronological order, but that might change if I receive something high on my wish list, someone receives an offer of rep, etc. #askPSLA

There's not much that results in an INSTANT no (aside from racist/sexist/etc. remarks), but I have some common mistakes listed on my website: mariavicente.com/blog/10-common… #askPSLA

Address your query letter to both of us and let us fight over it. @ericsmithrocks, it's time for battle. #askPSLA twitter.com/LizHansonBooks…

Say that the project you're querying will be your debut book...that's a very cool thing! I also like to see some personality (where you're from, what you're passionate about, what you do to pay the bills) and a few words about your WIP is a great idea. #askPSLA

I have a short post on my website about this. mariavicente.com/blog/visual-th… #askPSLA

Very rarely do I think a picture book manuscript can exist without art notes (even if minimal). The text should always leave room for the art to tell part of the story, and if you don't explain what's missing in the manuscript, then the reader won't understand the book. #askPSLA

Personal preference. ;)

And also, they're a tough sell at publishing houses. Maybe the market's oversaturated right now? #askPSLA

Or just more joyful stories in general! A book about hanging out in a cat cafe, rather than dealing with the world ending. #askPSLA

I wish the conflict wasn't always focused on what makes a "diverse" character "diverse." Ex: A YA book with a queer protagonist that doesn't focus on trauma associated with their sexual identity. Instead, the conflict is that they're being chased by a dinosaur. #askPSLA

I mentioned this in an earlier response, but I'm always looking for a great writing style at the beginning of a manuscript. In a query, if your concept is something I truly haven't read before (many queries sound repetitive of one another), then I'll want to know more. #askPSLA

I don't see why not! #askPSLA

The oldest I've read in YA (that I recall now, anyway) is a protagonist starting their first year of college, so 18/19 typically. 21 might be a bit too old. #askPSLA

It sounds more academic to me, a mix of literary commentary and history. #askPSLA

They probably would be New Adult if that category had developed like many hoped it would. Alas, it's not really a recognized category in traditional publishing, so you're right to pitch as having crossover potential. #askPSLA

Similar writing style. I don't need comp titles for genre—those are easy to find. I'm more interested in comp titles that have to do with style, tone, theme, etc. #askPSLA

Memoir's tricky, they can be quite effective even when on the shorter side. I would say 60k-80k. #askPSLA

I really dislike it when someone puts down other books/tropes/topics/etc. in their query letter. Just focus on your own book, not what other people are writing! #askPSLA

My wish list is on my website, and I'll update it throughout the year as I think of more projects I'd like to see. #askPSLA mariavicente.com/representation