Maria Vicente

It depends on the age group. For adult, I would think 80k-100k is a good range. #askPSLA

I would suggest using a pseudonym if you want to publish books for both the kids and adult markets, especially if the adult content is inappropriate for kids (like erotica or super violent/gory GNs, for example). #askPSLA

Keep up to date with the books being published in the categories/genres you'd like to represent. Subscribe to industry newsletters (like Publishers Weekly). Attend local bookstore or library events. #askPSLA

Yes, absolutely! There are plenty of MG books written in 1st person. It helps readers put themselves in the character's frame of mind—which often helps win over young readers. #askPSLA

I'm always looking for a fantastic voice at the beginning of a submission. It's much easier to fix plot than writing style. #askPSLA

I don't work on adult lit much, so @maureen_moretti might have a better response, but just throwing it out there that "dark rom-com" sounds exactly like a book I would read in my downtime haha. #askPSLA

I think it's safe to assume memoir is included. Worst case scenario is that the book isn't for them! #askPSLA

Books filled with joy (instead of trauma/"issues") by marginalized creators.

I'd also like to see more books that play around with form and structure. I like my lit weird.

#askPSLA

For me, it feels like for every YA book I read with romance, I read one that doesn't have it! It's definitely not going to disappear—romantic relationships can be a very important part of YA readers' lives—but by no means does every YA book need a romance subplot. #askPSLA

I think it's a topic that affects such a large group of MG readers that we should have MORE books that focus on it. #askPSLA

Romantic relationships can be in both lower and upper YA. It has more to do with the age of the characters, the context of the story (are they starting college, for example), etc. Upper YA targets the older readers of the category. #askPSLA

The concepts are often very similar. Royal families, revenge plots, witches with basic magic structures, etc. Just looking for new twists! #askPSLA

I personally like comps that use different media properties, but I know some agents really don't... I realize this isn't the least bit helpful haha. #askPSLA

I think generally it would be viewed as already having had its chance to find readers (so, a form of self-published). #askPSLA

Oops, I missed that detail when I first read the question! I definitely agree with K—an author/illustrator project should have a complete dummy. #askPSLA

Every agency is different, but @PSLiterary typically signs clients for all work not just one project. #askPSLA

You're just pitching the story, not giving away all the details. Similar to the back cover description on a published book. #askPSLA

We are clearly the right choice, but sometimes it takes us forever to get to our queries or requested manuscripts! Or maybe your project just isn't right for us. Don't sell yourself short! There are probably many agencies out there that would want to work with you. #askPSLA

Many fantasy pitches sound the same to me, so if I read something that I've never heard before, I'll definitely request! #askPSLA

Go ahead and talk about your book! They'll let you know if they'd like you to send a query or other material. And time doesn't run out—reach out when you're ready. #askPSLA