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Ruby Rumsey is (Mostly) Back @ruby_rumsey
Oh, and a follow-up question: A writing professor once told me that unless you've published in literary magazines, there's no hope for publishing a book because you won't have "previous experience," as it were. Fact? Fiction? Bit of both? (Thank you!) #askPSLASounds to me like a whole bunch of fiction! Previous publications can sometimes help, but they're definitely not a requirement. #askPSLA
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J.L. Cole @jlcole1331
Should I list the name of the newspapers I have had articles published in, even though the agent probably hasn’t heard of them? Or can I just state I have had newspaper articles published? #askPSLAI wouldn't go into the specific details. An agent can always ask questions if they want more information. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Debra Daugherty @dmddeb
#askPSLA When submitting a query for a possible series, how much detail should be given on future stories. Should the focus just be on book 1?Focus your query on book 1 and then say that it's the first in an intended series. An interested agent or editor will ask to see a series overview if they need more info! #askPSLA
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Vale @ValeAmando
I have a WIP that is mostly novel (YA) but another MC tells bits and pieces of the other side of the story in the form of comic panels. I’m not an artist. Would I need to get someone prior to submitting to complete things? And would I need permission from them to sell? #askPSLAI don't recommend finding an illustrator before hand. Your future publisher will have contacts; the art director attached to your project will know how to approach the art. #askPSLA
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Erica Secor @thedavisgirl
@alishagabriel #askPSLA follow up to Alisha's Q: Would a NF be queried via a full proposal vs. manuscript?A nonfiction query letter should be very similar to a fiction query letter except that you should have a proposal (with sample chapters) available upon request rather than a full manuscript. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Kari Hagen @KariHagenWrites
When reading a partial/full and the pages need some minor editorial tweaking but you love it, would you make and offer or tell the writer to Revise and Resubmit? #askPSLAI'd most likely make an offer if it's only minor changes. If I ask for a revise and resubmit, it's because big changes need to be made to the plot and I want to make sure the author can tackle those large-scale revisions in a way that lines up with my vision. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Cheyenne Campbell 🦄 is on hiatus @chylu
Hello #askPSLA :) If an agent says a manuscript is beautifully written with great characters but it doesn't stand out enough in a competitive market but they give no example of what aspect needs revising, what would you suggest as the next step?It sounds like the writing is strong, but the concept isn't different enough from what's already out there. If you think you DO have a strong hook, then keep querying—maybe it's just that one agent's opinion. If not, then maybe move on to another project for now? #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Erica Secor @thedavisgirl
@PSLiterary @kurestinarmada @msmariavicente Is it helpful/necessary in a query to mention a ms is made up of "found documents"? #askPSLAI don't know if it's necessary, but it sure does sound super cool! #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Carlee Lloyd @carleelynnlloyd
#askPSLA I'm working on a non-fiction book about using social media as the ultimate modern dating tool. What should my platform look like & how do I prove that I want to be a life-long writer and produce positive ROI for an agency?Eric (@ericsmithrocks) has a great article about building your platform: ericsmithrocks.com/2016/08/10/aut… #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Angela Sebastian @Kauto_on_belly
@PSLiterary @kurestinarmada @msmariavicente Hi! I attended a conference recently where an agent on a publishing panel said that YA fantasy was so saturated that, "book deals are being cancelled." Any truth to this? #askPSLAI think most YA genres are saturated by now. That just means anything being acquired needs to have a unique hook.
I don't personally have experience of a YA fantasy book being cancelled, so I can't speak to that specifically. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Mary Boone @boonewrites
@PSLiterary @kurestinarmada @msmariavicente I keep hearing that 500 words is the sweet spot for PB copy but NFPB can be "longer." Is there truth in this? If so, how much longer? Your thoughts?Signed,
Counting Words in Tacoma
#askPSLA pic.twitter.com/5CS55eGk53
Stick to under 1000 words and you should be fine. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Michelé Strachota @MStracho
@PSLiterary @kurestinarmada @msmariavicente #askPSLA I'm having a really hard time finding comp titles to put in queries. Any tips tricks or advice? How important are they?Comp titles advice #2 (from @ericsmithrocks): publishingcrawl.com/2018/04/16/the… #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
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Mike Kern @miekkenr
PS Lit has a very good, detailed page on how to send queries and how long to wait (~6 weeks is a no). Does this same wait apply to requests or do you all generally respond with a yes/no?Thanks for your time!
#askPSLA
Unfortunately, the 6 week timeline doesn't apply to partial and full manuscript requests (we are not superhuman readers, as much as we'd all like to be). But we ALWAYS send responses to requested material, whether it's a yes or a no. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Rachael A Edwards ❄️ #RevPit18winner @RachaelAWrites
@PSLiterary @kurestinarmada @msmariavicente Hi! Do you reply to all queries or only those that interest you? 😊 #askPSLAJust the ones that we want to see more of! #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Fe @Fictionalera
do you rep writers from other countries? (e.g. out of america) #askPSLAWe sure do! Our clients live all across the world. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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J.L. Cole @jlcole1331
Thank-you for doing this! My first question is; would having minor grammar or punctuation mistakes in my MS be enough for an agent to turn it down? Wondering if I can get away with not hiring a professional editor as it's very pricey. #askPSLAMost writers don't need to hire a professional editor, as long as they're proficient at self-editing. A few grammar mistakes or typos aren't a big deal! #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Alisha Gabriel @alishagabriel
#askPSLA Is there a demand for MG expository NF like Sarah Albee's Bugged: How Insects Changed History or Poison: Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines?I think so! I'd love to see more of these type of projects in MG. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
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Sassy Cat Chat @LisaLDriscoll
#askPSLA what are the top things toy want to see in a query letter. What makes you accept or reject something instantly?I expect a query letter to include three things: necessary details (title, word count, category/genre), a compelling pitch, and an author bio. I will "instantly" reject categories/genres I don't represent and previously self-published books. #askPSLA