Anna Sproul-Latimer

Whiny agent request: please, please don't send your sample chapters as 8 million different Word attachments. One doc! One doc! Waa #pubtip

Writers! You might think "bribing" agents with a care package is fun + memorable, but mostly we're just terrified it's a bomb. #pubtip

Common & never-successful query I get: "Just get me a book deal! You figure it out!" E.g. ppl who query 2+ books @ once. Noo. #pubtip

Only way I'm referring you to another agent is if you're a close relative, best friend, or author with an AWESOME idea I don't rep. #pubtip

2/2 Asking an agent to bother colleagues / put their name on the line is a big BIG ask. Best to let agent volunteer - or drop it. #pubtip

1/2 It drives me a little insane when I reject a submission and receive in response a request for other agents' names. #pubtip

>50% of the sub letters I see in my inbox contain some kind of self-insult ("I know this doesn't sound unique..."). Don't do that!! #pubtip

REALLY smart quote in LRT @RyanHoliday: too many auths "chase attention instead of results," ignore marketing for publicity. #pubtip

Words I wish I saw less in my inbox: "Lean In," "disruptive." Unless author is already aware of cliche and doing magical new things #pubtip

Friendly reminder to authors/artists: if an agent/manager asks for power of attorney in a retainer, RUN. Run. Screaming. #HarperLee #pubtip

See #11 for why I love working out of DC: buzzfeed.com/curtissittenfe… #TakeTheMoneyAndRun #pubtip

Is it bad that I sing this under my breath every time I countersign retainer agreement with new client? youtu.be/pLS86g3_NYI?t=… #mswl #pubtip

Oh, barf. Have my fellow literary agents seen this TNR piece? newrepublic.com/article/120313… (h/t @adbsimon) #pubtip

I often get queries that begin along the lines of "I have written 13 books for your consideration." Eek - only query one at a time. #pubtip

#pubtip: If you're querying w/ nonfiction, it's ESSENTIAL you include info about your platform in letter. Or I'll assume there isn't one.