Ann Rose

For me, it’s for their career.

A nudge at 3 month increments I think is fair.

Just you!
You don’t need to bring anything. If you want a notecard or something for yourself that’s fine but you don’t need to give us anything.

My general “rule” is that is should be within range and not too far over or under. Hitting right in the middle is probably “safest” right now.
Does this answer your question?

A synopsis is the full story and character arc. Written in paragraphs is usually best. Hit the major plot points and don’t get too bogged down with subplots.

It will help them get to it sooner mostly likely.

It doesn’t have to be too detailed. Titles and names of publications would be enough IMO

I’m not sure what you are asking, but you don’t have to tell us about us, or repeat our MSWL. If you don’t have anything personal to say, skip it. We will know you did your research if you send us something we’ve said we wanted

Comps don’t have to be directly similar, just look for similar qualities

The friendship of X Title
The romance of Y Title
The adventure of Z Title

A query should tell me

Who is the MC?
What do they want? Goals
What stands in their way? Obstacles
What happens if they fail? Stakes

Also meta data- word count, age group, genre, comps

A little about the author

You have to figure out who the reader is and then pitch it accordingly. Who did you write the book for? Which shelf will it sit most comfortably on? There is no in between shelf even if readers of both could enjoy, it has to solidly sit somewhere.

On a full request? I think nudges at 3 month increments are totally fair.
Too soon is like a week after it’s sent. I wish I was that fast but sadly I am not.

Sometimes the first book doesn’t hit but that doesn’t mean you aren’t a good writer and they wouldn’t be happy to see something else from you. Publishing is part timing and luck

The likeliest cause I would think is embarrassment for taking so long.
I admit I'm not the speediest with reading fulls but I will ALWAYS respond.

Short answer - Yes.

1) Writing credentials are anything you've written so you can include anything you want. And if you don't have any that's okay too.
2) How an author chooses to publish is entirely up to them. There are pros and cons no matter which route you take.

You do NOT need blurbs from other authors at the querying stage! And if you don’t have credentials that’s fine. Tell us about you! Tell us what inspired you to write the story, or how it’s connected to you. Tell us about your other hobbies or your day job. …

I LOVE the why! Not all agents agree or do but for me I am interested in you the author and why this novel was important for you to write. The intention behind it feels so relevant to me so I always enjoy reading those tidbits

If they are really out of left field it MAY put an agent off so it would be hard to give you a solid answer. I would say do try to make the letter as standard as possible. There are ways to insert voice and make it interesting.

You will not get one answer on this that is the same I’m warning you now. I personally don’t mind seeing themes and the intention of the story from the author POV I personally find it interesting but some agents will say “I don’t need it” …