Kelly Van Sant
Literary Agent
KT Literary
Literary Agent & Contract Maven at KT Literary (QueryManager.com/kellyvansant). A mind at work. I'm a witch, and I'm hunting you. She/her
Literary Agent
Kelly Van Sant @bookishchick
@BerrosRachel I think the second contracted book is always harder than the first, because writing under contract is just a very different kind of pressure. But I don’t think troubled novels impact that. Everyone has a different path.That should say “trunked” not troubled!!! 😂
Literary Agent
Rachel Berros @BerrosRachel
@bookishchick Do you find that authors who have a few trunk novels, and who specifically try to write a book a year in prep prior to getting an agent/sale, have as much trouble writing published book #2 as authors who sold their first written novel?I think the second contracted book is always harder than the first, because writing under contract is just a very different kind of pressure. But I don’t think troubled novels impact that. Everyone has a different path.
Literary Agent
Caitlin Cross @caitlincross
@bookishchick Hi Kelly! Your agency site says that agents will reply to queries only if interested, but your Manuscript Wish List page says you respond to all queries within 4 weeks. When querying, can we expect a response from you for both requests and passes? Thank you! 😊I need to update my response times everywhere because I am behind behind behind behind. But yes, I do believe in responding to everyone.
Literary Agent
JO Writes (19,793 words) @writes_jo
@bookishchick I queried a 137k word fantasy for a about 6 months. All form rejections except one who liked the first three chapters, just not enough apparently. I'm working hard to get below 100k words, can I re-query some of the same agents or no?Never requery the same agent with the same project unless specifically invited to do so. (The agent will say: I’d like to see this again if you revise). You can go back to the same agents with new, different work. But not the same book again.
Literary Agent
Kelly Van Sant @bookishchick
@DragonnessRawr If an agent falls in love, very little will turn them off. But, yes. If a query comes in indicating this is book one of ten then I do become concerned. Concerns are: is this length necessary? Can these characters and plots be sustained that long? Can this writer accept edits?No editor is going to buy 10 books in one go. Even HP was contracted in smaller chunks. So make sure your books have satisfying arcs without needing to read all 10.
Literary Agent
Debi Overstreet @DragonnessRawr
@bookishchick Is it an automatic turn off for an agent to learn it’s a planned LONG series?If an agent falls in love, very little will turn them off. But, yes. If a query comes in indicating this is book one of ten then I do become concerned. Concerns are: is this length necessary? Can these characters and plots be sustained that long? Can this writer accept edits?
Literary Agent
Veronica Alcaraz @veroiswriting
@bookishchick What do u look for in a Query letter?A compelling character with clear wants and real stakes. A great voice.
Literary Agent
🏳️🌈 Suzanne DeWitt Hall @smDeWittHall
@bookishchick My novel is dark, weird af, and literary.Might some agents be into this mix? I've had two manuscript requests so far but mostly lots of "not a fit" or crickets.
Wondering if maybe the oddness is simply too much.
Psh! Two requests is great! You are fine! Dark, weird, and literary is a time-tested combo.
Literary Agent
Bobbi French @Bobbi_French
@bookishchick Is there a place these days in the market for "quiet" books? #askagentOf course! I’ve seen quiet a few deals for quieter books come through lately. But I never advise writing toward the market, as so much shifts all the time. Write the books you want to write. They’ll find the homes and readers that are meant for them.
Literary Agent
Debi Overstreet @DragonnessRawr
@bookishchick How long is “too long” for a series? #askagentThis depends on so many factors it’s almost impossible to answer. But one thing I can tell you is that you have to write (and often sell!) one book at a time. If you plan out a 3/5/7 book arc, that’s great! But no one will see those later sequels if the first book isn’t out there