Cecilia Lyra

1. Fiction: novels examining power dynamics in dysfunctional families. Nonfiction: psychology. (Lots more on the PSLA website)

2. Yes.

3. Shorter books. Feel good fiction. All things escapist. #askPSLA

Yes! I should add that they are a tougher sell. But I love them! #askPSLA

The trick to comps is understanding the intersectionality in your work — the X meets Y. The best way is to read voraciously in that genre (which you should be doing anyway since you're writing in it) and find common denominators within these works that apply to yours. #askPSLA

Hum, probably how well they were able to incorporate the notes in the new version. Editing= patience and discipline. It can be tempting to send it out before it's ready to see how the agent feels (maybe they can help you?). But polishing the work is the writer's job. #askPSLA

The #1 reason why I pass on queries is because the writing on a line level just isn't there. I can offer guidance on a lot — but not writing.

In that sense, the biggest red flag is someone who hasn't done the work that it takes to edit, revise, and polish their pages. #askPSLA

My advice is to stick to the traditional 'formula' —  we should be wowed by the originality and creativity in your pages, not your query.

That being said, it's a personal choice. I'm sure there are cases of people who did it differently and had success.

#askPSLA

Speaking for myself, no. My speed in getting back to #amquerying writers has more to do with how much I have on my plate that week. I feel like this is probably true for most agents. We're honored when you query us and wish we could respond super fast to all!

#askPSLA

I like brevity (one page is ideal!) and clarity (e.g. using all caps when introducing a new character). Oh, and I love it when writers justify margins (I'm weird, I know).

I dislike run-on sentences. And wacky fonts. Please spare me the wacky fonts! #askPSLA

With new work? Whenever you're ready! Or I should say: whenever the new work is ready (as polished as it can be, please!) #askPSLA

Do you mean when we turn down a partial/full? If so, sometimes we respond with an R&R — or revise and resubmit. It's not common, but it does happen! It depends on many variables. (Sorry if I misunderstood your question.)
#askPSLA

My sense is that all agents follow this rule: "if you don’t receive a request for further material within 4-6 weeks it means a no from the agency."

We do respond with a yes or no after having requested materials (e.g. partials or fulls).

#askPSLA

A caveat: it's your story and your call. You are the goddess of the wonderful world you create—no opinion is more important than your own.

My two cents: we're not ready for COVID-19 in fiction. I think we will be in a few years, but it's too raw, too present. #askPSLA

Publishing shorter pieces is great, though by no means required to be taken seriously.

My advice is to do it if it brings you joy. Above all, keep your eyes on the prize, i.e. making your full-length work as good as it can possibly be. Writing is rewriting. #askPSLA

Great question! ☺️ I like the book + hook + cook formula.

The PSLA website has a helpful breakdown of what each paragraph should contain. e.g. 1st paragraph "title and category of your work (...), an estimated word count and a brief, general introduction." #askPSLA