Eric Smith

This is a good question that I can actually fish resources for! I have three full non fiction proposals here. ericsmithrocks.com/perfect-pitch

I tend to ask for 5k to 10k in terms of sample pages. #askPSLA

Nope! So many titles change from agent to editor to publication.

You should still have a title that you’re proud to shop your book around under though. #askPSLA

Keep going!

There are lots of stories about authors who queried 100+ agents. Just make sure you're sticking to agents who feel right for you.

It can be tempting to pitch EVERYONE, but remember. An agent who isn't a good fit for you, is worse than having no agent. #askPSLA

ROFL. It's not important. So many of the debut authors I've signed had bios in their query letters like "worked as a lawyer for fishermen" and "I have a corgi and like hockey."

And honestly, that stuff IS exciting and interesting to me. Life exists outside books! #askPSLA

I think so. I've sold a few.

If you're worried about establishing that platform, it is never ever too late. Publishing articles and essays on whatever you're writing about, should be a very welcome challenge.

After-all, you wrote a memoir about this! :-) #askPSLA

When the query starts with "Dear @ErikHane." I get it, we have the same name, but I'm-

Okay no, but really, it's just a story that I'm not interested in. I've signed plenty of authors with queries that weren't perfect.

The story is what matters. Also don't be racist. #askPSLA

I think all of my literary fic authors' books (see @boycebabbles' novels) come in at around that.

That's a perfectly fine word count! #askPSLA

I'd just double check what their submission guidelines say?

Some agency websites say they'll get back to you in 6 to 8 weeks, etc. If they haven't, nudge away! #askpsla

I'm a big fan of nudges. I say go for it.

Although, if you're nudging with an updated manuscript like... two weeks later? That's maybe telling me the book wasn't ready to pitch in the first place.

Just dish a little bit of the why. I've signed folks who nudge. :-) #askPSLA

When it comes to personalizing your query, don't feel like you HAVE to force it. Not all agents have a personal website, a social media presence, etc. where you can learn those fun little tidbits.

Just jumping in with "I hear you're looking for X" works just as well. #askPSLA

Absolutely. I've seen people refer to it as "hopepunk" here on the Twitter dot com.

I'm lucky enough to work with @mikechenwriter, and his novels are packed full of optimism and hope. Like a sci-fi golden retriever. #askPSLA

I have a post about putting together a non-fiction proposal that digs into platform, that I think might be helpful. cc @JulieSHasson

Shout out to @slaughterwrites for being open and vulnerable with this, cause we put the whole thing up here. ericsmithrocks.com/blog/2019/5/21… #askPSLA

I've read plenty of bad queries and still requested. I was a bad test taker in college. I get it.

First chapter... hard to define. #askPSLA

Nope. I constantly see agents and editors requesting friendship stories. I want to see more of them myself! #askPSLA

Absolutely. Who wouldn't want to discover the next @MikalebRoehrig? <3 #askPSLA

I think this applies more to non-fiction and literary fiction.

But @novaren and @exrpan are starting a YA lit mag! Look them up! #AskPSLA

You can always, always comp your book to themes in other books. Or even to voice.

Remember, comps aren't just about the story. #AskPSLA

Nope. Find an agent who wants to represent your career, and maybe is a fan of both.

Though just query one at a time. #AskPSLA

Love YA sports books. Please see the queen of them, @MirandaKennealy. They exist, there's absolutely an audience. #AskPSLA

I think they are fine, as long as they don't wipe away the stakes, which they often do.

IE: "Soon my world would" NO. No spoilers. #askPSLA