Eric Smith
Literary Agent
P.S. Literary Agency
Literary Agent (@PSLiterary), Author. Latest, YOU CAN GO YOUR OWN WAY (@InkyardPress) and JAGGED LITTLE PILL: THE NOVEL (@abramskids). Loves @BeautyBritches.
Literary Agent
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Ryan Ramkelawan @ryanramkelawan
If a client brings forward an MS in a new genre or something underground, would it be acceptable to query even if it's an obscure subgenre on an agent's wishlist? #asklitaocIf one of my authors invents a new genre, that's fine with me! #asklitAOC
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michael gray | LETTERS out sept 10 @graybulla
how do you feel about authors who want to write different genres within the same age range, for example, querying with YA fantasy but planning on writing YA contemporary later? would you say this is something that greatly impacts your decision to offer representation? #askLitAOCThis is absolutely fine. So many great YA authors jump around in genres (ie: @MindyMcGinnis @erin_bowman @brownbookworm), you won't have a problem.
I'd pitch one thing at a time though! #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
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Ryan Ramkelawan @ryanramkelawan
If a writer presents a genrebending MS, even if the genres included is a mix of those within and outside the agent's wishlist, is it acceptable to query? #asklitaocThis is a hard one. Cause I love genre blending books. If it's something they specifically say they don't want (ie: I don't want horror), maybe not. #asklitAOC
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D Ryan Rentz @DRyanRentz
@ericsmithrocks In my query letter, does it actually help to mention that I have a previously published novel? Thanks!#askLitAOC
I think so! You should want to talk about your previously published works. It shows you've had support for your writing before. Plenty of my clients had books published before me. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
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Justin Matsen @JustinMatsen15
#asklitAOC A question I’ve been sitting on for awhile... is it a turn-off to use wildly successful stories like Star Wars or Hunger Games as comp titles in your query?Not always. I mean, when I think about TRACKED by @readjennymartin, I remember it being called "Stars Wars meets The Fast and the Furious" and how do you NOT read it right away?
If the comps work, they work. Books tend to hook me better, but it's not a deal breaker. #asklitAOC
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Sabaah Jauhar-Rizvi @AustenLied
@ThaoLe8 @beth_phelan @ericsmithrocks @leonicka Would you ever suggest someone like me to have a more “white” name to be marketable? I’ve gotten that feedback from other agents and don’t understand why. #askLitAOCHELL NO. Shame on those agents. Never change. #asklitAOC
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heidi heilig @heidiheilig
You folks are SO IMPORTANT. What can your fellow publishing professionals and other folks in the industry do (either personally or by lobbying the industry) to support established and aspiring agents of color? #asklitAOCKeep being open to hiring agents who work remotely. And remote interns. Be accessible. If I had to move to NYC, I wouldn't be here.
And at the publishing house level, more diverse staff. And when they are there, SUPPORT that staff. Too many leave. #asklitAOC
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SK Terentiev @Sarah_Terentiev
@ericsmithrocks @mikechenwriter #asklitAOCProlog-is it always a bad idea when querying agents?
Example - less than 2 pages, barely any world building (no exposition!), deep in the character’s POV, full of action. It’s purpose is to set the tone for later in the book. A promise to the reader.
Prologues aren't always bad! It's a taste thing.
The prologues I hate are the ones that start the book with something like "looking back, I'm glad we made it" and telling me the novel is all reflective.
Why read the story? Things turned out okay. *closes book* #asklitAOC
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Jay Mehta @jaymstories
What do you feel like is “the moment” when you know you’ve connected with a writer’s story? #askLitAOCWhen I'm reading the book like a reader, and no longer picking it apart while I read. Well. No longer picking it apart THAT much. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
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Melissa See @melissasee
Is it appropriate to follow up with an agent who has had a full manuscript for a month (or more)? #asklitAOCI'm a big believer in following up and nudging. Just be sure to check submission guidelines, see how long the agent / agency tends to circle back with authors.
Agents spent 47% of their life following up with editors [citation needed]. You can followup with them. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
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Samara Lo @Ms_SamaraLo
#asklitAOC Does being an agent or author outside the US have any limits/affects if you're looking to be published in the US? E.g. Would you be targeting US publishers or local connections first?Not in my opinion! I'm lucky enough to work with authors in the UK and in Canada, and have secured them deals with US publishers without a problem. The Internet and email makes the world smaller. <3 #asklitAOC