Erin Casey Westin

Yes mention it! In the end our goal is to sell books, so if editors already like your story, great! Put those things in your query. It might not affect how the agent decides, because the writing is the most important, but your eventual agent will want this info for sub! #askGZLA

I'd want to see that the writer is capable of addressing my edits in the BEST way for the characters/story. It's their story after all, but all writers need to be able to address critique. I can't help on YA to adult bc I would never ask for that bc I don't rep adult! #askGZLA

If it's an editor at a publishing house (like you won a contest or they were open to direct submissions) then yes! We'd prob want to submit to them & it's good to hear a pub is interested. If it's a freelance editor, context might be nice but it's all about the writing #askGZLA

Speaking for myself, it's rare I refer to another agent unless I KNOW it's up their alley. It's hard to give another agent more work, esp. when I passed. I'm not sure if someone would offer rep for future sales potential - more likely they'd ask to see the next project #askGZLA

I think the ghost story train is still chugging along! Sure the market can get saturated, but that should never stop you from telling a story you're passionate about. Realize that fall also always feels saturated with ghosts - that's marketing's job! #askGZLA

Sounds potentially confusing, but I wouldn't know for sure without reading! You should definitely have a good reason, some emotional character development that makes this tense change necessary and powerful. If it feels clunky or confusing, then maybe it's not necessary? #askGZLA

Maybe slightly old news but lots of editors are looking for NF that focuses on moments, movements, or objects/items/inventions. PB bios work when that person's experience is underrepresented - we need more diverse NF PBs, we're good on the founding fathers! #askGZLA

I've been getting 400-500 queries a month this year (note that agents require different length of samples - our 2000 word sample is shorter than many others). These are guesses but usually about 30-40 partial requests, becomes ~10 full requests, becomes maybe 1 client 😳 #askGZLA

First, this kitten is a mood. Second no spoilers is the default! The end/reveal is something to pull the agent along and they definitely want to be surprised and read the manuscript as a future reader would. They'll ask for a full synopsis prob if they want the end #askGZLA

I have this problem too! I'd say speculative "speculates" on our world. It changes something big or small about our world and imagines what would('ve) happen(ed). That can be wrapped in a sci-fi which is usually technology based, often with tech that pushing boundaries #askgzla

2) Nothing I can think of! 3. If I'm loving it, yes! If it's a pass, no. #askgzla

1) I'd love a picture book about kids in nature - both the fun of it and the reverence we can have for it, told in an engaging way (not so hoity-toity). Camping, hiking, at the local park, whatever! #askgzla

No offense meant, but I would be. If I liked your original query I would respond and ask for more manuscripts, and you could share that story with me then. If I pass, I'd prefer you wait to receive that pass to send another project, as we have a one sub at a time rule. #askgzla

Not waiting for a response to a prior query before sending a new one. You can follow up to ask us to get back to you if it's (for us) after 4 weeks, but one project at a time please! #askgzla

Base your subs on how YOU feel about the agents. Make your list and send it to your favs 1st- whatever feels manageable - no matter if they are brand new or passed on your prior project. And onward down the list. Do not feel any pressure to resubmit - send to your favs! #AskGZLA

Just do you! Honestly I don't know what either of those are, but I want to find out now! State the genre and give your usual description/synopsis and you'll be totally fine. I'd be intrigued to see niche genre like that #AskGZLA

🎶I DIDN'T WANT TO BE A HALF-BLOOD🎶 ammiright @LTMusical? But for real, yes reluctant heroes who are just everyday people in CRAZY situations! Makes for awesome humor and a great arc as they figure out how their new role fits in their life #AskGZLA

2) Definitely hard and rare with traditional publishers. Indie or self-pub might be the way to go, or perhaps an anthology? But honestly I'm no expert on this genre, maybe my colleagues will chime in #AskGZLA

THESE ARE ALL GUIDELINES NOT RULES but...
1) PB: 250-500, MG 30K-60K, 50K-100K
Your book might need mor or less, might be a different format! Figure out where a bookstore would shelve it and see how long those books are. Or find an agent to help you create a new shelf! #AskGZLA

Yes? Yes. I think so. It doesn't hurt, only protects, and if the agent is somehow offended by it, they probably aren't right for your work anyway. I guess my only concern is spoilers...hmmm haven't thought about this before #AskGZLA