Kate Nash

No other literary agent dishes out writing advice from @alstewartinfo...

Thank you to @mathers_nora for taking the time to interview me about all about romantic fiction #romfic #askagent @RNAtweets

If you are a writer at the start of your career and would like to find out more about our Birmingham Open Day on Sat 26th Nov, the info, including how to book your free place is here: katenashlit.co.uk/bookcamp-cours…

#askagent /6

"THIS is a bayonet!" 😂

Go to 3.36 to hear how literary agent @JustinNashLit goes the extra mile for his author Tony O'Reilly. #askagent

#bookcamp #WritingCommunity

Q: What happens if the agent dies / retires / disappears?

A: AAA code of practice says member agencies will make "provision for the protection & disbursement of clients’ monies in the event of... agent’s resignation, retirement, incapacity or death"

#AskAgent 7/7

Q: Does the agency commit to keeping you apprised of relevant information and offers received?

A: They should. It's your work; you should know who is reading it and any feedback.

#AskAgent 6/7

Q: Does the agency commit to keeping your confidential affairs confidential?

A: Ask for references to check the literary agency is trustworthy and reputable. And ask to see the privacy policy if it not clear in the agency agreement.

#AskAgent 5/7

Q: Are there any conflicts of interest?

A: There shouldn't be. Your literary agency should be only representing your best interests.

#AskAgent 4/7

Q: Does the agency have adequate professional insurance?

A: Literary agencies should have adequate professional indemnity insurance.

#AskAgent 3/7

Q: Will the agency pass on royalties and advances to you promptly?

A: AAA member literary agencies commit to this best practice: "use best efforts to transfer all sums due to the client within 10 days... but no more than 21 days in exceptional circumstances"

#AskAgent 2/7

7 questions you might not have thought to ask before you sign with a literary agency.

Q: Are client monies kept in a separate bank account?

A: The literary agency should keep client monies in a separate bank account to their general business.

#AskAgent 1/7

🚨 Aspiring popular fiction authors must master character point of view (POV):

📚 This is storytelling from the voice/head of a character or characters
📚 Can be in 1st person (I), 3rd (s/he) or even 2nd (you)
📚 General rule, stick to one POV per scene

#writingtips #askagent

Question by email: "Kate, as an unagented author, how can I get advice on a publishing contract?"

🟠 @Soc_of_Authors offers a free contract service for members

🟠 Consult a lawyer e.g. @Harbottle_Lewis or @HarperMacleod

🟠 Find a literary agent to represent you

#AskAgent

A tale of sharp practice this morning.

Unagented author in haste signs a publishing contract where terms were substantially less compared to a "sample contract" the author had been shown.

⚠️ Authors, never sign a contract in haste
⚠️ Seek advice before signing

#askagent

Agency websites have details on how to submit - ours are here: katenashlit.co.uk/submissions/
Importantly, there should be no cost to you or 'reading fee'. We're looking at writing we might take on to represent and reputable agencies do not charge fees for considering work. #askagent

Agents are not the arbiters of everything and must consider their own tastes, and their perceptions and experiences of the market. However, any feedback on craft is way less likely to be down to personal taste/market and more empirical. #askagent

If a literary agent considers your submission, says no and takes the time to explain why, please don't come back and tell us we are wrong / stupid / failing.

The agent's feedback may or may not be useful to you but it was freely given in a spirit of goodwill.

#askagent

I'm at lucky 7 in the chart of historical fiction agents compiled by @thehistoryquill 🍾

thehistoryquill.com/30-top-histori…

I ❤️ #histfic and in fact so do ALL our agents here at @KNLitAgency so do approach us if you are looking for a literary agent
#askagent

I'm at the @BytetheBook Agent Tables event this afternoon where I get to meet some aspiring authors and give some feedback on opening chapters.

I am looking, as always, for "the three Cs" in any novel opening:

✅ Character
✅ Conflict
✅ Concept

#AskAgent

5. Does the agency commit to keeping my confidential affairs confidential?
6. Does the agency commit to keeping me apprised of relevant information and offers received?
7. What happens if my agent dies / retires / disappears? How am I protected?

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Useful thread on whether you should submit to more than one agent at an agency #AskAgent