Literary Agent
𝕹𝖘𝖙𝖗𝖒 👽 (ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ꜰᴏʀᴍ) @nstrm_theory
@katenashagent Would putting together a portfolio of works (ie. short prose / novella length at absolute maximum) NOT intended to be published be beneficial or worthwhile to prospective agents?I have written two unabridged novels but am slightly precious until I have representation to submit.
We don't represent short fiction so for submissions in fiction this needs to be a novel. Check each agency's guidelines. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
LauraG82 @LGellar982
@katenashagent What do you think of hybrid publishing contracts?The term "hybrid publishing contracts" isn't something I am familiar with. If these are contracts where the publisher asks the author for a financial contribution then it should be called self-publishing or alternatively vanity publishing, depending what it is. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Zoe Wheddon @ZoeWheddon
@katenashagent I would love an agent- someone to bounce ideas and queries in the writing and planning stages - but at what point can you apply for an agent? In non-fiction you don’t always have the whole book written. Should I send a written non-contracted full ms or simply the proposal ideas?Proposal is great. Our non-fiction submission guidelines are here katenashlit.co.uk/submissions/ #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Sharon-is-writing-a-holiday-romance-Ibbotson @seibbotson
@katenashagent If you have a finished book in one genre (romantic comedy) and a finished book in another (romantic suspense) would you pitch both? Or mention while pitching one that you have another complete MS?Pitch the best and mention the second. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Dr. Rita J. Dashwood @rjdashwood
@katenashagent What should a covering letter look like? How big should it be and what points should it address?Short as necessary for me. We have some tips here for your covering email: katenashlit.co.uk/submissions/ #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Frasier Armitage @FrasierArmitage
@katenashagent @writerlynds If I want to direct my query to a specific agent, do I need to put their name in the subject of the email?We work a communal inbox so don't worry about this: katenashlit.co.uk/submissions/ #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Lisa Farrell @ResearchLisa
@katenashagent Cover letter- if I have little to no experience of fiction writing, how do I address that? How do I build professional experience? Thanks!A cover email just needs to introduce your writing ambitions and your manuscript. Please don't feel you need "qualifications", what is important in fiction is your writing, telling a story, not your "CV". #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Kit the writer @nikita_writess
@katenashagent if you have submitted a query to a agent and they have asked for full manuscript you should continue to query other agents if you are desperate to have them and say someone has requested the full manuscript?is that true + is it tacky to say the agency of the other agent#askagentNo, I think agents would appreciate knowing that other agents are reading, and it will most likely encourage them to read the manuscript faster, which is better for you as you'll have quicker decisions. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Alex Hawley @HawleyReviews
Several writers write under a number of different pen names depending on what genre they're in. Does this make it easier or harder for the agent. #askagentPen names are becoming less fashionable than they once were but it's a good discussion to have with your agent (and publisher) so everyone's on the same page with the strategy. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Dr Glenda Cooper @glendacooper
@KNLitAgency @katenashagent @RobbieGuillory @JustinNashLit @NickChapLit #askagent What's the thing agents loathe most when they get submissions. What would you advise people to avoid at all costs?Under lockdown at the moment so spared this but the absolute worst is when I'm at events and I come out of the loo to find people who've been lingering since I went into the Ladies waiting to pitch to me. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Jennie Godfrey @PrincessJen70
What are the sorts of questions you might ask a writer before signing them? #askagentWhat are you looking for from representation is the key one. This is check that what the author wants, we're the right agency to deliver this for them. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Emma Prunty @emprunty
@RobbieGuillory @katenashagent @keithapearson What would be the average word count for memoir? Are you averse or friendly to the term flash memoir? #AskAgentThis is the first time I have heard the term "flash memoir". If it means super short memoir, then no, I am looking for book length memoir only. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
JI Ackroyd @jiackroyd
Have you rejected a submission based on word count alone, or has the ‘voice’ given you reassurance that the novel could either be bulked up or edited down by the author? #AskAgentNot worried about word count per se. The question is rather, is the word count right for the story? #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Hazel Compton @HJCompton
What is the one thing authors can do to help you when reading their queries, or something you wish more authors did when submitting? (I.e. name their attachments clearly) #AskAgent1. Personal preference but keep your submissions letter short. A couple of paragraphs is fine.
2. Include your phone number.
#AskAgent
Literary Agent
Alex Hawley @HawleyReviews
As a fan of crime fiction who is intending to write crime fiction in the future, what would be the panel's best advice on how to come to the possibility of writing cross genre and how to decide where to pitch yourself in such a large field of fiction. #AskAgentThe benefit you have in crime is that it is a wide genre but one with lots of well defined niches. Be clear where in the market your story would sit re other authors / sub genres. @CrimeReaders has lots of info. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Katy M @nightspunwriter
@KNLitAgency @CS_Chamberlain @katenashagent @RobbieGuillory @JustinNashLit @NickChapLit #AskAgent thanks for this opportunity! I'd like to ask how you weigh an exciting concept vs a polished MS. Is it worth querying a book that may sell in the current market even if it's not quite perfect?A great concept AND quality writing is needed. A polished manuscript is always nice but it's the writing - storytelling ability and voice - that really matters. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Danielle Devlin @snoochems
@KNLitAgency @katenashagent @RobbieGuillory @JustinNashLit @NickChapLit Hi all, thanks so much for this. I’m part of a mentorship with an editor at the moment and have been advised to start thinking of agents to submit to, would it put agents off that I’ve already been through a mentorship with the MS I’m submitting? #askagentI would think most agents would be positive at the demonstrable effort you are showing at shaping your writing so do mention this in your cover email. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Christine Howie @fused_femme
@katenashagent Should you have your manuscript professionally edited before submitting to an agent? #askagentI wouldn't expect this, no, since agents generally like to help shape manuscripts ready for submission to publishers. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Amy Doust @ascdoust
@NickChapLit are you open to submissions and if so, are you interested in women's literary fiction? #askagentWe would be most interested in literary fiction that is accessible to the bookclub market. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Anne M Martin @AnneMMartinIrl
What is the best time of year to submit? I'm planning to query this year as am currently almost finished draft three of my novel #AskAgentAgents are busy all the time so there really isn't good or bad times of year to submit. #AskAgent