Kate Nash

I don't worry too much about synopses being reflective of the writing and I'm interested in the actual writing. Keep the synopsis simple and short if you're struggling. Or ask a writing friend to read and review it for you. #askagent

Anything that involves an actual correct agent or agency name is great. #askagent

I really like to see a phone number - because I might want to call the author! #askagent

Read the agent submission guidelines (ours are here: katenashlit.co.uk/submissions/) and tailor your query to the agents you want to represent you by telling them exactly why you are approaching them in particular. #askagent

Uplit is about the issues in the story as well as the ending. The pioneering book of this new genre is Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. #askagent

I read the pages first. #askagent

In the UK in women's fiction what's most important is the story, the emotion and the issues raised rather than specifically sub-genres #askagent

It is certainly worth spending time getting your pitch right so that you can present what your work is about succinctly and grab the attention of agents. #askagent

I don't have a MWSL because I find looking at submissions a bit like clothes shopping - better to be open minded and see what's out there than have too many pre-fixed ideas. #askagent

I think YA has been trickier in a last couple of years but it's still a super exciting innovative area in publishing. And there is always a market for middle grade, especially series and stories with international potential. #askagent

In short, boosting fiction reading - so actually growing the market - and earning authors more money #askagent

Yes, something a bit spooky or gothic, like @spookypurcell who I am a huge fan of #askagent

Question for you: what is PB? If picture books I am afraid we don't represent these. There are plenty of good agencies who do, however. #askagent

I find this particularly attractive in genres where it has traditionally been less common. #askagent

This is tricky to answer without knowing the book but I think unless the genre is so U.S. specific, I would say try for a UK agent. Much publishing is worldwide these days and UK has world leading commissioning. #askagent

Years ago publishers could be wary of books that had already been self-published but now that does not matter at all. If you want a publishing deal, do approach agents and with the revised text. #askagent

Q: "Do you help every step of the way?" A: Literary agents act as your career manager to find the right publisher(s) for your work, get the best and fair terms and help you achieve the success you deserve. #askagent

Q: "Is it best to compare agents rates?" A: Agents charge a commission which is published and the same for all their clients, in the UK usually about 15%. #askagent

Q. "When sending in a manuscript for children's book; should I do it page for page or just write it all on one page?" A: Guidelines on how to submit will be on the agency website (ours are here: katenashlit.co.uk/submissions/) and does vary by agency. #askagent

Q. "Is it best to look around to find the right agent that specialises in a certain area?" A: Agents specialise in certain areas so do research to find agents who represent the type of book you write. #askagent