Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Asha Hick 🇪🇺 @AshaHick
Do you look at competition shortlists and longlists for possible new clients? #askagentI would like to think I did but rarely have the time. Do mention any accolades in your covering letter. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Madhurima_Sappatti @MSappatti
Hi! What usually makes an agent pick up a story? Like what's the general criteria and what can an author do to fit into it? #askagentFor me a great character I can start following from the first paragraph. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Dr. Sarah Kelly @skellybacken
@mushenska #askagentI chased up (politely) an agent who asked me for a full MS some weeks ago and have still heard nothing - is it best to assume they’re not interested or worth a follow-up? Thanks 🙏🏻
If this is me, please chase because I likely simply haven't got to it yet. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Clare Zinkin (MinervaReads) @minervamoan
Hello. Thanks for answering questions here. Would you expect to sign a writer before asking them to do major changes to a manuscript? Or would you ask them to do the changes first and then sign? #askagentIt would depend how much work was needed. If a lot of work, I wouldn't offer rep until I had seen revisions as I don't think that would fair on the author. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
John Huw Evans @JohnHuwEvans2
#AskAgentAre there any categories or combinations of categories that agents will turn down without even reading? Ignoring obvious social taboos
If it is a genre I don't represent or outside my personal reading tastes but looks intriguing I might have a quick glance to see if it is something to pass on to a colleague but otherwise no. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Liz Harvey @lizlaumiere
Hello! Does the current uncertainty around publishing/economics/not knowing what will/won’t sell in the future mean that agents are less likely to offer representation at the moment? Thanks #askagentNot for me. If anything, I might more up for taking risks l since I feel less able to predict the future. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Ruthie Mack @ItsRuthieMack
#askagent What's the best way to approach the cover letter?I suggest a simple and straightforward introduction to you, your writing and the project. So three paragraphs max. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
vicki pope @vicki_pope
@mushenska #askagent Do you get much input on what a book cover will be or is it purely down to the author?Covers are decided by publishers although authors are consulted. I often input into book cover discussions because they are so important to a book's eventual success. This is an area an agent can make a huge difference on behalf of the author. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Beatrice Anobah @anobah_beatrice
#askagent Hello...Does it really take 12 weeks etc. for agents to make offer of rep/ request a full MS if they really like the work? Thank u!Yes. I can never read submissions as fast as I would like given the time I have to spend on my client's work too. And at the moment I am more behind then usual. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Rebecca E Roberts @BeckyERoberts
#AskAgent I recently read that 1st person narratives are seen as inferior to those in the 3rd person; a bit 'lowbrow '. In your experience, is this true? Do you have a personal preference?It has to be what is right for the story is the only rule. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Fulda Gap @FuldaGap
#AskAgent How much can or should you read into rejection letters from agents? Get a lot of, couldn't connect emotionally, couldn't form a connection, doesn't resonate etc. Not sure if they're trying to tell me something or if it's just their way of politely saying no. ThanksCould be a polite rejection or there may be hints in there ("connect emotionally") you need to work on your characterisation. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Caroline @carolinenwigg
#AskAgent another question from me, sorry 😂If I’m in the UK and know that a US agent is actively looking for a book in my genre/style (on their #mswl), is it wise to submit to them? Or should I just stick to the UK?
Unless you are writing a genre where the market in the US is huge and here in the UK it is very small, then I would say you are best off with a UK agent who can access you the world - like me, @mushenska @julietpickering @jounwin - but of course I would say that. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Jade M. Loren 🔮 @jadewritesbooks
#askagent is there any concept/trope that's been overdone recently or that you're tired of?No. Anything with a clear concept is very welcome when it comes in on submission. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Carol Lucas @callydcfc
#AskAgent if you've enjoyed a book by one of the agent's clients, can you put that in the query letter?Yes please - it shows you have approached me personally. And I love being able to say to my client, "hey I got a submission today from someone who said they loved your book!" #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra
With regards to a query letter, is it important/essential to briefly mention your next project? What if you have a few potential ideas for your next novel but nothing concrete? #AskAgentI wouldn't be expecting this. I would be concentrating on evaluating the novel you are submitting. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
millie ryan @milliejryan
#AskAgent most important things that you look for in a query letter? Personable vs Formal?Short and clear works for me. As well as not addressing me as "Dear Sir,". 😂 #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Annabel Tellis @AnnabelTellis
#askagent Is it worth self publishing a MG series to have a sales record for extra recognition from agents?Self-publishing makes no difference to me but other agents may feel differently. You should self-publish because that is what you want to do. #AskAgent