Literary Agent
Ben Edge @bnedge
#AskAgent When you’ve already got an agent, but you’ve written a second (non-sequel) book, do you submit it to your agent in the same format, or would it be a more casual conversion between yourself and the agent about wether they’d take it on?Casual for sure and I would likely ask to be involved from the ideas stage onwards. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Intoxicatink @intoxicatink
@julietpickering @mushenska @katenashagent @RobbieGuillory Thank you all for taking the time to do this!1) Spikey, flawed heroines: yay or nay?
2) Which do you each read first: a pitch, a sample, or a synopsis?
#AskAgent
All characters should be flawed! I read the sample first and try and ignore the synopsis for as long as possible. (I won't read until after I have read the whole novel if it's a crime / suspense I am enjoying.) #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Ogenna Ojukwu @OgennaO
@julietpickering @FutureBookshelf @mushenska @katenashagent @RobbieGuillory What do agents really mean when they say "enjoyed reading it but not quite for us"? #askagentIt means the agent did see some promise in your writing but for whatever reason, possibly subjective/agent's personal tastes, they aren't going to take things forward. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Stacey Jane @StubbsStacey
Hi. I've had read so many times that 'those pesky-ly words' should be edited out of manuscripts. What are your personal feelings towards them? I'm wondering if they would they put you off a submission completely? #askagentI agree, use lightly. You can try reading your work out loud if you are not sure, you may hear them jarring the cadence of your sentences. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Mire Marke @FatmireMarke
@julietpickering @mushenska @katenashagent @RobbieGuillory #askagent I have a selfpub novella that I am NOT nor have ever tried to query. But I am proud of it and it sold well and still does. But - when I query my new WIP, should I not have that out in the world? Will it hurt my chances?It shouldn't matter. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Amanda Barton @amandabook2
@julietpickering @mushenska @katenashagent @RobbieGuillory Is a book - commercial women's/reading group fiction - written in present tense more likely to get a favourable response than one written in past tense? How important is tense? #AskAgentIf the voice is strong enough it doesn't matter. However I think the present can be harder for a newer author to pull off so I recommend to try past tense first. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Cassie 💖 | I love Taylor @tipsyswift13
@julietpickering @mushenska @katenashagent @RobbieGuillory What does 'I didn't connect with the voice strongly enough' actually mean? #AskAgentIt means I am not convincing in the head of your characters and being drawn wholesale into the world and the story. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Ben Edge @bnedge
#AskAgent is it worth mentioning in a submission if you believe that the work has film or TV potential? I’ve heard several different answers and I’m curious.If a producer or someone notable in that industry has seen your work and expressed this view, sure do mention it in your submission. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Ron Shillingford @Ronshill12
I’m a bestselling author with over 30 years experience in journalism and publishing. I’ve created a series of short stories on every day social issues. Target audience women. Looking for an agent to get them published. #AskAgentYou can find submission guidelines on literary agency websites. UK agencies are all usually open to submissions but take a look at individual agents to try and match best with your work. e.g. I don't rep short stories. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
E.S. Alexander @ESAlexander4
#askagent What's one thing that most first-time (or even experienced) novelists don't understand about the publishing industry?Everything that happens at the publisher from when you sign your publishing contract to publication day and then beyond. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Ben Edge @bnedge
#AskAgent I recently submitted to an agency (I won’t say which) and about a week later it was announced that the agent I submitted to has left the agency. What would generally happen to my submission? Would it get passed to someone else?I would recommend resubmitting in this situation. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Liz Kessick @lizkessick
Hola #askagent crew! I’m about to start querying a new MS. I had a few full requests from my last project (but alas no offers of rep). Should I remind those agents that they’ve read a full from me before? Or blank slate?I would remind. If there was something they liked last time, they might again this time. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Gemma @GemIsWriting
With most of the industry working from home during lockdown, do you think agencies/publishers may be more open to permanent remote workers (where possible) in the future? #AskAgentWe have always worked without an office and it would be good if it demonstrates how it is possible to run successful and dynamic businesses in this way. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
E.S. Alexander @ESAlexander4
#askagent What's one thing that failed submissions have most in common at your agency? #amquerying #WritingCommunityStarting with "Dear Sir" or "Dear Agent" and it is obvious the same email has been sent around the block to multiple agencies. We call these spam submissions. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Jrussellwriter @jrussellwriter
#askagent what does the standout pitch have that the slush pile pitches don't?What are the must mentions in the pitch, and does the style/the way the pitch is presented have catch your attention in order for you to read the MS and Synopsis? Is the pitch make or break?
TIA!
The pitch is not a make or break for me. I tend to dive straight into the writing first and engage with the pitch second. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Lorna Stallard 🔮 @lornastallard
What are the most common openings apart from “the alarm clock went off”, describing themselves in a mirror etc? #askagentOpening with dialogue is quite common (and can work very well). #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Leah @Leah_B_H
Possibly an odd question for #AskAgent - I would (eventually) like to be published by an indie/small press so imagine this wouldn't make me a good prospect for an agent (i.e. small/no advance) - would I be best not wasting agents time querying & just go it alone? Thank you!I'd try agents first because you may not know all the opportunities for your book. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Priya Mulji @PriyaMulji
#AskAgent What is the best way to submit your polished manuscript? I have researched agents that I think would be relevant to my genre (chick-lit for a female, British-Asian, thirty-something women in general). How do I know they're the best agents for me?I'd advise meeting prospective agents who make an offer so you can interview them and see if you 'click'. PS I hope I am on your list. #AskAgent