Kurestin Armada

It sounds like a good number to me, but honestly I personally don’t care either way about it versus how much I love the new project. So it’s tough to judge, sorry! #askPSLA

Digital outlets definitely count, so you're in good shape there! #askPSLA

Being published elsewhere in reputable places (whether for those essays or different nonfic pieces) is pretty essential as a starting point. #askPSLA

It's probably fine if you did major revisions and mention it in the new query (so they don't think you're trying to pull a fast one). #askPSLA

If the writing is good enough to stand alongside what else is on the shelf, no one will care! I rep a lot of authors living abroad, so it's all fine. #askPSLA

People who rep the kinds of memoirs you want to write would be a good start! It sounds a bit obvious, but it's the best way to start narrowing the field. #askPSLA

The old project wouldn't affect their chances at all! And if the numbers are stunning, it may help. #askPSLA

YA SF is incredibly hard right now, in almost all areas. So it's not something I'm actively looking for, versus adult SF where I definitely want to see all of it. But something that's close to our world but just a bit off would definitely be interesting! #askPSLA

Sure! It's always nice to have a few details in there that make someone feel human and real. And sometimes non-writing stuff is still super relevant, like a lawyer writing legal thrillers or something similar. #askPSLA

I love to be surprised, so it's hard to pick a "definitely request" item, but I will almost always pass on anything involving angels/demons and magic systems that are too simple and just tied to the four elements. #askPSLA

That feels short to me, especially because I think of YA thrillers as a bit older in the age range. But if the query is good I think people will still request it! #askPSLA

1. There aren't a lot, mainly just people talking about how funny the book is without actually telling a joke, or other similar things like "heart-breaking" etc when I should get that from the query.

2. You're fine either way, there's no real protocol!

#askPSLA

If it's a project from an author/illustrator though, I want to see a complete dummy of the picture book and not just the text. #askPSLA

Sales are starting to shrink and it's definitely starting to slow a bit, though it's by no means disappearing. I think middle grade is where people are really hungry for some truly excellent stuff, and there's a lot of breathing room for cool concepts! #askPSLA

Every editor I've talked to lately says they would love to find more illustrators to add to their pool! So I think the portfolio definitely outweighs inexperience, it's all about showing you can do the kind of work required--but exp does help get your name out there. #askPSLA

No, that's hardly ever necessary. But if you're feeling like you need an extra boost or don't have critique partners for free help, it can certainly be useful to get feedback on your first 20 pages or so and learn how to apply that to the entire MS. #askPSLA

You can pitch them if you want (assuming you mean in the hallway and not in a meeting), but querying is free so it may be better than memorizing a pitch. Instead consider asking them things to get insight into what they like/the industry and use that in your query later! #askPSLA

Generally it's all about the way you write it--a common technique is to make it clear that the child POV is actually the adult "looking back" on events. I would do a lot of careful reading of ones that do this well, like the Farseer books! #askPSLA

I don't think they affect the salability of a project at all, I've never heard an editor express strong feelings either way. The concept, writing, and strength of the voice are all going to matter way more than the particular personality of the MC. #askPSLA

Do you mean trying to query book three or four in an already published series? Because then yes, it will be very difficult to get representation for a project like that. But if you just mean you have several books done and are querying Book 1, you're probably fine. #askPSLA