Lauren Spieller

· 1 Sep 2019

Dan Fitzgerald @DanFitzWrites

@laurenspieller When querying multi POV novels, is it better to focus on the story, on one of the MCs or give a taste of more than one?

This is hard to answer bc it depends on the story, but if it’s 2 POV, a paragraph per character often works. Also: google this! There are good examples out there! #askagent

· 30 Jul 2019

Angie Bailey 🏳️‍🌈 @AWritersLifeTBC

@laurenspieller If I apply some edits and fix some cultural issues in a manuscript after I've already submitted it to an agent requesting the full, should I resend? Or ask to resend first?

Also, I've changed the opening a little. Should I contact those I've queried letting them know?

You can resend but make it clear why you’re doing so. #askagent

· 30 Jul 2019

Jessica Florence @Florence_Jess

@laurenspieller Do you think it gives a manuscript an edge when it is professionally edited VS not?

It doesn’t matter to me. I’m here for the story and overall quality, however you achieve that. #askagent

· 30 Jul 2019

Jade M. Loren 🔮☄ @jadewritesbooks

@laurenspieller Would a chapter with the inciting indicent taking place a few years before the rest of the story count more as a prologue, or is it okay to name it chapter one?

If it's a prologue, leave it out of the query sample?

Replying to @jadewritesbooks

That sounds like a prologue to me, but you could always make it chapter 1 and make chapter 2 start with X Years Later...

· 30 Jul 2019

Pat Scaramuzza @genocideman

@laurenspieller I have an awesome novel with a short (370 word) prologue that I feel is essential. Do you (or agents in general) read that far in, to get to the start of the story? Or will the existence of a prologue mean instant rejection?

Replying to @genocideman

Many agents dislike them but if they’re essential then it’s fine. But to hedge your bets...call it ch 1 ;)

· 30 Jul 2019

Jo Ladziński Wrote a Book Once @JoEatsFood

@laurenspieller How do you feel about folks listing tropes in their queries?

It’s fine to point them out but they don’t take the place of an actual pitch #askagent

· 30 Jul 2019

Elayne Becker @ElayneABecker

@laurenspieller Top 3 things in a query that compel you to keep reading?

1. A great high concept hook
2. Clear voice
3. Intriguing and relevant comps #askagent

· 30 Jul 2019

Dan Fitzgerald @DanFitz73792558

@laurenspieller How important is specific query formatting to you? So many successful queries one finds online seem to diverge strongly from the usual formats one also finds.

I’m not picky about the format, but I prefer not to see writers lead with length bios, especially at the expense of telling me about their book. My only hard rule: no weird fonts 😆 #askagent

· 16 Nov 2018

Brittney Woodson @brittney_canna

@laurenspieller Thank you for responding! From an older ms that got some attention last year, I had received some personal rejections stating they loved the premise but had issues with other things (voice, making some scenes stronger) so I wondered if I revised it differently would it be ok

Replying to @brittney_canna

Yes, but make sure it is TRULY revised

· 16 Nov 2018

Brittney Woodson @brittney_canna

@laurenspieller I’m not sure if you’re still answering questions, but if a writer receives a personalized rejection from a manuscript, do you think it’s okay to revise that same ms and query it again to the agent even if they didn’t ask for an R&R? Or is it best to submit an entirely new ms?

Replying to @brittney_canna

You can try, but it’s possible the agent will pass without reading

· 16 Nov 2018

Gina Pagán @ReignaFTW

@laurenspieller When querying, is it bad to use a title that the agent represents as a comp, since it might come off as being too similar to something on their list?

Replying to @ReignaFTW

I’d clarify what it is about your book that’s different

· 16 Nov 2018

Leslie is drafting WIP#2 @LeslieDRush

@laurenspieller If I queried an agent a year ago, and the MS has had major revisions/ mentor program etc since then, can I requery, and should I mention the mentor program as the source of the revisions?

Replying to @LeslieDRush

Yep!

· 16 Nov 2018

Destinee S. @winkchii

@laurenspieller Sorry, I have another question. Is not hearing back on an R&R on a partial for a month a bad sign? Also, does the amount of clients signed at one time affect the acquiring of a new client? Will there be a period of time that an agent won't look for new clients?

Replying to @winkchii

A month isn’t that long, but you should nudge at 6 weeks (but not until after the holiday). Agents will take on as many clients as they are excited about and can personally handle