Juliet Mushens

Yes you can certainly send someone who passed on a book a different book #askagent

It depends on the project but I have done so in the past #askagent

You always retain the copyright in your work, an agent doesn’t have a claim on that #askagent

I tend to only read the synopsis if on the fence about something #askagent

Finish the next book, polish it, research agents who you think would be a good match - good luck! #askagent

Most publishers only accept submissions via a literary agent, and an agent offers editorial insight, international contacts, and negotiating nous. #askagent

8-10 and keep them updated if someone else offers #askagent

No specific no-nos! I want to get a sense of setting and character and where the story is going to take me #askagent

I have sleepless nights when I do this! I guess it depends on the time frame? I am slow if I have a backlog of manuscripts to edit from existing clients. I’d suggest normally nudging 6-8 weeks later and if no response, try once more and then chalk it up to experience #askagent

Probably both #askagent

A synopsis is a technical document which should reveal the main plot points and the end - you wouldn’t include the ending in your pitch, but it should be in a synopsis #askagent

Most adult fiction is 80-100k words. That can go longer in fantasy. I am not a stickler for a specific word count BUT would say that it can be hard to sustain the pace over say a 150k word crime novel #askagent

Make a list of 8-10 agents you like the sound of and then research them via their websites - send them the material it says they request and wait with crossed fingers. Good luck! #askagent

Agents don’t ever take any money up front - we work on a commission basis so only make money if YOU make money, so there isn’t a risk from that perspective. I would advise reading the Writer’s & Artist’s Yearbook to research agents who might be a good match #askagent

Honestly I wouldn’t worry - it’s a technical document so I don’t expect it to be super exciting and polished. I would suggest maybe 1-2 pages in length #askagent

I think you have to accept it will never be perfect - if the edits you are making now are tweaks it might be time to let go #askagent

Some agencies offer remote internships - might be a good time to reach out to a few? Just reading critically and fast is what I ask for! #askagent

Yes correct #askagent

Books which fall between genres CAN be tricky, however I feel like Naomi Novik and Katherine Arden are great examples of where this can work #askagent

so many new agents have sprung up in the past 10 years you'll probably find loads of new people to send to #askagent