Stephanie Winter

If you're already thinking about it, it couldn't hurt to do so! IMO sensitivity readers are a great tool. #askPSLA

I'm always looking for your most polished MS! After I sign a client, we work on subsequent edits but we've discussed our mutual editorial vision beforehand. #askPSLA

I like creative comps! Going the author route works for me, but I want to see what part of their style you are comping (e.g the humor of x). Weak comps are a waste of your word count IMO. Again, specifying what part of the comp is similar (in the style of x) is🔑. #askPSLA

Absolutely send it my way! Do mention the pitch event since that lets me know why you're sending me samples and reminds me that I've already liked part of your creation. #askPSLA

It depends on the story! A good story needs to translate into something that readers will pick up and buy. A following demonstrates a preexisting market for the book. #askPSLA

This is a tough one. I want to give every query a chance! If the word count is significantly too long or short, I am less likely to request. This one is more industry-related, as I'm looking for an author who knows their genre! #askPSLA

If an agent has requested to see more of your work but ultimately passes (or not), you will absolutely get an email! It may just take time. 🙂 #askPSLA

Both! I'd love a line somewhere that briefly lets me know why you think I'd be a fit. Maybe you saw something on Twitter. I already know the genres I represent so the "I think we're a fit b/c you rep x genre" is less effective with me. 🙂 #askPSLA

Like every industry, publishing is evolving daily in response to C19. I've seen pub dates pushed back, layoffs, cancelled tours, and more but it's hard to predict what the new landscape will look like. As long as it's tasteful/original, I'm looking forward to reading! #askPSLA

I'd say so! #askPSLA

I currently don’t represent PBs, but I’d say research the market, look to see if there’s a hole in the market, topic-wise, that a book by you could fill. A rejection from one agent also does not mean a rejection from every agent. #askPSLA

Definitely. It’s important to connect with a potential client over more than just email. #askPSLA

Depends on the genre. SF/F can be long, but the plot and writing need to justify the length. #askPSLA

If the agent and client don’t share the same vision for the book, that could complicate my decision to offer representation. We need to be able to work toward a goal, through editing, sub, and beyond. :) #askPSLA

Publishing is a hard business. It’s slow and there’s a LOT of rejection. If you’re confident your work is strong and you’ve done everything you can to improve the piece, keep querying. It just takes one agent. You’ll know when you’re done pitching the project. #askPSLA

My advice is do your research on which agents accept poetry! You can try other agents but you’re more likely to gain traction with someone specifically open to poetry. It’s a tough market to crack—as much as I love reading it, I currently don’t represent it. 🙂#askPSLA

It’s okay to pitch a new project. You want to address the pitch to the agent you think might be the best fit. That said, Carly is closed to queries at the moment. #askPSLA

The thing to remember with trends is that they started behind the scenes years back with acquisitions. By the time we sell something and it’s published, the trend could likely be over. Don’t worry too much about following trends. 🙂 #askPSLA

It depends on the market you’re looking to break into. At PSLA, we focus on the American market and do Canada. Before you sign with an agent, look at where they’re other projects are in the market. #askPSLA

Offers are nice but that’s also what the agent is for—if you decide to go with an agent, than it’s to your benefit to have us involved in offer negotiation. #askPSLA