I like to see character and what happens, along with word count and comp titles. You don't need to (and shouldn't) "advocate" for your novel. It's not up to you to review it. #AskAPL

#askAPL YA is definitely more open to books set in foreign locations, and if you have a young protagonist that might be a good decision, but like @firerooster said it will be tough if you're not Algerian.

I'm personally fond of that word count and I don't think there is any bias in the category of literary fiction toward longer books. #AskAPL

#askAPL They really are the hardest thing to write! Rather than trying to advocate, try to summarize the plot in a line or two and then focus on the themes and spend time finding the perfect comps, to let the agent know where on the bookshelf the book would fit.

#askAPL That's a perfect word count! Publishers are very interested in shorter books these days, so the lengthy would be considered a benefit.

#AskAPL I am not the #YA expert but believe that like much of publishing there would be a hunger in that category for #OwnVoices. If you are not Algerian it could be tough.

#askAPL Agents usually prefer the first pages of the book but you may want to skip the prologue and send the actual beginning and explain why in your cover letter.

#AskAPL This will depend on *how* similar and in what way. It can also depend on which publisher bought the book. Generally though it would be hard to place a nearly identical plot.

#askAPL You should mention it if it is relevant to the project you're working on. Having experience with a particular culture or identity that you're writing about provides credibility.

#askapl Unfortunately the writer who gets there first probably has the advantage. If you're in the early stages might be worth pivoting to change some elements of your story, or use a different perspective.

Definitely be familiar with the books of the place you’re applying at. You have to make it clear you want to work there and not anywhere else (even though we all know you’re applying lots of places!) #askAPL

Try to stay positive! But also take it as an opportunity to review what’s going on. No requests for fulls? Maybe you need to tweak your query letter. Listen to the feedback and revise your project as necessary. And keep writing other things. It could just be timing #askAPL

Depends! We usually discuss potential projects & others offer their opinion. We’re collaborative & I value my colleagues’ input but ultimately the agent offering is the one to decide. (This could be different if the agent is starting out & others might do it differently) #askAPL

The mini people in my life are adorable and wonderful but so demanding!! I really want to open again soon, hopefully next month. I’ll announce it on here! I’m hungry to read something new and exciting #askAPL

Read widely in the genre you’re writing! Be patient, play the long game, and try not to take rejection personally. I love working with writers who have lots of book ideas. I like knowing I’m investing in the writer, not just one project #askAPL

More or less! You don’t necessarily need an editor before querying but I definitely recommend having a trusted friend or writing partner take a look. And I’ll add that you’ll probably do even more revision with your agent before they send it out #askAPL

For fiction, have the whole ms done and as polished as you can get it. Nonfiction you only need a proposal (w/ sample chapters). Start by looking online for agents, seek ppl out here & get a sense for what they’re looking for. Do your research before you start querying. #askAPL

Yes I really hope so! I think we at APL at least (and many others!) have been working hard to create this space. Keep writing the story you want to write. The right agent will get it. #askAPL

You can do either! It’s great to find one agent with range who you can really develop with but that’s not always easy to do. It’s not unheard of to find one agent for your adult projects and one for your kids books for example #askAPL