Ask Agent | MsWishList

· 15 Apr 2020

Peter Wayne @peterwaynebooks

@author_analieze is 84,000 words too much for a YA fantasy? If so, what's a good range? #askcla

That is on the higher end, but not something we'd outright reject for. #AskCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Kayla McGrath 📚 @KaylaMcGrath_

@hannahvanvels How do you feel about morally gray and unlikeable characters (MC’s) who eventually grow to be better?

Replying to @KaylaMcGrath_

I LOVE morally gray and unlikeable characters!!!!! One of my favorite tropes! #askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Kenny Rich @WriteKennyRich

#AskCLA #amquerying #amwriting
With a previously rep'd MS from a decade ago, that has significantly changed and is a different book (shelved it for years), should I mention previous representation in a new round of queries? The previous relationship ended amicably long ago.

Great questions! Our query manager actually asks that question upon submission of your query, so we do like to know, but you don't need to expanded on the details unless we further discussion of rep. #AskCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Carolyn Clarke @CarolynRClarke

@hannahvanvels I see you represent chicklit. For the aged lover of it, would you be interested in rep older MCs 45 and over? More of a family drama. Light hearted dramedy.

Replying to @CarolynRClarke

Absolutely! I love chick lit of all ages! #askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Alea Harper @alea_harper

@hannahvanvels I've heard that superhero is a dead genre and won't sell. What are your thoughts on this? #askagent #askCLA

Also, are you taking pitches today like last week?

Hope you're doing well and staying safe!

Replying to @alea_harper

Superheroes have been a harder sell lately and have been dominated by Marvel and DC, but Marie Lu is still going strong, for example! I am a firm believer that trends always come around. We're not taking pitches today, but we are all open to queries right now! #askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Case&Firefly @CaseFirefly

@hannahvanvels To do my YA SF story justice will take 125K. Better to query that, or break apart into satisfying character arcs of 60K, even though the story was conceived and written all at once? #AskAgent #CorvisieroLit

Replying to @CaseFirefly

This is fairly long for YA SF. Try to:
-cut filter words
-check your dialogue tags and adverbs and cut where you can
-check your scenes. Ax scenes that don’t move the plot forward
-beware info dumps!

#askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Laurie Smith Murphy @LSmithMurphy

@hannahvanvels What do you look for in a first page/first chapter? I've been revising mine since an agent felt there was too much backstory. I have a hard time figuring out where a story begins. Thanks for any advice you can give!

Replying to @LSmithMurphy

Great Q! I'm looking for your HOOK in that first chapter. Your hook should:
1. Introduce MC
2. establish MCs everyday life (stakes!)
3. kick off the forward momentum of your plot

#askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Sylvia Woodham @SylviaWoodham

@hannahvanvels I have speculative fiction/ alt history in a non magic world about a bi poly woman Sultan who is not "the chosen one" would it be of interest to you?

Replying to @SylviaWoodham

I do like many of those aspects in stories! My queries are open! #askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

JohnPrather3 @JohnPrather3

#AskCLA Had my ms professionally edited. Should I mention that in query? If so, can/should I quote some of their positive feedback? Thanks for doing this.

Many authors do this, but it isn't necessary. Let your writing to speak for itself;) #AskCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Genesis @GenesisDowney

@hannahvanvels Is there a good "rule" for how long a chapter should be? My chapters are really long, but that's because they are made up of sub-chapters (it's a multi-pov story). Instead of sending 3 full chapters, I'm wondering if it's ok to just send the first 3 labeled sections.

Replying to @GenesisDowney

It depends on your audience and age range. If agents ask for three chapters, send those full long chapters! Some agents might only ask for 30 pages instead of 3 chapters, so just follow directions. #askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Sylvia Woodham @SylviaWoodham

@hannahvanvels What impresses you most about a prospective writer or his/ her voice?

Replying to @SylviaWoodham

Voice! A writer can always expect their story to go through several iterations and revisions, but a voice is what makes an author unique. I also love to see enthusiasm and willingness to learn. #askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Sandy M. Bachar @Sandy_M_Bachar

@hannahvanvels Hello from Corona captivity. Having trouble nailing down if my manuscript is Mainstream Mystery or Supernatural. It is set in present day, with elements of witchcraft. Thanks!! #askagent

Replying to @Sandy_M_Bachar

I'd pitch as mystery with supernatural elements! #askagent #askCLA

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