I actually do take referrals, but in general I get what you mean. I would say just gently tell them they need to query as normal; stress it's policy. But if it's someone you actually want to recommend, then they should note you as a referral! #AskFuse twitter.com/KillerMartinis…

It can be weeks or months, but we do our best. Existing clients must come first. #AskFuse

This varies by agent and agency! Check their website for details. I will admit I don't always manage to get back to everyone, though I do try to do so. #AskFuse twitter.com/RobertPolk2/st…

I can't speak to the YA market, but I would say Adult SFF is a perennial -- it never really wavers in popularity. Certain genres do come and go -- it's still very hard to do Urban Fantasy at traditional publishers these days, for instance. #AskFuse twitter.com/jadewritesbook…

As far as mysteries, I'm not really feeling a glut of anything. Still looking for domestic suspense, thriller, traditional, procedurals, but obviously fresh hooks are needed to break them out. #AskFuse

There's always room for a fresh take on anything, but in SFF in particular I would say we reached peak zombie a few years ago and we aren't ready for more yet. (Zombies and vampires tend to cycle. Vampires are back!) #AskFuse twitter.com/cwbuecheler/st…

Recent is better, if possible. Like within the past 3 years. But if you must choose an older work, don't make it your only comp. I'm also not averse to "X meets Y" comps, or "with the humor of A and the characters of B". #AskFuse

At least one of your comparative titles should have been published in the last decade, preferably in the last 5 years. You can use more classic works as additional comps, but we need to know you understand the current market in your genre. #AskFuse twitter.com/jasontallison/…

It's most helpful if the books have been published in the last 3 years, 5 at most. #AskFuse

You don't have that many pages to hook an agent/the reader, so the sooner the better IMHO. #AskFuse

Cozies have a specific format. Small town, amateur sleuth usually a clever woman. Murder either quick or off the page. Maybe romantic tension w/cop. Punny title. #AskFuse

I always want comps and ask for them even in verbal pitches. It gives me a sense of tone and tells me you read in the genre. #AskFuse

Honestly, these days I think author blogs are pretty irrelevant unless you have a preexisting, strong blog following. You'll get more results from a newsletter via Substack or something similar. #AskFuse twitter.com/LizBoegerAutho…

I’d suggest 10 or 20 in one round, but it’s a personal decision. Be sure you can keep track of who you query and the status. And research everyone. #AskFuse

Most people will tell you to go in waves of 5-10 or so, so you don't strike out all at once if you need to do more work. That's a good idea, but don't 'save' anyone for a later wave if you really want to work with them. Hit your top choices first. #AskFuse twitter.com/Orklad/status/…

I generally advise against that. You're likely to edit your work with your agent at some point, and it's better not to have earlier versions floating around the internet. #AskFuse twitter.com/LizBoegerAutho…

Yes, you can certainly still query in the meantime. But you may then need to let agents know that you've been selected and will have to wait until after the agent showcase to send (or ask if that's OK with them.) #AskFuse

Personally, I would say no. You can always follow up with them at the conference, and they may even have had a chance to take a look already! Meeting you at the conference is lovely, but we can't gauge the writing from a chat. #AskFuse twitter.com/jasontallison/…

.@vanessaepeay Most of our YA agents entertain historical submissions unless otherwise stated. More here: fuseliterary.com/about-fuse/ #AskFuse

.@tanyacontois Yes. #AskFuse