Literary Agent
Lynn Rogalsky 💻 @lynn_rog
I know it depends on the genre and individual story, but are short chapters in MG/upper MG acceptable, say 200-500 words? Is there a norm? Thanks.#AskUpstart
You're right that every story is different, but that sounds rather short for chapters in MG/Upper MG. But if it works for the story, go with it! #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Cindy @sea_thought
Along the same line as @BackyardReading asked, what suggestions can you offer to help an inexperienced, unagented, rural-living(like no cell service or McDonald’s), Retired teacher, hopeful author, OK: Me...to get started in the publishing process? #AskUpstartI'm sure you're doing this already but, read, read, read! The more you read, the better writer you'll become. And, being that you're rural this might be more challenging, but see if you can find other writers to share work/critiques with. #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Maureen M. Mirabito @maureenmirabito
If this query landed on your screen today, and you said, “I have been waiting my entire career for this!” what would it say? #askupstartOh gosh, that's so hard to say. I often don't know it until I see it, which is why I try to get into the query box as often as I can. #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Christina Julian @christin_julian
I've never been on time for anything but here I am! #AskUpstart @UpstartCrowLit 1) In PB manuscripts, is 1st person a no-no? Or ok if the story begs to be told directly by the mc? 2) what's the number 1 thing someone can do to make a query standout of the slush. #amqueryingThe #1 way to stand out is to write a wonderful book. Honestly, if you do that, you will stand-out! #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Anup 📝📚 @anuponthenet
Who in your agency is best fit for adult science fiction? Thanks. #askupstartTo the best of my knowledge, none of us reps adult sci-fi at this time. #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Lynn Rogalsky 💻 @lynn_rog
For a NF picture book do you like to see sidebars, or prefer the information be put into back matter? Do NF PBs still run between 500-2,000 words?#AskUpstart
Yes, that's the word count range. I prefer on the shorter end of that spectrum. Backmatter is less distracting, though I'd say that either if fine as long as it suits the material. #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Khadijah L. VanBrakle 🇨🇦 @LVanBrakle
@mikalroy Sorry my question was confusing. I wanted to know I'd you would ever see an author's post about what they're querying and ask them (over Twitter) to query you the normal way.Sure, if something looked great! But...take your time, read up on the agent and if you aren't ready to query just yet or have other agents you'd like to sub to at the same time, say I will definitely keep you in mind when my manuscript is ready to go! #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Susan Hawk @susanhawk
@LVanBrakle I've reached out to folks (though I believe I found an email address, so didn't DM or use social media). I send a note that's very specific about why I'm reaching out and what drew me to their work. In addition, I give a bit of my background and links to more info. #AskUpstartSo, no I don't think it's abnormal - but you do want to get plenty of info about whoever it is. Is this what you mean? #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Khadijah L. VanBrakle 🇨🇦 @LVanBrakle
Have you ever asked an author to query you over social media? Just out of the blue. Someone you've never met in person. If that happens, should the author think its abnormal? #askupstartI've reached out to folks (though I believe I found an email address, so didn't DM or use social media). I send a note that's very specific about why I'm reaching out and what drew me to their work. In addition, I give a bit of my background and links to more info. #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Angie Hawkins @th_littlebirdie
#AskUpstart #askagent What is Upstart's submission policy on significantly revised mss (pb's in this case) that have previously been submitted in the past?Did the agent provide feedback? How extensive was the revision? With picture books the big question for me is: do I want to read it again & again & again? Did that major overhaul dig deeper into a universal truth that makes readers think or feel? #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Elizabeth Toth (Stoever) @Stoeverit
#AskUpstart What are the most common types (or examples) of revisions you do with debut authors? Pacing, char development, improving the ending? Thx!All of the above! Every novel is different, but pacing in the first act is key, and I often spend a lot of time there with debut clients. #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Elizabeth Toth (Stoever) @Stoeverit
#AskUpstart What are the most common types (or examples) of revisions you do with debut authors? Pacing, char development, improving the ending? Thx!It really depends on the project and the writer! I think you want an agent who has lots of tools in her toolbag and knows when to use each of them. #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Alexandra Penfold @AgentPenfold
@lynn_rog Illustration notes should typically be confined to things that are integral to understanding the story, but will only be shown in the art (i.e. the joke is that everything in the art is opposite what's being laid out in the text). 1/2 #AskUpstartUnnecessary art notes make for slower reading & can disrupt the narrative flow. 2/2 #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Lynn Rogalsky 💻 @lynn_rog
#AskUpstart I'm wondering what the limit is on the number of illustrator notes a writer can tactfully include in their manuscript? One to three notes per MS?I don't think there's a specific number. Certain manuscripts require more, some barely need any -- it just depends. That said, don't leave one in just in case. If you can take it out without making the ms confusing, do so. #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Lynn Rogalsky 💻 @lynn_rog
#AskUpstart I'm wondering what the limit is on the number of illustrator notes a writer can tactfully include in their manuscript? One to three notes per MS?Illustration notes should typically be confined to things that are integral to understanding the story, but will only be shown in the art (i.e. the joke is that everything in the art is opposite what's being laid out in the text). 1/2 #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Adam Blackman @Adamdbgood
#AskUpstart If a pitch is liked during a Twitter event, when should one submit a query? That day? Within the week? Does it matter as long as the *heart* is referenced in the query letter? (Thanks for offering this Q&A!)It's appropriate to send whenever the query and project are ready to go. If you're ready now, great! If not, it's ok to wait. Also: always research who "hearts" your pitch! #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Adam Blackman @Adamdbgood
#AskUpstart If a pitch is liked during a Twitter event, when should one submit a query? That day? Within the week? Does it matter as long as the *heart* is referenced in the query letter? (Thanks for offering this Q&A!)The latter! Don't rush to send the project if it isn't polished yet. Send it when it's as ready as you can make it. #askUpstart
Literary Agent
Khadijah L. VanBrakle 🇨🇦 @LVanBrakle
Is there anything specific that you want authors who query one of you to know? Something we can't find out from social media. #askupstartBecause of bandwidth and my commitments to clients I do have to pass on projects that I think are terrific. I know how disappointing passes are but sometimes it's a matter of timing. #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Khadijah L. VanBrakle 🇨🇦 @LVanBrakle
Is there anything specific that you want authors who query one of you to know? Something we can't find out from social media. #askupstartFrom a personal standpoint: I love stories with lots of emotional layering. And I quickly jump down to the writing sample so I can read to get a sense of that. #AskUpstart
Literary Agent
Khadijah L. VanBrakle 🇨🇦 @LVanBrakle
Is there anything specific that you want authors who query one of you to know? Something we can't find out from social media. #askupstartFrom a technical query standpoint: I love brief queries with a clear hook. #AskUpstart