Ask Agent | MsWishList

· 9 Jul 2018

J.L. Cole @jlcole1331

Thank-you for doing this! My first question is; would having minor grammar or punctuation mistakes in my MS be enough for an agent to turn it down? Wondering if I can get away with not hiring a professional editor as it's very pricey. #askPSLA

Replying to @jlcole1331

Most writers don't need to hire a professional editor, as long as they're proficient at self-editing. A few grammar mistakes or typos aren't a big deal! #askPSLA

· 9 Jul 2018

Alisha Gabriel @alishagabriel

#askPSLA Is there a demand for MG expository NF like Sarah Albee's Bugged: How Insects Changed History or Poison: Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines?

Replying to @alishagabriel

I think so! I'd love to see more of these type of projects in MG. #askPSLA

· 9 Jul 2018

Sassy Cat Chat @LisaLDriscoll

#askPSLA what are the top things toy want to see in a query letter. What makes you accept or reject something instantly?

I expect a query letter to include three things: necessary details (title, word count, category/genre), a compelling pitch, and an author bio. I will "instantly" reject categories/genres I don't represent and previously self-published books. #askPSLA

· 9 Jul 2018

Debra Daugherty @dmddeb

#askPSLA When agents list their wish list, is it what publishers are asking to see or something the agent wants to read and promote? What I'm asking is, Are agents calling the shots on what is being published? Some requests on # MSWL seem too specific or far-fetched.

Replying to @dmddeb

I think most agents' wish lists are specific to their taste—not about what publishers say they want. That said, agents aren't going to take on a project they don't think they can sell. That's how they make money! #askPSLA

· 9 Jul 2018

Michael V. Colianna @guildlibrary

#askPSLA #querytip #pubtip #writetip Getting my Q to @kurestinarmada and @msmariavicente early since my drive is 4-5pm 🤞🏽

Q: In response to a req, if you sent older material than you meant to because your life's a mess, is that a kiss of death?

Replying to @guildlibrary

Haha no, just re-send the right material. Also, sorry to hear your life's a mess! #askPSLA

· 30 Mar 2018

“I’d love to find a really great YA horror novel.” @ericsmithrocks is sharing his #MSWL during our Facebook LIVE chat! Tune in: bit.ly/2dPOXG7 #askPSLA #askagent

· 30 Mar 2018

“I really like SFF stories that are weird, quirky and odd, more about the characters than the world.” - @ericsmithrocks is LIVE on Facebook right now! Tune in: bit.ly/2dPOXG7 #askPSLA #askagent

· 30 Mar 2018

“Platform is about where else you’ve been publishing, what kind of speaking engagements you do… it’s about you and what you can bring to the book as an expert.” - @ericsmithrocks is LIVE on Facebook: bit.ly/2dPOXG7 #askPSLA #askagent