I like to be very open with my clients. If they have questions, I want them to feel comfortable coming to talk to me. Another major point is that they need to trust me--the relationship won't work if there's not trust and mutual respect. And ideally we hit it off, too! #askPSLA

I think @beth_phelan is doing such astonishing work with @DVpit_ and I’m not sure we deserve her.

In my experience most agents won’t mind if you follow up later, but you should really only be doing those pitch events if you’re ready with that book. #askPSLA

I like them to be roughly one page and to tell me what happens in the book, yes. If there's a major twist that you don't want to spoil, I'm fine with hinting at it. But I need to know the basics of the plot and it's better to keep it at roughly 1 page in my opinion. #askPSLA

It never hurts to include a good review from a major publication, in my option. #askPSLA

It's definitely tough, but don't take it personally. To take on a project, we need to be head over heels in love with it. It could've been a close call, and there will likely be someone else out there who *does* fall in love with it. Keep your head up and keep querying! #askPSLA

I would add it in your signature--never hurts! #askPSLA

In general, the query letter is enough for me to decide whether I'm interested in it enough to read pages. Bonus tip: it's really helpful when you include comp titles in your query, as that can really draw me in #askPSLA

You can pitch with a script! My colleague @msmariavicente has a bundle of resources about this on her website too. #askPSLA

To be honest, I'm still working my way through queries from the beginning of September 🙈 Working on getting caught up. I like to keep everyone informed via tweet, so keep an eye on my twitter for updates on what query date I'm up to! #askPSLA

For me, the sweet spot in the YA thriller space is 70k to 90k.

If you’re worried about word count, use other thrillers to inform your work.

@MikalebRoehrig’s are favs of mine and right in that space, I think! #askPSLA

My interest generally starts with the project they're pitching, but most agents (me included) want to rep authors for their entire career, so that's really important, as well. Personally, I like being involved in helping my clients decide which ideas to pursue. #askPSLA

I love this question--and there are so many answers! For me, it's:
- great writing
- characters I can't get enough of
- interesting plot
- genre I'm interested in
- feels fresh (can be a classic trope, but shouldn't feel stale)

Could go on forever! #askPSLA

My advice in the novella space is always to pitch agents who have worked on the novellas you’ve been picking up. Particularly in that SFF space.

Not a lot of folks work on them, but some certainly do. #askPSLA

I recommend researching agents before submitting to them, but make that wishlist and prioritize. To make it a little less overwhelming, you could submit to agents in waves. Also, keep in mind you might not know if an agent is really a good fit until you speak with them. #askPSLA

My son is trying to eat my mail right now so perhaps I’m not the best person to answer this. #askPSLA

But really, industry friends trying to juggle it all? Group messages with my colleagues going through the same helps. ❤️

I generally don't have time to give feedback unless I'm asking to take a look at a revised version. It's a hard balance because we want to help, but we also get so many queries and giving everyone feedback wouldn't be a good use of our time as agents. #askPSLA

No apologies, we are here for it!

I like a good prologue. The only time I can’t stand them is when it’s a character looking back. “Now I’ll tell you my story.”

Well, they turned out okay, so... why read the book? Try not to let your prologue ruin your stakes. #askPSLA

Overdone cliches, yes, but also writing that I don't connect with, confusing plot right off the bat, too many characters being introduced in quick succession (but without being able to distinguish between them). #askPSLA

Definitely not a showstopper, it's something agents can help you tweak (and editors are commonly thinking of new titles, as well). #askPSLA

This is a good question that I can actually fish resources for! I have three full non fiction proposals here. ericsmithrocks.com/perfect-pitch

I tend to ask for 5k to 10k in terms of sample pages. #askPSLA