A caveat: it's your story and your call. You are the goddess of the wonderful world you create—no opinion is more important than your own.

My two cents: we're not ready for COVID-19 in fiction. I think we will be in a few years, but it's too raw, too present. #askPSLA

Great question! If I'm excited about a work but want to see how the author edits, I'll get in touch with the author about possible revisions after I've read the full--sometimes this can mean a non-exclusive revise and resubmit. #askPSLA

Publishing shorter pieces is great, though by no means required to be taken seriously.

My advice is to do it if it brings you joy. Above all, keep your eyes on the prize, i.e. making your full-length work as good as it can possibly be. Writing is rewriting. #askPSLA

Great question! ☺️ I like the book + hook + cook formula.

The PSLA website has a helpful breakdown of what each paragraph should contain. e.g. 1st paragraph "title and category of your work (...), an estimated word count and a brief, general introduction." #askPSLA

This is hard because there are so many things to love! Here's a brief list:
- reading the ms for the first time (🥰)
- writing a pitch letter
- creating submission list
- sharing good news with a client
- sharing good news with an editor

Only hard part is rejection... #askPSLA

No borders! I’m in Philly! Shout out to my clients in Canada and the UK! #askPSLA

Though I do wish I could do the celebratory dinner thing when books sell. I know a great Wendy’s.

When I'm reading a manuscript that I'm interested in representing, I am constantly thinking of who to submit to and how I will pitch the book. Sometimes I have an entire submission list in my head before I've even had a chance to connect with the author! #askPSLA

I almost always have a few people in mind when I offer to sign someone. That’s an agent’s job, knowing folks!

Though research still plays a big role. New people get hired all the time. We’re always getting to know new editors.

I have five books with @MargotM7 so often! #askPSLA

Once I've requested more, I try to be quick about it. However, it also depends on what is on my plate already from my existing clients. A client's work will always take priority, but I do prioritize full manuscripts from queries as much as I'm able to. #askPSLA

You can always nudge.

37% of an agent’s job is sending followup emails to editors. We nudge all the time. “Just circling back!” You can too! #askPSLA

Take a look at the agency website for guidelines. Some agencies will say not to nudge or that no response means it's a pass after a certain amount of time. If you do decide to nudge, it helps if you have a reason (i.e. other interest, a new development, etc.) #askPSLA

It's much more important for a nonfiction project, but it never hurts to include links to your social media handles in your signature. I wouldn't make it the focal point of your query, though. #askPSLA

I feel like the tricky thing with trends, is that by the time one is happening and you see the books in the store, they are maybe over?

I know a lot of editor friends who want horror and middle grade. #askPSLA

You should discuss with your agent because they might have a recommendation for someone at their agency who DOES rep your new genre. If not, they might suggest you part ways--and maybe they'll recommend another agent they know so you don't start from scratch. #askPSLA

My advice for odd genre blending books is usually “send it to me.” 😂

But also, look at agents who work on books that straddle categories. Look at your favorite recent books that do it. Lots of us like our out of the box books. #askPSLA

Personally, I find it helpful to know if you were represented previously (especially if you've already published books with an agent). You don't need to get into details in the query--you can discuss circumstances later on once you have a phone call with the new agent. #askPSLA

Still list your qualifications and experiences that are writing related. It's nice to get a sense of who you are with your bio, so don't leave it blank! #askPSLA

I would add them to the end of your sample. #askPSLA

Before opening representation, I have a phone call with the author & talk through changes I'm suggesting. That's a good time to be honest about whether you're willing to make changes or not. I don't necessarily think you need the background info in a query. #askPSLA

Anytime. If you rewrite it half a year later, send it my way.

It happened with @TheAdamSass, we talked about it here. I love that book terribly. ❤️ #askPSLA ericsmithrocks.com/blog/2020/9/9/…