I love this question! Read these two, not recently, but would love to see Andrea Bartz's The Herd and Wicked + Divine (but YA or MG) comped. Or Can't Even by Anne Helen Petersen, too. #askPSLA

It's a no-no! I recommend waiting till you hear back from that first agent. If, for example, they pass, then you are free to query this new work to any agent you'd prefer. #askPSLA

Hmm, I've seen both done well! If it's personal, I appreciate when it's intentional--relevant to the work and/or funny/endearing/memorable. #askPSLA

1. Fiction: novels examining power dynamics in dysfunctional families. Nonfiction: psychology. (Lots more on the PSLA website)

2. Yes.

3. Shorter books. Feel good fiction. All things escapist. #askPSLA

Yes! And if the book has a clear hook and strong stakes/objectives/goals for characters, even better. 😊#askPSLA

Yes! I should add that they are a tougher sell. But I love them! #askPSLA

The trick to comps is understanding the intersectionality in your work — the X meets Y. The best way is to read voraciously in that genre (which you should be doing anyway since you're writing in it) and find common denominators within these works that apply to yours. #askPSLA

For me, it comes down to passion. You want an agent who is SO passionate about your project, they're going to work so hard to see it succeed. The agent should love your book--if they just like it, there's likely another agent out there who will love it. #askPSLA

Hum, probably how well they were able to incorporate the notes in the new version. Editing= patience and discipline. It can be tempting to send it out before it's ready to see how the agent feels (maybe they can help you?). But polishing the work is the writer's job. #askPSLA

The #1 reason why I pass on queries is because the writing on a line level just isn't there. I can offer guidance on a lot — but not writing.

In that sense, the biggest red flag is someone who hasn't done the work that it takes to edit, revise, and polish their pages. #askPSLA

My advice is to stick to the traditional 'formula' —  we should be wowed by the originality and creativity in your pages, not your query.

That being said, it's a personal choice. I'm sure there are cases of people who did it differently and had success.

#askPSLA

Yes! Check out what we're acquiring below to see who might be a fit for your book.

psliterary.com/submissions/

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For me personally, the main word count I look for is the overall proposed book length. If you are playing with form, a short line in the query sharing some of the styles you play with can be a way to pique my interest! #askPSLA

Speaking for myself, no. My speed in getting back to #amquerying writers has more to do with how much I have on my plate that week. I feel like this is probably true for most agents. We're honored when you query us and wish we could respond super fast to all!

#askPSLA

I like brevity (one page is ideal!) and clarity (e.g. using all caps when introducing a new character). Oh, and I love it when writers justify margins (I'm weird, I know).

I dislike run-on sentences. And wacky fonts. Please spare me the wacky fonts! #askPSLA

With new work? Whenever you're ready! Or I should say: whenever the new work is ready (as polished as it can be, please!) #askPSLA

Usually I'll offer after an R&R if I LOVE the project, if the edits strengthened the work, if the work aligns with my list, if we have the same vision for the work, etc.

It's equally important for the author to find the right agent for them and their goals!! #askPSLA

Do you mean when we turn down a partial/full? If so, sometimes we respond with an R&R — or revise and resubmit. It's not common, but it does happen! It depends on many variables. (Sorry if I misunderstood your question.)
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My sense is that all agents follow this rule: "if you don’t receive a request for further material within 4-6 weeks it means a no from the agency."

We do respond with a yes or no after having requested materials (e.g. partials or fulls).

#askPSLA

Every agency has different rules and standards. If you've been asked to submit pages (independent from an initial query), you'll receive either a personal or agency note from us to pass (or to talk more!). #askPSLA