Thanks for joining the Q&A!

Have more questions? Me and @agentvicente have TONS of free resources on our sites. Query letters, proposal guides, etc!

Stop by. #askPSLA

Maria: mariavicente.com/blog-posts

Trenchcoat Full of Corgis Pretending to be Human: ericsmithrocks.com/perfect-pitch

I’d say that you’re almost there! I’ve had authors in the same position. Acquisitions multiple times. R&Rs. Lots of almosts… and then a yes.

IE: @mikechenwriter’s story. mikechenbooks.com/2019/01/then-a… #askPSLA

I feel like a lot of the adult books that I work on are ALL crossover books that don’t fit someplace neatly. And that’s what makes them so special?

Genre blending crossover books are always popular. I’m a fan! #askPSLA

Hmm...I don't think I'm a fan of clean boxes. I want to make weird books! #askPSLA

To not have pointless goal posts set for myself.

You don’t need an agent by age whatever. A published book at age this or that. A bestseller whenever.

What you need is to take your time. Make friends. Breathe. Remember that there’s more to you than what you’re writing. #askPSLA

Some of the most common reasons: personal preference, the importance of sample art to win over certain publishers, balancing out a client list (already have a number of clients writing scripts). #askPSLA

I’ve signed authors with no website, but I had them make a website right away.

Because I fear @MissDahlELama and @recitrachel, but also because it’s a great way to showcase who you are. Your home base.

You don’t need to be published yet, to have a simple homepage. #askPSLA

Trends in publishing are such a hard thing to point to, because often times when you spot it, it’s already happened?

I do know a lot of editor friends are asking for more MG/YA horror, and works in verse. #askPSLA

For me, I generally read in chronological order, but that might change if I receive something high on my wish list, someone receives an offer of rep, etc. #askPSLA

It depends. Someone like me, who works on memoir in essays, I like to see a body of published work. Chances are your essay collection is about something. I like to see you’re an expert there.

IE: @JamesTateHill’s query is a good example. ericsmithrocks.com/blog/2021/7/26… #askPSLA

There's not much that results in an INSTANT no (aside from racist/sexist/etc. remarks), but I have some common mistakes listed on my website: mariavicente.com/blog/10-common… #askPSLA

Address your query letter to both of us and let us fight over it. @ericsmithrocks, it's time for battle. #askPSLA twitter.com/LizHansonBooks…

Say that the project you're querying will be your debut book...that's a very cool thing! I also like to see some personality (where you're from, what you're passionate about, what you do to pay the bills) and a few words about your WIP is a great idea. #askPSLA

Nope! It’s all about the story. Most of the authors I work with didn’t major in writing.

I only look at credentials in nonfiction, because you’re supposed to be an expert. Past publications really help in that space. #askPSLA

Beyond bios, I'd say look at the agent's/agency's list to see if they'd be a fit. #askPSLA

I have before, yes! It's rare, and it usually happens when I love the writing but the project needs SO MUCH WORK that I'm not sure my vision will match with the writer's. #askPSLA

When are we not swamped? 🙃

Seriously, though: it's the best job in the world. It's all good. #askPSLA

YES! #askPSLA

I think after 3 months it's fair to send a polite nudge! #askPSLA

Hum... for me, I'd prefer you to acknowledge. But, sorry to ask, can't you get it down to 99k? Pretty please? There HAS to be things you can cut. Your editor will likely expect you to. #askPSLA