Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

Lolis Aguila @lolisaguila

When an agent requests more pb manuscripts on a query what are they looking for? I overthink what to send since the query is for a serious pb bio and my other pb projects are lighter. Do they want something similar to the query or something different? #AskAgentBLA
Replying to @lolisaguila

It's going to vary. I'm looking for a sense of your range and what YOU want to be publishing. If your focus is on serious pb, then submit just those. If you want to do more than one kind, submit a few. Same for fiction/nf. #AskAgentBLA

Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent
Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

Mackenzie Reed @mackenziemreed7

@KariSutherland Also, when pitching a crossover, would that be pitched as YA and NA? And to an agent, does that mean it could be marketed to both genres?

#AskAgentBLA
Replying to @mackenziemreed7

If the characters and themes feel more suited to YA, then query it as YA. I tend not to use NA, just call it a YA with crossover appeal. Unless the themes are really more on the adult side. #AskAgentBLA

Natalie Lakosil
@Natalie_Lakosil
Literary Agent
Literary Agent & Founder, Looking Glass Literary & Media, making my way through adventures in agent land. IG natalie_lakosil. She/her
26 MSWL
30 AskAgent

Helena Hoayun @helenahoayun

#AskAgentBLA if for some reason you sign with an agent and the match isn’t as good as you thought (you don’t agree with edits, they aren’t selling your book vigorously, etc), how do you go about ending that relationship amiably?
Replying to @helenahoayun

I ALWAYS recommend a conversation with your agent FIRST. Communication, esp expectations, is key. Never talk to others only and assume things. If you do still want to part ways, a call or an email work. You can't control anything but your actions; be professional. #AskAgentBLA

Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent
Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

Mackenzie Reed @mackenziemreed7

What are your thoughts on college YA? Is it impossible to sell even if it truly sticks to YA themes and has a young protagonist? #AskAgentBLA
Replying to @mackenziemreed7

There's a market for these stories, too. Not impossible! College offers a new setting and just as much drama. But it should still feel YA. It may wind up as a crossover book, though. #AskAgentBLA

Natalie Lakosil
@Natalie_Lakosil
Literary Agent
Literary Agent & Founder, Looking Glass Literary & Media, making my way through adventures in agent land. IG natalie_lakosil. She/her
26 MSWL
30 AskAgent

Mackenzie Reed @mackenziemreed7

What are your thoughts on college YA? Is it impossible to sell even if it truly sticks to YA themes and has a young protagonist? #AskAgentBLA
Replying to @mackenziemreed7

I wouldn't say impossible, but difficult. The experiences, particularly independence, are usually difficult to relate to for a 15 year old (remember, not just 17+ reading YA!) #AskAgentBLA

Natalie Lakosil
@Natalie_Lakosil
Literary Agent
Literary Agent & Founder, Looking Glass Literary & Media, making my way through adventures in agent land. IG natalie_lakosil. She/her
26 MSWL
30 AskAgent
Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

Mackenzie Reed @mackenziemreed7

Do you see dystopian ever making a comeback? #AskAgentBLA
Replying to @mackenziemreed7

You mean "speculative"? Why, yes, yes, it's still here...in disguise. 😉 I think there's some fatigue about depressing worlds in general, but I've heard several editors eager for 50 years in the future, grounded speculative stories. #AskAgentBLA

Natalie Lakosil
@Natalie_Lakosil
Literary Agent
Literary Agent & Founder, Looking Glass Literary & Media, making my way through adventures in agent land. IG natalie_lakosil. She/her
26 MSWL
30 AskAgent
Natalie Lakosil
@Natalie_Lakosil
Literary Agent
Literary Agent & Founder, Looking Glass Literary & Media, making my way through adventures in agent land. IG natalie_lakosil. She/her
26 MSWL
30 AskAgent
Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

Jeff Provine @JeffProvine

@bradfordlit Is the call for graphic novel scripts or graphic novels with completed art? #AskAgentBLA
Replying to @JeffProvine

Both! If you are not an artist, don't draw it yourself. There's no need to find someone to draw samples for you. If the publisher likes the script, they will find an artist. If the publisher likes the script, but not the art that was put with it...they may just pass. #AskAgentBLA

Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

honking @ScribblingGoose

#AskAgentBLA if an author queries an agent with a new novel and it is discovered that they have 1 or more self-published novels, will this information impact/sway the decision of an agent?
Replying to @ScribblingGoose

I'd want the author to note their prior self-publishing up front. As long as the current project is something new and enticing, that's what matters. Sometimes authors have self-published in one genre but what they're sending is for a different market. #AskAgentBLA

Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

Susan Person @SusanM74

#AskAgentBLA I keep hearing that paranormal romance is coming back fast. Are you seeing this trend in the industry as well? If so, any particular facet that is hotter than others?
Replying to @SusanM74

I've heard this, too, but nobody really knows. Maybe it will just be a few big books or maybe it will re-emerge as an all-consuming category. For me, it needs to feel fresh. Something with an LGBTQ romance or a diverse protagonist or a unique world/magic. #AskAgentBLA

Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

Lisa Dunn @AuthorLisaDunn

What are your thoughts on “quiet” YA, especially in terms of marketability?#AskAgentBLA
Replying to @AuthorLisaDunn

"Quiet" YA can be hard to sell to publishers. But if it is beautifully-written, has award potential or a hook that can help it find its audience, it'll have a better chance. #askagentBLA

Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent
Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

Molly Brogan @MollyBrogan8

#AskAgentBLA I’ve been told by one agent that paranormal/supernatural YA romance is a hard sell. Is this generally true?
Replying to @MollyBrogan8

Publishing is cyclical. If the paranormal/supernatural YA romance feels fresh and unique and is well-written, I think there's room for it in the market. Some editors may not want to tread there yet, but others may be hungry for it. #AskAgentBLA

Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

ShellyBean @shellyhoover

Hello #askagentBLA
What is stirring up industry excitement for you?
Replying to @shellyhoover

Can you clarify a bit more? Personally, I love hearing about how books are affecting kids/teachers/librarians! I try to find novels that will tug at your heart and make you think at the same time. Or just fantastic adventures. #AskAgentBLA

Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

Helena Hoayun @helenahoayun

#AskAgentBLA when agents ask for synopses, but don’t state the length, what are the standard requirements? One page single spaced (two pages double spaced)?
Replying to @helenahoayun

Other agents may feel differently, but I'd say 1-2 pages, single-spaced. Longer than that feels excessive. I'm not looking for a chapter-by-chapter breakdown, more a sense of the important plot points. And yes, spoil the ending in the synopsis (but not the query). #askagentBLA

Kari Sutherland
@KariSutherland
Literary Agent
Agent at KT Literary; Book Lover; Parent; Co-author of The Menagerie series; (Former) Traveler. Jigsaw Puzzler. Veronica Mars extra. She/her
4 MSWL
17 AskAgent

Malulani Moreno Kū Kia'i Mauna @malulaninyc

I’m curious when you are evaluating a full manuscript, at what point do you know you’ll want to represent? After reading the entire mss? Half-way? Asked another way: When do you know you are in love with a story? #AskAgentBLA
Replying to @malulaninyc

I always finish the full before setting up a call to offer rep, but I'll fall in love with a manuscript before then. It'll differ from story to story--sometimes it's the voice, sometimes it's a really cool world that sucks me in and won't let go. #askagentBLA