Literary Agent
michael gray | LETTERS out sept 10 @graybulla
how do you feel about authors who want to write different genres within the same age range, for example, querying with YA fantasy but planning on writing YA contemporary later? would you say this is something that greatly impacts your decision to offer representation? #askLitAOCI have that convo as early as possible. For the most part I will follow the trajectory of the writers career whereever they want to take it. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
Justin Matsen @JustinMatsen15
#asklitAOC A question I’ve been sitting on for awhile... is it a turn-off to use wildly successful stories like Star Wars or Hunger Games as comp titles in your query?Not a turn-off to me but not useful. Star Wars isn't a useful sales comp and it might reveal a shallow understanding of the genre if it's the only editorial comp. imo. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
Ryan Ramkelawan @ryanramkelawan
If a client brings forward an MS in a new genre or something underground, would it be acceptable to query even if it's an obscure subgenre on an agent's wishlist? #asklitaocIf one of my authors invents a new genre, that's fine with me! #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
Kiki Nguyen @kianangu
The change from being an unagented writer to an agented writer means actively working on your book for the purpose of making it saleable. That is a stressful and potentially time consuming commitment. Even moreso once within a contract. (1/?) #asklitAOC twitter.com/ryanramkelawan…Before sub, I advice on a revision schedule that is not too stressful. However, once you sell & are on contract you have legal obligations. It will conflict w/life, and you need to be aware of what you can sustainably handle and if you have to hold off on that. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
michael gray | LETTERS out sept 10 @graybulla
how do you feel about authors who want to write different genres within the same age range, for example, querying with YA fantasy but planning on writing YA contemporary later? would you say this is something that greatly impacts your decision to offer representation? #askLitAOCThis is absolutely fine. So many great YA authors jump around in genres (ie: @MindyMcGinnis @erin_bowman @brownbookworm), you won't have a problem.
I'd pitch one thing at a time though! #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
Ryan Ramkelawan @ryanramkelawan
If a writer presents a genrebending MS, even if the genres included is a mix of those within and outside the agent's wishlist, is it acceptable to query? #asklitaocThis is a hard one. Cause I love genre blending books. If it's something they specifically say they don't want (ie: I don't want horror), maybe not. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
Ryan Ramkelawan @ryanramkelawan
If a client is a student attending classes, is there any considerations or advice that they should prepare for if they're agented? If a client needs time to do schoolwork, is that okay? #asklitaocThe change from being an unagented writer to an agented writer means actively working on your book for the purpose of making it saleable. That is a stressful and potentially time consuming commitment. Even moreso once within a contract. (1/?) #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
D Ryan Rentz @DRyanRentz
@ericsmithrocks In my query letter, does it actually help to mention that I have a previously published novel? Thanks!#askLitAOC
I think so! You should want to talk about your previously published works. It shows you've had support for your writing before. Plenty of my clients had books published before me. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
Justin Matsen @JustinMatsen15
#asklitAOC A question I’ve been sitting on for awhile... is it a turn-off to use wildly successful stories like Star Wars or Hunger Games as comp titles in your query?Not always. I mean, when I think about TRACKED by @readjennymartin, I remember it being called "Stars Wars meets The Fast and the Furious" and how do you NOT read it right away?
If the comps work, they work. Books tend to hook me better, but it's not a deal breaker. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
Ayana Gray @AyanaGray
#asklitAOC bumping because I think mine got lost in the void!this is a good and complex question! i'd like to hear what others say but i wonder if asking their feelings on SRs and the so-called call-outs would be interesting to generate a conversation and see how your thoughts align, or don't. #askLitAOC
Literary Agent
SK Terentiev @Sarah_Terentiev
@ericsmithrocks @mikechenwriter #asklitAOCProlog-is it always a bad idea when querying agents?
Example - less than 2 pages, barely any world building (no exposition!), deep in the character’s POV, full of action. It’s purpose is to set the tone for later in the book. A promise to the reader.
I’ve found that while this is the intent, 99% of prologues take up space from the opening pages where character, worldbuilding, and atmosphere make more impact because the story is active & present. As well, opening pages often repeat info from the prologue. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
Justin Matsen @JustinMatsen15
#asklitAOC A question I’ve been sitting on for awhile... is it a turn-off to use wildly successful stories like Star Wars or Hunger Games as comp titles in your query?might be an unpopular opinion but i think you can do it if you're RIGHT lol #askLitAOC
Literary Agent
Sabaah Jauhar-Rizvi @AustenLied
@ThaoLe8 @beth_phelan @ericsmithrocks @leonicka Would you ever suggest someone like me to have a more “white” name to be marketable? I’ve gotten that feedback from other agents and don’t understand why. #askLitAOCWHO IS TELLING PEOPLE THIS????? #askLitAOC
agents, get your shit together my god
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Sabaah Jauhar-Rizvi @AustenLied
@ThaoLe8 @beth_phelan @ericsmithrocks @leonicka Would you ever suggest someone like me to have a more “white” name to be marketable? I’ve gotten that feedback from other agents and don’t understand why. #askLitAOCHELL NO. Shame on those agents. Never change. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
heidi heilig @heidiheilig
You folks are SO IMPORTANT. What can your fellow publishing professionals and other folks in the industry do (either personally or by lobbying the industry) to support established and aspiring agents of color? #asklitAOCKeep being open to hiring agents who work remotely. And remote interns. Be accessible. If I had to move to NYC, I wouldn't be here.
And at the publishing house level, more diverse staff. And when they are there, SUPPORT that staff. Too many leave. #asklitAOC
Literary Agent
heidi heilig @heidiheilig
You folks are SO IMPORTANT. What can your fellow publishing professionals and other folks in the industry do (either personally or by lobbying the industry) to support established and aspiring agents of color? #asklitAOCsee us, know us, give us pep talks because pretty much every day is a hard day...
and for you heidi, just keep doing what you're doing, you're awesome #askLitAOC
Literary Agent
Robert De Negro @baizeodu
How do you feel about your authors later delving into genres that may not be in your area of expertise? #askLitAOCit's a conversation. sometimes i have the connections and feel confident in repping. if i know i'm not what's best, then we'd find them another (or a new) agent #askLitAOC
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Namrata Agarwal Singhal @namrataagarwal
#askLitAOCHow do you balance between fun and drama in the story? How can you create more fun in your story?
This is all specific to the particular parameters of your story and your characters. And it’s also incredibly subjective. I would say don’t worry about it too much & just make sure that you’re creating dimensional characters. #asklitAOC