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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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T.J. has a draft he should be finishing @diversecrime1
Do you recommend your clients take on different age ranges and genres to remain flexible? #asklitaoconly if they want to write in different categories and genres... it depends what they wanna write and if they know the market #askLitAOC
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🌈 Steve Asbell Awareness Month @rainforestgardn
@leonicka When ownvoices applies to disability/autism is it relevant? #asklitAOCit's not IRRELEVANT. but my personal mandate is to rep diverse WRITERS. so the hook to me isn't ownvoices, it's the writer's identity. Does that make sense? If not I'll try to clarify. #asklitAOC
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Dave Rodriguez @DaveARodriguez
Is it possible to find representation or mass market publishing for books you've released through Amazon or an indy publisher? #asklitAOCit largely depends on units sold and the specific story and what the cat/genre is... #askLitAOC
Literary Agent
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Sarah is revising @sloch
Do you think there's room for a resurgence in contemporary fantasy? It seems like all I'm seeing right now is second world/high fantasy #asklitAOCyessss pleeeease! i have a few on my list and they're delicious #askLitAOC
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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.
Prologues aren't always bad! It's a taste thing.
The prologues I hate are the ones that start the book with something like "looking back, I'm glad we made it" and telling me the novel is all reflective.
Why read the story? Things turned out okay. *closes book* #asklitAOC