It's true, it's important to know how to deliver a good hook for your pitch! :) #okscbwichat

I love translating my editorial POV to a more visual storytelling language--thinking about things like layout and page turns. And the amazing art! What I might not love are the loooong schedules. Novels can take 2 years to pub, but GNs often take longer! #okscbwichat

I came to the children's book world 8 years ago and have worked at Harper ever since. After internships at smaller pubs, I started out in marketing, where I learned how to write catchy copy and position a book to its audience. ~2 years later I switched to editing! #okscbwichat

#okscbwichat I can't tell them how to write, just to explain to them that this is what sell and this is what doesn't. That is the difficult part, 99% of any rejection in this industry isn't personal and has nothing to do with the writer's skills or abilities.

#okscbwichat Sorry, I didn't get to this during the chat. I think it boils down to a misunderstanding of what an agent does. I'm here to sell writers' work and intempret the fluctuation and chaos in the publishing market.

#okscbwichat Hmm, that's a tough one. It 100% depends on who the biography is about. I think there are loads of untold stories of unknown heroes and they need to be told. But if it is a PB of George Washington chopping down a cheery tree, that has been done to death.

#okscbwichat I am also very excited for @swift_dana Swift's debut Cast in Firelight that releases this fall @DelacortePress.

#okscbwichat I have so many talented authors that I work with this could be a long post. Next month Bobby Robot by @5HourNinja will launch with @INtensePub and I'm thrilled with that.

#okscbwichat Yes, I made an offer on a manuscript a few hours ago. I can't wait to share t with the world. I've recently started signing and selling for illustrators and I'm thrilled to share their awesome art with the world.

#okscbwichat Great question! Yes, there are tons of things that show me when one isn't ready yet, stuff like shallow POV, weak verbs, dialogue tags (either too many or the wrong ones). Those stand out like red flags.

#okscbwichat Yes, absolutely. I was trying to keep it in the #kidlit in my earlier answer. I would love some cozy mysteries with oddball characters like the show Psych. I am open to anything that piques my interest. But I'm overwhelmed with Fantasy and Sci-Fi at the moment.

#okscbwichat Hi! If you think of sweet romance, think Hallmark movie. Sincere love with a kiss at the end.
Yes, I do represent sweet romance but my plate is full at the moment. I recommend you query @LaurenMillerMO with @MetamorphLitAg She is actively seeking sweet romance.

#okscbwichat I then work with the author to get the manuscript ready for submission. Then I send it out on submission and possible make some calls or pitch the work in person.

#okscbwichat Yes, he is welcome to ask for clarification. Unfortunately, agents get constantly asked to rethink and explain and give free editorial advice. So many may not respond to unsolicited emails or multiple emails.

#okscbwichat I'm sorry to hear that, and I understand what you are saying. We give a lot of mixed messages and signals. We all have different opinions and strengths and it can get chaotic.

#okscbwichat I can only invest the time to do small edits these days. I'm looking for work that is at least 90% ready to go. I am looking for work that I think the world needs to see and If it needs extra help I will put in the time, but that isn't my usual.

#okscbwichat I think the biggest issue I have is when I don't have a person to connect with I will stop. I will stop at bad grammar or unpolished work. My biggest pet peeve is the misuse of the word literally. It's fine for a YA character to use it in conversation, otherwise, NO

#okscbwichat I fall in love with characters, even in kid lit. I have to be rooting for the character to win or learn or whatever. I want that character to feel real.

#okscbwichat I'm a cheerleader, I'm a very involved agent who not only wants my clients to succeed but I want them to be happy and fulfilled at the end of the day. Writing is HARD and all the rest of it shouldn't be so hard. I try to take the sting out of the industry.

#okscbwichat Yes, I have been telling authors for a couple of years to either age it up or age it down. The story remains the same, but publishers look at it as opening up a wider market.