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Sarah Newcomb @sarahknewcomb
@SecretAgentBri I worked w/ an editor who suggested I add more backstory/world bldng 2 the 1st chapter of my YA F, but am now getting opposite feedback. Do U prefer all action/inciting w/ little bk story, or do U think some action + some bksry is ok in 1st Ch?This is subjective, but I prefer an active (not ACTION) scene where we see the character making choices--and as little backstory as possible. In my bk, rule #1 for 1st chapter is making sure your reader gets emotionally invested. #askagent
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Samantha Lienhard @SamLienhard
@SecretAgentBri If you got a query for a fantasy novel that focuses more on a central relationship than action, would you think it was misplaced in the genre? (Ex. actually fantasy romance, not fantasy.) If you did think so, would that mean a rejection?It would really depend on execution. If it was very well done, it might be a fresh twist rather than an unworkable departure. That said, making sure these two important elements--character and plot--are BOTH on the page seems like the strongest way to proceed #askagent
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Anonymous asked: Take us through that special day when you've read a query and first chapter that you loved. How soon do you request the full? What does an I-LOVE-IT freakout look like for you? petejknapp.com/post/171746810… #askagent
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Anonymous asked: Have you ever had to fight for a book that you really wanted to represent? Like another agent had put in an offer first and you had to scramble to show the author how much you loved their book and why you should be their agent? tumblr.com/blog/petejknapp #askagent
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Darly Jamison @DarlyJamison
@UweStenderPhD #askaagent — If there’s a giant twist at the end of a manuscript, should it be given away in the query?It could be, but I would not do it.
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Berinna Chambers @happywriter2017
@UweStenderPhD I'm working on a WIP where one of the characters is from a mixed status immigrant family. I want to show culture by putting few select words in Spanish. Is this okay?Why wouldn't it? If this were a German immigrant family it would be okay, as long as the German is correct. And the cultural setting etc is as well.
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D. R. McElroy @Dee_scribe315
@UweStenderPhD Agents speak a lot about the narrative voice. My focus is MG fiction. Do kids care so much about voice, or are they more interested in plot and theme?Kids want everything. Don't underestimate kids. Frankly, I think 99% of kids are smarter than adults. Just look at what adults have done to this world. So give them great voice, great plots, and great writing.
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AmmyEasant @AmmyEasant
@UweStenderPhD What is recommended reasons for using comps? I mean, is it plot? Or...? #askagentI Don't know. I assume it is to place the agent in the mindset/type of the novel. I Don't require them.
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Jules Archer @JulesJustWrite
@UweStenderPhD Thanks for doing this! Always love these. Curious: If a querying writer gets a "no" from an agent that seems like a form request, but then at the end it says to "consider them in the future," is it sincere or just a nice thought?All my rejections essentially are form - time constraints- though I read each and every query. I always assume a writer will query me again in the future.
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Maria Stout @MariaStout
@UweStenderPhD Anything one should know before meeting you at say a writer's workshop?I was born and raised in Germany. So to many Americans I appear blunt, or arrogant, or intimidating. Don't judge me on YOUR cultural assumptions. I am there to help writers, that is all.
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Miranda González @miranda_write
@UweStenderPhD @samthestewart @Oliverika Would you say this applies to agents across the board? Or does this probability apply to you specifically?I don't know. Other agents hire and fire so they probably pick many more. In my entire career I only ever fired one client.
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Kim Green @aviatrixkim
@UweStenderPhD For a query, how long is too long?It depends, but I am not a fan of scrolling too much while reading them.
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Marion Lougheed @themerryonion
@UweStenderPhD What else, other than what I listed? (Thanks for taking the time to reply!)I think you pretty much covered it all. Don't forget the greeting and the sincerely part at the end.
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Kim Green @aviatrixkim
@UweStenderPhD How would you characterize the market for food memoirs by international authors? Are publishers interested in faraway settings and lesser-known cultures and cuisines?I am sure there are. I am not an expert on food memoirs, so I cannot give you really good advice. Sorry.
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orysiaTRAVELS @orysiaTRAVELS
@UweStenderPhD Is there a subject matter that you’ll put down immediately, even though you tried to give it another chance?Yes, anything having to do with Nazis and stereotyping of Germans in books, film and popular culture. I am sick to death of it.
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Samantha Stewart @samthestewart
@UweStenderPhD What percentage of requested manuscripts do you estimate you (or agents in general) end up signing as clients?It is significantly likelier that you will drown in the bathtub than becoming my client. Very low odds. @Oliverika may remember what we figures out a while back.
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Katelyn Uplinger @KatelynUplinger
@UweStenderPhD Any advice for aspiring agents that you wish you had known when you got started?Know what you are getting yourself into.