Literary Agent
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Brittney M. Morris @BMichelleMorris
Agents: after a pitch contest, how long is too long to wait before querying? At what point does it become a "cold query" again? Asking for multiple friends. 🙌🏾I would say six months for me. But I'd probably consider up to a year out. You do want to capitalize on the window post-pitch contest when the agent is still super excited! #askagent
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An interesting article on why book page numbers really matter theoutline.com/post/4257/what… #AskAgent #Publishing
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Kristin Otts @kbotts
@UweStenderPhD I find book comps in queries quite difficult. Should writers compare their manuscript to a work that is similar in tone / mood / setting - or should we compare our ms to a work that has a similar plot / characters? OR BOTH??? 😱 #askagentI would say both or either. Or even a movie or TV show. Your call.
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Peter Lopez @PeterxLopez
@UweStenderPhD Once you have an agent how often do you communicate? Will it still be by email (in your experience) or do you just begin texting?I personally am open to either, though emails are standard. I cannot speak for other agencies.
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Whalerock @Whalerock21
@UweStenderPhD Congrats! Besides a query, what’s best opportunity to meet an agent?Conference? Your favorite?Yes, conferences are great. Possibly book signings. I am totally open to being approached during those. Other agents may not be.
Literary Agent
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Yasi M. @TheWritinStylz
@UweStenderPhD Congratulations on the anniversary of following your dreams!! My question is, how much story information does an agent typically want to see in a query?Thank you. Two ot three relatively short paragraphs will do it for me. I cannot speak for others.
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Theresa Rice @riceforbrains
@UweStenderPhD What should be included in communication for partial/full requests? In addition to the requested materials, if anything? Should it be a reply or a new email thread? #askagentA reply...and whatever the agent requested... and I hope that I understand your question correctly.
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Deborah Hunt PhD, RN @debdoll25
@UweStenderPhD If you have your manuscript critiqued and edited is it acceptable to resend it to an agent who previously rejected it?You have to requery and ask if it is ok or not.
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Alyssa Whittington @lyssa_whitt
@UweStenderPhD @Maria_Tureaud When is appropriate to nudge an agent who’s had your full manuscript for awhile? Thanks!Imo, 8-10 weeks after you sent it.
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Melody Haaf @MelodyHaaf
@UweStenderPhD The topic of inciting incident has been coming up alot. When do you expect to see it? #askagent. Also Happy Anniversary!!!Thank you. As early as possible to hook the reader.
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Cat Charles @Blue_Kitten666
@UweStenderPhD Is it 'legal' for a YA book to be shorter than 50K? If a 40K YA novel crossed your desk, would you immediately pass on it?Legal, ha of course. Would I pass? Odds are ...I would, but if your query *really* captured me, I would request.
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Mary Pat Michalek Bielecki @MaryPatMB
@UweStenderPhD How soon after a debut novel is a second one expected? I'm told publishing the second book can be more difficult than the first. Is it something where you want to keep the momentum going and you'll have more luck if the second novel is complete within a certain window?Ideally yes. Strike the iron while it is hot.
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Alycat @AlyssonFBourque
@UweStenderPhD Word count preference for PB?To me, who is not an expert, 500 words or less..
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Melissa Charles @2TheImp
@UweStenderPhD Should an author identify if they're marginalized in a query, or only if it's an own voices ms?I would focus on the actual project. If the marginalization is relevant to the story, mention it if you want.
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Peter Lopez @PeterxLopez
@UweStenderPhD #askagent Not sure if this is a complicated question... but if everything goes well and you're allowed to write more books for a series.. and the character ages (starting at 12 or 13), would that mean your series turns into YA?That depends on the publisher's vision.
Literary Agent
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Heather Fowler @TheShadesofHRF
@UweStenderPhD Ok, let me word it another way...What is the one thing that will make
you cringe when reading a query? What makes it a definite no? I'm working on modifying my query and synopsis. As the two are completely different, I want to GRAB THE AGENT BY THE EARS! But how...
There are too many. Mis-addressing. Hyperbole. Spelling errors. Rambling . Being too stalkerish. Boring....
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Sherry Howard @SherLHoward
@UweStenderPhD If an agent turns down one manuscript, how long should you wait before sending a different one? (Love when you do these!) #askagentGive it some time. If you query me today with one, and I pass, and then you instantly send me a new one, I will reject you just for that. Other agents probably won't, but I do. I doubt all your unpubbed projects are equally great. Could be wrong, love my odds.