Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Lori Keckler @LoriKeckler

@NaomisLitPix Hello. A couple of agents have suggested I turn my chapter book into an MG. Can I resubmit the new MG version to the agents who rejected the chapter book? Or is that a faux pas? Thank you!
Replying to @LoriKeckler

Not a faux pas as long as we know what's going on - be up front in your query that the book has been revised from the previous version the agent rejected. It may still get rejected, but at least the agents know what's on the table. #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Amber A. Logan @AmberAnnLogan

@NaomisLitPix If a writer gets an offer of rep on a book, but she still has full manuscripts of a different book out with agents, what should the writer say to those agents? “I’ve had an offer of rep, but not on the ms you’re reading”? Should the writer offer to send the new ms over, too? 🙂
Replying to @AmberAnnLogan

"I've had an offer of representation for another project in this/another genre and hope to answer by X date. I'm happy to send along this other manuscript if you'd like to look at it as you make your decision on this one." Or something works :-) #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Shmuel Nadata @shmuel_nadata

@NaomisLitPix Do you have an opinion on how long after DVPit it's still okay to submit requested queries?
Replying to @shmuel_nadata

Oh anytime I'm sure! Tho it will vary between requesting parties, I can't personally imagine an agent or editor being angry if it took you a while to send for whatever reason. #askagent #dvpit

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips
Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

E.C. Farrell @celiselott

@NaomisLitPix Any tips on researching agents? #askagent
Replying to @celiselott

Utilize everything! Twitter, agency websites, querytracker, MSWL, etc to find your matches. Read up on each agent before querying so you know they are interested in at least your genre and target age range. #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Debra Lynn Shelton @debralynnlazar

@NaomisLitPix Question: When you're looking for a new agent bc you & your agent broke up (amicably), is it best to mention that in the query?
Replying to @debralynnlazar

Yes - it isn't a black mark on a query to mention previously repped - in fact it validates our interest. Knowing the split was amicable does help, but mostly, let us know this MS has not been shopped to publishers (or be honest if it has been!). #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Adriëlle Blaas @AdrielleBlaas

@NaomisLitPix Thank you for doing this! My question is, do agents read manuscripts during the workday or during personal time?
Replying to @AdrielleBlaas

Depends on the agent! I try to use my personal time for family. Some weeks are so busy with other priorities that I have no choice but to read during personal time.
But having a pile of shiny new manuscripts is wonderful in Dr office waiting rooms etc. :-) #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Tariq(タリク) @FairyTailHeaux

@NaomisLitPix Hello, I was just wondering as I’ve found a lot of conflicting info, what type of word count is appropriate for a debut, adult epic fantasy novel?
Replying to @FairyTailHeaux

I doubt you would fit all the world building required for Adult Epic Fantasy into less than 100,000 words. Generally, 100,000-140,000 is reasonable, but make sure all those words are used wisely, especially on the higher end. #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Amy Hillman 🌸 @ArHillman

@NaomisLitPix I am working on a mg, but i also havea few pb in progress. When the time comes, should I only query agents who represent both? #askagent
Replying to @ArHillman

It's easiest to have one agent for a number of reasons, but many authors have more than one due to branching out into a genre their agent doesn't rep after signing. Really it's up to you, but seeking one who does both would be simplest. #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips
Jennifer Laughran
@literaticat
Literary Agent
I’m a literary agent for children’s books. Also a life-long bookseller. Also there’s a podcast in the mix. she/her 🏳️‍🌈😘 header art by @cuddlefishpress
31 MSWL
259 AskAgent
11 Queries
4 Tips

jennifer "v important scientist" laughran @literaticat

People on the #AskAgent tumblr are forever trying to get permission to be lazy. "Do I really have to write the whole book to query, or can I just run the idea past you" Um... literaticat.tumblr.com

Another popular #askagent question: "Do I really have to know how to pitch my books, even after I have an agent?" -- YEAH! "Pitching" a book is just knowing how to talk about it in a brief and interesting way. This WILL come up, again and again, forever.

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips
Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips
Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Taylor Lowe @Jilguera82

I've seen many people say don't use YA comps for Adult books. About what about adult comps for YA MS? For example if I were to say my book is like Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews for YA audiences would that be okay?#amwriting #askagent #amquerying
Replying to @Jilguera82

Comp titles help us imagine how we would position something in the market. I think that comp is fine - it tells me clues about style, pacing, content. But are there YA books that are better comps? That would be stronger - always go for stronger if you can! #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

H.W. Johnston @hwjohnston7

Question: If it is not on the submission guidelines for an agent, should I still included a title page regardless? #askagent #amquerying
Replying to @hwjohnston7

Some agents are really picky about formatting issues (because we e-read so much that things like single spacing really aggravates the eyes) but for me, something like a title page wouldn't trigger rejection. I can skip it if I don't want to read it. #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Jesse Greyson @thejessegreyson

Okay so riddle me this: The overwhelming advice to me of late has been get an agent. Having already done my research I know there are about 14 agencies in Australia, and 5 or less of those handle/are accepting SF/F.

Should I look for an o/s agent?

#askagent
Replying to @thejessegreyson

When I look at projects from different countries, whether there is a minor spelling difference or not doesn't matter to me. If you've written a wonderful book, that won't hold it back. An agent will work with you on adjusting those things if they feel it's necessary. #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips
Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips
Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Haley K @MizHaley

@YAFantasyFan If I’m querying a contemporary romance that would be a good series (with two other sets of characters) what’s the best way to describe that in my query? #askagent
Replying to @MizHaley

I usually see the phrase "standalone with series potential" or "first in a planned series" - either way, it's important for you to tell us if there is a cliffhanger. #askagent

Naomi Davis
@NaomisLitPix
Literary Agent
Eternally optimistic Literary Agent at @Bookendslit Genderqueer 🏳️‍🌈 ND; I laugh & love relentlessly. Repped by the phenomenal @4triciaskinner
208 MSWL
214 AskAgent
183 Tips

Jeanne Moore @jmhonolulu

#askagent Agents - Any advice on writing the dreaded synopsis? In your opinion, what are the elements of a good synopsis? What do you look for?
Replying to @jmhonolulu

publishingcrawl.com/2012/04/17/how…

This is the tool I often recommend both for a synopsis and for outlining! I look for all key turning points to be identified, as sometimes I love the writing & want to see if the story goes a promising direction before requesting the full. #askagent