Ask Agent | MsWishList

· 12 May 2018

MrsFriedman @MrsFriedman2013

@UweStenderPhD What sort of bio information should a previously unpublished writer with no writing credentials include on the query? #amquerying #askagent

Replying to @MrsFriedman2013

I.e. : "I live in Southern California with my 2 teenage daughters, and during the day I work as a surfing instructor. [Insert title of novel] is my first novel."

· 11 May 2018

Kari Hagen @KariHagenWrites

@UweStenderPhD #askagent - does copywriting/ghost writing experience count as publishing credits for a bio?

Replying to @KariHagenWrites

Absolutely.

· 11 May 2018

Melissa Charles @2TheImp

@UweStenderPhD Um, so say someone (totally NOT me. Nope) sent a query over 2 months ago, without a response... but that same someone has reworked their query letter since.

Should they simply nudge by responding to the same email chain, or send a new email w/the updated query?

Replying to @2TheImp

Send the new one.

· 11 May 2018

Kari Hagen @KariHagenWrites

@UweStenderPhD Do you think all writers should try to attend at least one writer's conference?

Replying to @KariHagenWrites

Yes, I think it is good to meet fellow writers and industry professionals IRL.

· 11 May 2018

Kira Hawkins @KiraHawkins7

@UweStenderPhD Do you want spoilers in queries? I've read that some agents do.

Replying to @KiraHawkins7

Spoilers are ok, but you don't have to.

· 11 May 2018

Melissa Charles @2TheImp

@UweStenderPhD Glad you're feeling happy! That's a wonderful way to start a weekend!

If you've queried an agent at #TeamTriada, how long should you wait until assuming crickets = a no?

Replying to @2TheImp

The agents are supposed to respond within 14 days. If they don't , check in again.

· 11 May 2018

Kristina Rinard @writerrinard

@UweStenderPhD If we have fulls out, is it acceptable to continue to query? If so, do we mention it in the query letter? #askagent

Replying to @writerrinard

Yes and yes.

· 11 May 2018

Kira Hawkins @KiraHawkins7

@UweStenderPhD How long after taking on a project is a book usually released? I've realized I know very little of what happen after the query.

Replying to @KiraHawkins7

That depends. First, edits with the agent, then, querying the editors, then, hoping someone will buy it. Once someone buys it, it usually takes another 12-18 months.

· 11 May 2018

Erin @ErinTGunti

@UweStenderPhD If your MS has been professionally edited by a former VP/editorial director from a big publishing house, should that be mentioned in a query letter? #askagent

Replying to @ErinTGunti

I cannot speak for others. It turns me off, because I want the writer's work, not the one from a third party.

· 11 May 2018

Sam the Stewart @samthestewart

@UweStenderPhD @Maria_Tureaud how forbidden is it to revise and requery a project 2-3 years later?

Replying to @samthestewart

Who is the forbidder? I don't care.

· 11 May 2018

Kari Hagen @KariHagenWrites

@UweStenderPhD Do loglines belong in a query? A one sentence hook at the top followed by more info on the book? Or just standard paragraph form telling about the book? #askagent

Replying to @KariHagenWrites

I prefer the paragraph. But if you want to start with a longline, it is ok.

· 10 May 2018

Melissa Charles @2TheImp

@UweStenderPhD In researching for my current WIP, a MG book, I read that past tense is preferable to present for readers. Have you found this to be true?

Replying to @2TheImp

Not necessarily. It depends on taste and the project. I personally prefer past tense, but that is just my preference but not a dictate.

· 10 May 2018

Melissa Charles @2TheImp

@UweStenderPhD Okay: single best piece of advice for querying authors?

Replying to @2TheImp

Don't give up.

· 10 May 2018

Elisa Stryker @elisa_stryker

@UweStenderPhD So is it “no from one means no from all?”

Replying to @elisa_stryker

No, not at all. Maybe my answer was not clear. Say you query me and I like it, but have something similar already, I may refer you to one of the others. Or not. If I do, query them. If I don't, you can still query them.