.@TracyMarchini can best answer whether you actually "need" an agent, but I will stress that an agent's job is so much more than simply selling a book #askagent #amagenting

Keep it simple. Focus on writing a strong blurb and the rest is pretty standard--bio, nice introduction, etc. Don't overthink it. #querytip #askagent

Another good exercise is to write queries/book blurbs for some of your favorite books. (Don't cheat and read the cover copy). It might help you get into the practice of what a blurb is. #askagent #querytip

If the query blurb isn't working, you might need to look at the book. Sometimes the problem isn't getting the query to work, but in the book itself. #askagent #querytip

I also often recommend writing the blurb before you write the book. It can help keep you focused on the strongest and most marketable points of your book. #askagent

Focus 99% of your energies on the blurb. Sometimes it's the only thing I read. #askagent

In July & August however, @bookendslit has been known to have some of our biggest sales. #askagent

The only time of year I suggest not querying is December. In December nothing truly gets done. #askagent

Listen, there is definitely a slowdown in August in a lot of industries. It's when everyone goes on vacation. However, when everyone else is on vacation it gives those of us who aren't time to read through submissions. #askagent

Oh. "They" are such downers. Query! Query! Query in August. #askagent

Some agents have the unique ability to handle 50 clients, some can only handle 5 (time management skills). #askagent In other words, the workload of any existing roster can vary greatly at all times.

Great question! Thanks. The workload of existing clients ebbs and flows with the client's career. Some retire, some scale back, some need little from the agent because they are working closely with their editor #askagent

It will be easy to go back to the series once you have a contract, it will take longer to start something new to submit if you have nothing new to submit. #askagent

The reason is if book #1 doesn't sell there won't be a market for #2 or #3. My advice is to start something new and fresh. #askagent

You are very smart!! I recommend if writing a series that you never start book #2 until you've got a publishing contract in hand. #askagent Blurbs & synopsis yes, but don't write the book.

At the very least you need a blurb/description of what the book is about #askagent

I don't. I'll even read queries for books with a word count over 200k. It's unlikely I'll request, but I will read. Of course each agent is different. #askagent

Do Conferences Lead to Representation? #amwriting #askagent bookendsliterary.com/2018/06/07/do-…

Not necessarily.

In fiction it should not matter, in non fiction it does.