Literary Agent
Rashawnda Dunbar @RashawndaDunbar
@kaitylynne13 I understand the importance of “platform” for non-fiction writers. To secure representation, how sizable must the platform be? Is there a minimum number of email subscribers, social media followers, etc.? #askagentNonfiction isn't my forte, so I'm not the best to ask. However, you should have some sort of knowledge or standing in the topic you're writing about. Or have done a ton of research on it. I can't give a general # for social media unfortunately #askagent
Literary Agent
Detethered Writer @Elisabethewrite
@kaitylynne13 Multifaceted question, so I'll break it down like Jennifer did.1) How should someone pitch a book with multiple (3-4) first-person POVs?
2) Would it be better to be established with an agent before pitching the book? #AskAgent
Oof, Multi first-person POVs is hard to write so kudos. I would state that in the query. That the manuscript is told in first person, from multiple narrators. #askagent
Literary Agent
Caitlin LaRue @CaitlinLaRue
@kaitylynne13 Awesome! Thank you! And that’s amazing to hear because I think most of us are afraid to scare agents with all our projects pic.twitter.com/yW6g3KxouOI ALWAYS want to hear the ideas in the works! I don't want a one trick pony. I want to be there for the writer's career, helping them grow and succeed. If I can't connect with other works, I'm not the right agent for them #askagent
Literary Agent
Paul Janus @paul_janus
@kaitylynne13 What would you tell an author who is very confident in supporting materials (query letter, synopsis, pitch, etc.) and has drafted the manuscript for years, but gets no requests from Pitch Wars style contests and querying? Time to write a new book? Not right for market?If you've been querying the same project for more than a year, it's time to write something new. It may not be right for the market yet, it may just not be what editors are looking to acquire at the moment, or it may have edits needed you don't see #askagent
Literary Agent
brittany @brittanydixon_2
@kaitylynne13 Should you mention if your book is part of a series in your query? I see a few conflicting points on if you should include it or leave it out. Thanks in advance! 😊If it can stand alone (meaning, it doesn't HAVE to have a sequel to complete the plot), say that. If it's intended for a series, you should tell us that. #askagent I see a lot of "standalone with series potential"
Literary Agent
Emily is a #WIP @balecirithiel
@kaitylynne13 I noticed your query page says to keep the bio brief... what are some things one should include about themselves in a query, and what are some things to stay away from? #askagentStay away from talking about inspiration/motivation for the story or themes included in your work. Save that for the call when you discuss your story more #askagent
Literary Agent
Broken Skies of Escari @TheEscarian
@kaitylynne13 Do agents always request a full MS, revised and all? Or can they be interested by an ongoing WIP?We can be interested in a WIP, but usually we only offer rep for a complete MS (fiction). I probably wouldn't offer rep without seeing the final, query-ready product #askagent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Valentina Marie💖💛💙✨📚 @thecliffhanger_
@kaitylynne13 What should you do if you like multiple agents at one agency? I know it’s bad form to query them all so how long should you wait before trying to query another one?Depends on policy. Corvisiero asks not to query multiple agents. If we think it's a fit for someone else, we share. Other agencies allow you to re-query. I'd wait a week at the least (or longer, if you get feedback and edit) to re-query, if allowed #askagent
Literary Agent
Caitlin LaRue @CaitlinLaRue
@kaitylynne13 What is the most important quality you look for in a client? #askagentOpenness to editing and at least two or three other ideas cooking for future works. I need to know we're compatible (I am hugely editorial) and I need to be sure you have more than just the one story dancing around in your head #askagent
Literary Agent
Kaitlyn Johnson @kaitylynne13
@LisaVenables2 lmao I love you. I looove dogs but own a cat. Fave color is blue and best gift is just saying thanks and keeping in touch =] I am a writer but have set it aside to focus on agenting. Weather in Florida is HOT and I avoid bees at all costs #askagentAs for $$, I don't have a real answer. Every author contract is different. It depends on the house offering, genre/age, whether or not it's a one book deal or series. We don't really have a set "average price" unfortunately #askagent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Stacy Nockowitz @snockowitz
@kaitylynne13 Hi! How do agents get in touch if they want to sign you? I’ve heard about “the call,” but will they email first? Thanks for your #askagent time tonight!They should email you first to set up a call and get your phone number. Then you'll agree on a time that works to discuss your story #askagent
Literary Agent
Jennifer Kinzler @JenniferKinzler
@kaitylynne13 Thanks for doing this! Mine is a 2-part question:1. I heard you should only query one manuscript at a time, is that correct?
2. If that is true, is there an easy way to "close" the queries on one and start the next one?
Sorry if that's confusing!
You really should only query one ms at a time. The exception is if you see a MSWL or get a personal request for one MS and are already querying a different one, then it's ok. #askagent
Literary Agent
Lydia D @DiveDiva91
@kaitylynne13 I know queries shouldn't be cookie cutter letters, but how personal do you need to make them? Should you write a whole new one per agent, or can you use a base letter & change the details depending on if you've interacted with the agent before? (keeping the actual pitch the same)The actual pitch can definitely stay the same! If you have a personalization (that is more than just "I saw you love fantasy"), go ahead and add it, but your pitch can remain as is. #askagent
Literary Agent
Annabelle Dando @annabelledando
@kaitylynne13 Thanks! What if they have already sent a rejection (like several months ago), or have a no response means no policy? Is it better to just not re-query?If they've already sent a rejection, most ask you not to resubmit unless it's been intensely revised. A no response policy usually signals not to resubmit. #askagent
Literary Agent
Angelia Bailey @angeliabailey2
@kaitylynne13 I live in the U.S. but the book I wrote takes place in France. Can I query agents in that country? Or is it best to stick with agents in the country I live in?You can query any agents you like, anywhere. There's no rule saying you can't be represented by an overseas agent. Depends what you want from the agent/house/relationship. =] #askagent
Literary Agent
Annabelle Dando @annabelledando
@kaitylynne13 If you queried (particularly to query letter only, no pages agents) before you realized you really needed to refine your query letter, is it ok to re-query w/ stronger query letter? If so, should you mention it's a re-query? #askagentYou should definitely mention it's a re-query. The only problem is, the agent may not see the new query before the old one. It's kind of a toss-up, but you are allowed to withdraw and re-query if you want to #askagent
Literary Agent
Laurie Lascos @LaurieLascos
@kaitylynne13 What do you prefer to go in the bio-paragraph of the query if an author has no existing publications, yet?I usually advise just giving a bit about you. At minimum, where you went to college, what you majored in, what your current job is, or current state you live in. Just give us a little feel of YOU #askagent