I think slice of life are (and have been) more difficult for a while now, so as a debut if you do write both character-driven narratives and slice-of-lifes, I probably would start with the character-driven book! #AskAgent #askbookendsjr #picturebooks

I don't think you should be querying the second. My advice is to try querying something fresh: bookendsliterary.com/2010/01/29/wri… #askagent

I do think there's a chance for an offer. An agent would ask to see something again unless they are interested. Of course, it's also a bit of a test to see how you handle revisions. I think my advice, is do what you can do and what works for you to make it the best. #askagent

Most of the fiction pbs I've sold as an agent are around 450 words, and they're all the standard 32 pages. But, at the same time, you have to tell the story with the words you need. It's just that in picture books, *every* word has to be the *right* word.

I'm not hating on PLP specifically, but if you submitted that as a debut picture book today, it would be rejected. Today's picture book fiction sweet spot is around 300 - 500 words. There's always exceptions, but they are rare. (CHICKEN WANTS A NAP is 165, over 24 pages)

But yes - the trend in publishing has been towards shorter picture books. If you read some of our classics - like Poky Little Puppy - there's so much about that book that wouldn't be published today. It's too long, the arc isn't layered, the puppy doesn't solve their own problem.

Publishers are *not* making a shift towards primarily author-illos. They just want the best picture book projects they can find, be it from an author or an author-illustrator. As an agent, I'm open to authors, illustrators and author-illustrators.

So - agents looking *only* for picture book author/illustrators is just the personal preference of the agent. It's a different process and a different set of contacts to shop an illustrator's portfolio vs. a completed book dummy, and some agents prefer to do one over the other.

I'm going to break this down into a few replies, because I don't think these two questions are that closely related: #askagent #picturebooks #amwriting

You should definitely check out Query Shark for query advice, samples, and formats. #querytip You can also check out the @bookendslit blog for these things as well. #askagent

Don’t give away the ending. Focus on the set up & central conflict and make sure we know what is at stake for the character. #askagent

I am not a science fiction fan so can't answer this, sorry. #askagent

We confirm once we've had a chance to have a look, but can't provide individual feedback on all submissions #AskAgent

The $64,000 question! You have to maintain the pace and yet develop the characters. I think you have to read through for pace and be very conscious of what you can and can't do while keeping up suspense, conflict and action. #askagent

We read it all inhouse! I'd go straight for the sample #Askagent

In the UK we have the Association of Authors' Agents (AAA) agentsassoc.co.uk and in the U.S. there is the AAR aaronline.org #askagent

The agency is known for being talent spotting, being very commercial and lots of our authors have gone on to become bestsellers. We've got a "recent bestsellers" slideshow on our website front page to show off about that! katenashlit.co.uk #askagent

Absolutely! #AskAgent

Anything goes for me! #Askagent

I don't worry too much about synopses being reflective of the writing and I'm interested in the actual writing. Keep the synopsis simple and short if you're struggling. Or ask a writing friend to read and review it for you. #askagent