I hate when someone starts with just Literary Agent instead of my name. I hate floating voices (starting with dialogue with no context). Prologues. Ignoring guidelines. #askagentbla

I don't like unsolicited R&R's personally, but future queries, of course. #askagentbla

A picture book dummy! :) It's a mock-up of a picture book text with sample art and sketches. Only needed if you're an author/illo. #askagentbla

Drink a lot of wine and press SEND. #askagentbla Ok but really, you can also try Twitter pitch events?

I like this idea, that I can just give someone notice I'm their agent now and not have to fight off any others 😆 #askagentbla

Whoops, forgot to add, if it's a DUMMY then in PDF. If the PDF is too big provide a link to a Dropbox or something. #askagentbla

TNR 12, word, double spaced, helpful to put a space between where you envision page breaks #askagentbla

understanding the arc of the story. I use it to help edit when pacing and stakes aren't adding up with clients, though. #askagentbla

It can be. Platform is traditionally the answer to why are YOU the best one to be writing this book? But with a gift/humor book, it could just be damn good. But a LOT of them have platform of popular blogs/tumblrs/buzzfeeds etc. #askagentbla

I wouldn't say it's necessary, and it's not unreasonable. Just know the agent you are nudging likely knows very well they still have not read your work and feel all the guilty feels but that does not mean they don't care or don't intend to read. 12 weeks seems fair? #askagentbla

I don't have a preference, personally! I think it doesn't hurt, if you have something personal to add (met you at x conference, loved your blog post/client book, etc) #askagentbla

you can do either. I don't mind when I get an email with a revised...however, if you send me like five different versions before I have a chance to read that's annoying. #askagentbla

I hate it, personally. You only get one first impression and I've never met a manuscript I didn't want to edit. I'd much rather you save that note of interest for when it's time to go on sub. #askagentbla

My answer to this question is that technically everything is recycled bits and pieces of lore and stories we cobble together, so no, retellings are never going away. But you're doing one that was recently done a lot/already, sure there may be fatigue. #askagentbla

A cover letter that tells me the hook of your book, enough to make me want to turn to pages, perhaps why you chose to query me, and a little about who you are. #askagentbla

Sort of. The market is weird; people are looking for fresh. I think it still has to be fresh. #askagentbla

I am highly controversially against the Oxford comma 😆 #askagentbla

I don't personally think you need to say it, but it won't hurt anything. #askagentbla

Query agents who rep adult humor/gift books. Sure, mention your research. #askagentbla

Not really. I mean, they provide mentorships sometimes, or could lead to an internship which could lead to a personalized connection, but they're really more for craft than business. #askagentbla