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𝚁𝚊𝚎 𝙼𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚜 @_Rae_Miles_
@LitAgentKelly How do you feel about stories that mix genres? Fantasy and sci fi, for example. I've heard it termed as science fantasy. Would you recommend against using that in a query, and just focusing on one (ie. YA fantasy with sci fi elements)? My current WIP is an equal mix.I’m not a fan of mixed genres like that. I’d actually prefer an author to choose one and then tell me it has elements of another (i.e. fantasy with steampunk elements) so that I know where most of the focus is. :) That’s probably somewhat subjective per agent, though!
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Vincent Morrone Author @Vince524
@LitAgentKelly 2nd question: When you get a query letter, does things like being published by a smaller press (A decent 1 that's been around a decade or more) or local writing awards make any impact? I know it's mostly about the work, but does that factor in at all?It does! If you have decent sales and a good following, it can definitely help! If you have poor sales and not much of a following though, it can somewhat work against you. But having experience in the industry (editing, marketing, etc.,) can help.
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Leslie Scott @leslieSwrites
@LitAgentKelly what are some questions you expect an author to ask you once you've made an offer of representation? #askagentGreat question! I usually expect them to ask about my editing and readying process, my communication with my clients, editors or houses I have in mind, specific changes/edits for their manuscript, sales/contacts, and permission to contact my clients as references.
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curious cat turned into an #askagent but you can ask me other stuff too curiouscat.me/beth_phelan?t=…
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Courtney Maguire Writes Stuff @PretentiousAho
what exactly is the etiquette for 'nudging' an editor/agent with an open query? I have a couple of pending queries out that are well past the typical 90 day mark and I want to follow up, but don't want to be rude.... advice? #askagent #amquerying #writingcommunityYou can also re-send the query and mention that you’re sending it again because you hadn’t yet received a response and were worried it had been misplaced. #askagent
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Baart Groot @relctntidealist
#askagent So I self-published my first novel and it's doing okay. Still, I wonder if I should try and find an agent because frankly, this talking to people is hard. Do agents take self-published authors?goodreads.com/book/show/4179…
We will take self-published authors, however, it’s generally preferable to query with something brand new that you haven’t already published. It’s very difficult to sell a publisher a project that has been self-published. #askagent
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B.T. Allen @hogwashwriting
#askagent Agents, after you request a full manuscript, what is a reasonable amount of time you expect an author to give you before they follow up? Do you expect a follow up at all?#amquerying but not patiently...
Check the agents’ projected timelines but I think, for most, it’s reasonable to check in at three months. I never expect anyone to check in but I certainly don’t mind if they do. And, of course, check in immediately if you get an offer of rep from someone else. #askagent
Literary Agent
Saundra Jones @saundrasstudio1
@marchsoloway Oh no 🤦♀️ I probably should’ve mentioned in my query that I have PBs upon request.Don't worry. If I'm interested in seeing more work, I always ask. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Mary Miller @Daizylublue
@marchsoloway @mjwalvoord2 I can’t tell you much this ease’s an author’s mind. It’s devastating to hit send and see you’ve messed something simple up because of nerves!I want to relieve you of submission angst. With me, please don't worry. We all make small mistakes (especially in Tweets). What I care most about is the writing. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Susan Burdorf @sburdorf
#okscbwichat What is the worst trope for you, personally, to read?Sorry, missed this question earlier. I enjoy the author presents a new fun twist on a trope. If I had to admit to a pet peeve, it's overheard conversation--which is a passive way to gain information (and covey info to the reader), and it feels contrived to me. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Stephanie Williams @StephanieBoyer
Enjoying the chat so far! @marchsoloway are you interested in seasonal/holiday PBs? #OkscbwichatSorry, missed this question earlier. Yes, I'd love to see seasonal/holiday PBs, especially if you have a fun new twist in your story. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Hannah Tuohy @hannahlollman
@marchsoloway Could you name some of your favorite classic picture books? #okscbwichatSorry, missed this question earlier. One of my favorites is HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON, and I think WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is masterful. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Susan Burdorf @sburdorf
#okscbwichat What is the best time to submit a new ms - when you first open to submissions or further down the timeline? Do you read everything as soon as you get it in order, or do you pick and choose by whim and fancy of the day? Do you read, or do you have an asst read 1st?Sorry, missed this question earlier. You can submit to me anytime. My box is always open, and I read every day looking for the next big thing. It might be yours. Please consider querying me. P.S. No assistant. I read everything personally. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Anika A Wolf @anikaandthewolf
Hi Jennifer! Are you open to representing an author illustrator who does graphic novels in addition to PBs? And what are your thoughts on writing and illustrating across age categories and different formats? Thank you! 😊#okscbwichat
Sorry, missed this question earlier. Yes, I would love to find author/illustrators who do both graphic novels and PBs. A range of projects is great. Please consider querying me. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Sturgell Illustration @SturgellDraws
@marchsoloway When you get a submission from an author/illustrator with a book dummy, do you read the ms first or go straight to the dummy? #okscbwichatSorry, missed this question earlier. Honestly, I go straight to the dummy. I'm a big fan of illustrated stories, and I love to see how the author/illustrator uses both words and art to convey story. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Jennifer Burns @MsJenniferBurns
@marchsoloway I've heard that agents don't consider representing previously self-published authors. Any truth to that? Obviously if the author wrote a bestseller but ignoring the outliers. #okscbwichatSorry, missed this question earlier. It depends on the author and their new project. If the new project is fabulous, then I would strongly consider offering rep. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Susan Burdorf @sburdorf
#okscbwichat When reading manuscripts do you have a fave snack or place to go to read (do you leave the house or stay in? Coffee or tea (mine is hot cocoa no matter the time of year)? socks or slippers? Pandas or Otters? Which HP house? Are you coming to Nashville any time soon?I forgot to answer about Nashville earlier. Right now, I have no plans, but I'd love to go to Tennessee. If @SCBWIMidSouth invited me, I would be honored to present at their regional conference. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Hannah Tuohy @hannahlollman
@marchsoloway Could you describe your editing process and how you approach revision with clients you’ve already taken on? #okscbwichatSorry, missed this question earlier. I read and give notes to my clients, and then we usually discuss my suggestions on the phone. My goal is to best support my clients editorially in the way they need most at each stage of revision. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Lisa Katzenberger @FictionCity
Hi Jennifer! I write picture books and chapter books. When querying, would it be helpful to mention this, or just stick to one format? #okscbwichatSorry, missed this question earlier. Yes, please mention all categories you wish me to eventually represent. But also, I will ask if I'm interested in offering representation. #okscbwichat
Literary Agent
Amy Hillman Writes 🌿 @ArHillman
@marchsoloway @RachelRosentha5 If you are requeried with revisions, would you want the changes noted somewhere in the query/synopsis or just a mention that the ms has been revised? #okscbwichatSorry, I missed this question earlier. Please mention that the project has been significantly revised. I read and keep every submission, and I will know what has been revised. Great revisions excite me, especially if my notes inspired the writer to elevate the story. #okscbwichat