I stop reading when I see unnatural dialogue, excessive exposition, books that don’t seem to really trust the reader. Children can spot that a mile away, and it just doesn’t make for good fiction. #okscbwichat

Rhyming is more difficult because it needs to be SO perfect. In today’s market, PBs seem to be more experimental and meta, and editors are shying away from traditional. However, it’s always a matter of just finding the right team that loves the work as much as you do.#okscbwichat

Definitely query letter. I’m like a catcher waiting for the pitch. The most important thing is that the query poses a question that I need the answer to. The only way to get the answer then is to read. #okscbwichat

I would love more standalone contemporary #MG novels. Books about real kids and real life. #okscbwichat

Right now most are author/illustrators. However I am working on projects that are text only, and a search for the right illustrator-the next member of the team-is on going. That’s to say, it varies. #okscbwichat

A voice that’s confident, clear, unique, alive. I look for characters who I NEED to spend more time with, either because how they see the world is irresistible or their story is too engaging to ignore. #okscbwichat

Definitely looking for an engaging story that takes full advantage of the medium. Having a comics platform is also very attractive. My fav GNs are THIS ONE SUMMER, ASTERIOS POLYP, NIMONA and more #okscbwichat

Being the first to read a project before any one else. I always loved the idea that agents have to find and nurture talent. It’s a big responsibility and I cherish it. #okscbwichat

I love middle grade and YA and graphic novels in both categories. I rep contemporary, fantasy, and am always eager to read new stories from diverse writers hoping to inspire young hearts. #okscbwichat

Sure! I’ve been a #kidlit agent with @Trident_Media since 2014 but started as an assistant in 2010 and worked my way up to Foreign Rights Agent after that. #okscbwichat

When pitching your manuscript, avoid stating how the audience will react or what they will learn.

Art will be interpreted by the individual. Yes it’s your art and your intention, but you can’t make the reader feel by telling them how to.

#querytip #writetip #askagent

This is true. I also want to add that voice plays a part too. There is a distinct style in the voice for MG and YA for example, and they are different. The best way to learn and figure it out is keep reading the genres. #askagent

Guidelines for Word Count #amquerying #amwriting #askagent bookendsliterary.com/2019/03/14/gui…

Was it a R&R or was it just a couple comments? Regardless, if a significant rewrite has been done, I'd take a look again. I can't promise it's what I am looking for or if I feel a connection to it, but I'm always willing to give something another shot. #askagent

The market became over saturated with NA so quickly and it fizzled out. Upmarket YA can just be considered crossover now. I’d love to see more college aged novels. It’s such an important time in our lives. #askagent

I go through so much material that there’s a chance I won’t remember, but I do always like knowing if you’ve sent a query or manuscript to me before. I take each new project under consideration, so there’s no bias from my end when it comes to previous work. #askagent

Is this in YA or adult? I think the market is slowly coming around to It again, but these are books that won’t be published until late 2019/2020. #askagent

The Meaning of Rejection #askagent bookendsliterary.com/2019/03/12/mea…

If I pass on your submission but ask to see future work, I mean it. I saw potential in your writing and hope your next will land it.

But please, don’t send me shelved projects. I’m looking for your growth as an author, and old work won’t show me that. #querytip #askagent

"Whether historical or contemporary, I don’t see enough... life or death drama coming in on submission, and I’d love to." I spoke to @histnovel for the @histnovsoc magazine #MSWL #literaryagent #askagent historicalnovelsociety.org/ask-the-agent-…