That sounds like a prologue to me, but you could always make it chapter 1 and make chapter 2 start with X Years Later...

Many agents dislike them but if they’re essential then it’s fine. But to hedge your bets...call it ch 1 ;)

It’s fine to point them out but they don’t take the place of an actual pitch #askagent

1. A great high concept hook
2. Clear voice
3. Intriguing and relevant comps #askagent

I’m not picky about the format, but I prefer not to see writers lead with length bios, especially at the expense of telling me about their book. My only hard rule: no weird fonts 😆 #askagent

When Your Book Crosses Genres--can you pitch a book is all genres? #askagent #amquerying bookendsliterary.com/2019/07/30/whe…

An #AskAgent tumblr question: "Is it true that a no from one editor is a no from all"? -- my answer (in which I explain a bit about Imprints):

literaticat.tumblr.com/post/186587291…

"Significant revision" means that there is a good chance that the writer may be unable or unwilling to make the changes I'm suggesting. So I send a revise and resubmit letter and pray for the best. #askagent

I say no to a full manuscript when something is off with the execution and it would need significant revision to fix. #askagent

How Long is Too Long -- Another discussion about query length #askagent bookendsliterary.com/2019/07/25/the…

Preparing for Your Pitch Session #askagent bookendsliterary.com/2019/07/24/pre…

Submit to anthologies & literary journals. I suppose it depends, too, on your eventual goal - if it is to publish a collection, for example. I'm afraid I can't recommend specific places to submit, but that's where I'd start. #askagent

I'm not sure about the pros/cons of using pseudonyms, but if you're an established nonfiction author, that platform would not hurt at all in selling a fiction project. #askagent

That wouldn't give me any hesitation at all -- If anything, it could help, since you might already have a platform. I would be much more concerned with the fiction query! #askagent

#askagent I would say for your query, focus on the protagonist and main plot rather than side characters/plots, since it sounds like this is not the protag. & also that rep in itself will not be of interest to the agent as much as the plot/characters themselves.

Depends on many factors. Is the voice more adult or YA? Who is your target audience? What other books are like it? By answering these questions you get a better idea of where your book lands. I hope that helps! #askagent

We definitely assume that! No need to state it. 😁 #askagent

I think it might depend on the agent. Be sure to check their policies. If in doubt, ask the agent! #askagent

Of course! Especially if it has been a few years and it's a different MS. Good luck! #askagent.

Unless the query letter is totally egregious (didn't follow the rules in a big way, for example, or it's only 3 sentences long), I will always read some of the sample. As long as you follow guidelines as far as what to include, you're good! #askagent