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Jacqueline Stefanowicz @J_PlainandFancy
@LitAgentKelly Why is it that some agents want a book proposal and others don't?Book proposals are usually utilized for non-fiction only! And sometimes if agents believe they can sell your next book (because they already sold one or a few) quickly, we may ask for a proposal and sample chapters in order to garner some interest in your next idea.
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NLMcLaughlin @NMclaughlin9053
@UweStenderPhD When submitting a series, should there be a synopsis for each book in the series or should there be one synopsis that covers the entire story arc? Also, do you want spoilers or no?Not necessarily, but IF you have all of that, that is awesome. I personally don't mind spoilers, but that may be a NO NO for others.
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Traci-Anne [wip = 38,483] @traciannecan
@UweStenderPhD With a lot of YA authors heading to MG, do you predict that will become as oversaturated as YA soon?Likely, but again, I am the wrong person to ask. I rep what I love.
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Catherine T. Ricardo @CathyTRicardo
@UweStenderPhD I know that agencies vary on this point - if a writer submits to you and you pass, is it acceptable to query others at your agency? Or do you share submissions?In our case, go to the next Triada US agent.
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Belinda Grant @belindagrant80
@UweStenderPhD If you come from a Non-American English speaking country, should you Americanize your spelling for querying?In my opinion IF it is grammatically correct in either/or US or UK English, it is fine.
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Shanice Littlejohn is revising @twixsftbl
@UweStenderPhD How long is typically too long of a wait to hear back from an agent? Is a gentle inquiry welcome or unprofessional?Give people 14 weeks, after that they ought to be open to a nudge. IF they are disrespectful to you because of a gentle nudge, YOU should not want to work with them anyway. They may not have had a chance to consider yet, but they should not be CRANKY about a nudge.
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Julie Shattuck @JulieShattuck
@UweStenderPhD Do you have any plans to close temporarily for submissions anytime soon?I will NEVER close to submissions. That is how I started my business, and I will die on that hill.
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Brett Jonas @BookSquirt
@UweStenderPhD If you are preparing to write a cookbook, do you write it first and query, or write a proposal first and query that? (I know about fiction, but this cookbook thing for my mom has me totally lost lol)Anything non fiction will work on a detailed proposal with sample chapters.
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Belinda Grant @belindagrant80
@UweStenderPhD What is your take on the discussion re the need for more books for older MG/Young YA? How hard are they to sell? Is there a market?I have no opinion. I take on what I love (I am 100% gut feeling, and don't follow trends). IF that is a real discussion, then I am sure they're is an emerging trend. But I am the wrong guy to ask.
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Shanice Littlejohn is revising @twixsftbl
@UweStenderPhD Do you typically have a word limit that you prefer for ya speculative fiction submissions?Not necessarily, but less than 100k would always be welcomed.
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Lolis Aguila @lolisaguila
When an agent requests more pb manuscripts on a query what are they looking for? I overthink what to send since the query is for a serious pb bio and my other pb projects are lighter. Do they want something similar to the query or something different? #AskAgentBLAIt's going to vary. I'm looking for a sense of your range and what YOU want to be publishing. If your focus is on serious pb, then submit just those. If you want to do more than one kind, submit a few. Same for fiction/nf. #AskAgentBLA
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Patrick Ross @PatrickRwrites
#AskAgentBLA Is it a problem for a debut novelist to pitch a novel that while a good read by itself (complete story/protagonist arc) is intended to be the first of a trilogy? Should that fact even be revealed up front?You can call it a standalone with series potential. I like to know if you have a plan for more, but that there is a satisfying conclusion. #AskAgentBLA
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Mackenzie Reed @mackenziemreed7
@KariSutherland Also, when pitching a crossover, would that be pitched as YA and NA? And to an agent, does that mean it could be marketed to both genres?#AskAgentBLA
If the characters and themes feel more suited to YA, then query it as YA. I tend not to use NA, just call it a YA with crossover appeal. Unless the themes are really more on the adult side. #AskAgentBLA
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Helena Hoayun @helenahoayun
#AskAgentBLA if for some reason you sign with an agent and the match isn’t as good as you thought (you don’t agree with edits, they aren’t selling your book vigorously, etc), how do you go about ending that relationship amiably?I ALWAYS recommend a conversation with your agent FIRST. Communication, esp expectations, is key. Never talk to others only and assume things. If you do still want to part ways, a call or an email work. You can't control anything but your actions; be professional. #AskAgentBLA
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Jon Wallace @_Jon_Wallace_
Another question! I have scientific journal publications, but I write YA fantasy. Is this worth mentioning in a query letter or not relevant? #AskAgentBLAI'd say it's worth mentioning, as it is a part of your bio. A scientific mind can make for an intriguing world. #AskAgentBLA
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Mackenzie Reed @mackenziemreed7
What are your thoughts on college YA? Is it impossible to sell even if it truly sticks to YA themes and has a young protagonist? #AskAgentBLAThere's a market for these stories, too. Not impossible! College offers a new setting and just as much drama. But it should still feel YA. It may wind up as a crossover book, though. #AskAgentBLA
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Mackenzie Reed @mackenziemreed7
What are your thoughts on college YA? Is it impossible to sell even if it truly sticks to YA themes and has a young protagonist? #AskAgentBLAI wouldn't say impossible, but difficult. The experiences, particularly independence, are usually difficult to relate to for a 15 year old (remember, not just 17+ reading YA!) #AskAgentBLA