Yeah, I can’t help you with the nitty gritty because I haven’t read your book! Choose comps that are clear & appropriate. If people have to work to figure out how the comp related to your book, that’s a problem. But if the connection is clear, you’re good, no matter the category

I missed that this was fantasy. So yeah fantasy has a lot of crossover.

Also, query agents that rep adult fantasy!

I don’t list NA as a category I rep, but I’ll sometimes consider it if it comes in. Depending.

New Adult! A notoriously tricky category. In this case I’d say to follow the submission guidelines as best as you can. Depending on the nature of the story, it miiiiiight be ok to query YA agents if they don’t explicitly state they’re not interested in NA? But it might now?

It can go either way! If your book really has crossover potential, say so! But if you don’t know what crossover means, or if your book clearly doesn’t fit in that space, it will be really obvious to the agent. Describe your books in appropriate terms that you understand.

If you have an actual connection with an agent (they liked your tweet about your WIP or you met them at a conference) say so. But you don’t need to reach for something personal if it isn’t there. Personalizing a query is mostly demonstrating that you know who you’re talking to.

Agents do not maintain mailing lists or newsletters on behalf of their clients. If you enjoy writing newsletters, this is a fine thing to do! But make sure your mailing list is opt in only. Never add folks to your mailing list without their consent.

Follow submission guidelines. You’d be shocked at how many people do not do this and are immediately rejected as a result.

As far as the writing itself, that’s harder to answer in a tweet! Read widely, make sure your book stands on its own, give us characters we can care about.

That should say “trunked” not troubled!!! 😂

I think the second contracted book is always harder than the first, because writing under contract is just a very different kind of pressure. But I don’t think troubled novels impact that. Everyone has a different path.

I need to update my response times everywhere because I am behind behind behind behind. But yes, I do believe in responding to everyone.

Never requery the same agent with the same project unless specifically invited to do so. (The agent will say: I’d like to see this again if you revise). You can go back to the same agents with new, different work. But not the same book again.

No editor is going to buy 10 books in one go. Even HP was contracted in smaller chunks. So make sure your books have satisfying arcs without needing to read all 10.

If an agent falls in love, very little will turn them off. But, yes. If a query comes in indicating this is book one of ten then I do become concerned. Concerns are: is this length necessary? Can these characters and plots be sustained that long? Can this writer accept edits?

A compelling character with clear wants and real stakes. A great voice.

Psh! Two requests is great! You are fine! Dark, weird, and literary is a time-tested combo.

Of course! I’ve seen quiet a few deals for quieter books come through lately. But I never advise writing toward the market, as so much shifts all the time. Write the books you want to write. They’ll find the homes and readers that are meant for them.

This depends on so many factors it’s almost impossible to answer. But one thing I can tell you is that you have to write (and often sell!) one book at a time. If you plan out a 3/5/7 book arc, that’s great! But no one will see those later sequels if the first book isn’t out there

What Agents Are Really Looking to find in their inbox and it might surprise you. #askagent bookendsliterary.com/2019/08/08/wha…