14 is that shadow area lol we're trying to bulk it! I think there's definitely potential and, if that's your story, WRITE IT. You could start the landslide. But yes, I personally want to see more in this age w/ younger voice. #askagent

Oof. A lot is not knowing how to write a professional query (i.e. spending too much time on bio or not giving me the hook/conflict). Sometimes, they don't give me what's unique. Great details, but what makes your story different? I need that! lol #askagent

I think it's hit or miss. Either we want it or we don't mind it being absent. So it can't hurt. I would do a disclaimer (perhaps after the pitch or maybe in the metadata paragraph) that just states this story does address blank, blank, and blank. #askagent

That's perfect! Exactly how I tell people to do it 😉 #askagent

Podcasts really aren't a mandatory thing. None of mine have been on any, and it feels odd (unless nonfiction) that you'd be required to before querying. I can't name any agents at the moment, but it's definitely possible to be successful in both nonfiction and fiction #askagent

You can totally follow, like posts, even comment on them! Don't expect answers all the time and don't plague the agent with messages/comments, but we welcome writers getting to know us! And deff participate when they do events like this! #askagent

I think they're helpful. I do this with editors so they can immediately tell me "this isn't for me." Personally, I'm not a huge fan of cancer stories (having recently lost family members) and I don't do graphic rape. So, if that's in there, a warning is needed. #askagent

The popularity of certain genres ebbs and flows. Rom com is booming right now but that doesn’t mean other subsets of romance won’t sell. #askagent

A US agent may be less familiar with the vagaries and idiosyncrasies of the Canadian industry. Might be less familiar with awards system and grant structures. If those things are important to you ask in the offer call. #askagent

Not sure what you mean by analyse but they can be a slightly harder sell only because publishing likes easy labels and obvious audience. But that won’t deter an experienced agent cuz when it works it works really well. #askagent

Movies and other media but they’re technically not “comp titles”. #askagent

IMO nothing is “too dark” for YA. If teens experience it, teens can read it. All comes down to voice and execution. #askagent

People really underestimate how much smaller the Canadian industry is. (But Canada is a v important market.) This leads to really wonky expectations of Canadian sales, marketing, distribution etc. More than I can explain here. #askagent

Can only speak for me but my priority is getting the MS ready to sell. So yes my first big step is re-reading the manuscript to make careful edit notes. Another early step is prepping a new client announcement if the timing is right 😊 #askagent

I give way more feedback when things are ALMOST there. When there are significant issues it can sometimes be bigger problem than I can address after only reading an excerpt. #askagent

that’s a hard one to answer in this format, but if you worry a character sounds YA, then you’re probably right. #askagent

I will never be tired of enemies to lovers. #askagent

I don’t think it’ll ever get old or be over because that’s essentially what YA *is*. But it’s still important to make your story unique. #askagent

This is hard to answer bc it depends on the story, but if it’s 2 POV, a paragraph per character often works. Also: google this! There are good examples out there! #askagent

Sorry for the delayed response.
I sent out 78 queries, on the 4th book I'd written, for a little over a year, before I got my first offer of representation from an agent.
If you are not prepared to suffer the slings and arrows of a process like THAT, then yes, self-publish.