You can notify them that you revised and, if they haven't started reading, you'd be happy to send them the new version. That's perfectly fine! #askagent

You can definitely query before having them illustrated. Many agents/editors don't take on illustrators, so be sure to research. A lot of pub houses hire in their own illustrators and just purchase the PB text/story #askagent

Definitely avoid subplots or trying to over-explain a character's emotions or motivations (the WHY they do something). Give the facts and briefly show how beginning, middle, and end are tied together. That should help eliminate too many unnecessary scene explanations #askagent

mystery/thriller often are maybe around 80k? I don't rep those, so I may not be the best to ask. YA contemporary can be from 60-80k. I've seen a range #askagent

Yes, the pitch is technically those middle paragraphs giving us character, conflict, and consequences (stakes). Be sure to know the difference between this and logline/elevator pitch #askagent

I will say, third person present tense is very odd and second person is hard to pull off. Otherwise, first person/present and third person/past seem the most popular/common #askagent

You are free to edit! But if you intend to then swap out the versions an agent has, try not to do this multiple times #askagent

It may have been the agent just ensuring that IP agreement wouldn't be breached and to be sure your employer wouldn't intend to stand in the way/make things difficult for publication. Sounds like they're just covering bases #askagent

Of course, add one paragraph if you have dual POV. So, change to: Para 1 - metadata (intro, genre, age, word count, etc.); Para 2 - intro to MC and opening situation; Para 3 - intro to 2 MC & conflict w/ both; Para 4 - how 2 connect & stakes; Para 5 - bio #askagent

I often suggest this layout: Para 1 - metadata (intro, genre, age, word count, etc.); Para 2 - intro to MC and opening situation; Para 3 - intro to conflict; Para 4 - intro to stakes; Para 5 - bio #askagent

Not necessarily. It's nice to know if you have a connection/grew up in the book setting, but it doesn't really give a "special" or "more attractive" quality to the writer #askagent

No, we're getting so much deeper with MG. Just mentioning it isn't over the line (not when you consider some MG horror! lol) #askagent I have a client w/ a MG involving an "intended human sacrifice" that is thwarted 😉

Yes, that can be realistic and, depending on how it's handled/portrayed, can be powerful. Even in some families, regardless of race/culture, where a parent disapproves, the estrangement is confusing for children #askagent

I'm noticing rom-coms being called for! Also enemies to lovers and coworker romances, but nothing super specific yet #askagent

Ya, that's a bit high. I'd try to shave it down to no more than 70k. #askagent

I would personally like a new synopsis for something like that just to see how the writer changed areas and to remind the agent of the storyline in general. They've probably read a ton since last seeing it and a refresher is helpful #askagent

That's a tough one w/o reading it to see how it's handled. This opposition does happen on both sides, but it depends how the families/characters are portrayed and stereotypes avoided. If it's MG, is this like, a parent-in-law again the MC's parent? #askagent

If the agent didn't ask for an exclusive, and you believe this is a better version of your work, you are free to send the new version to other agents. It IS wonderful to let that R&R agent read it first (we do love that since we gave the notes) but it's not mandatory #askagent

Personally, I like it at the end of the query. For Nonfiction, you may want to put it first. It really shouldn't matter that much in the grand scheme of things, though. It won't be an auto no #askagent

Honestly, I wouldn't bring it up unless you get an offer or R&R from the agent. We don't need to know it unless we reach the point where we're interested enough that editing comes into play. Save it for if they set up a call or give you notes for an R&R #askagent