
Literary Agent
Julie Embers @JulieEmbers
@BookEndsJessica I had an agent interested if I’d revise into a different/close genre. Thing is I think it’s in that wanted genre and I pitched it wrong. Should I respond or move on? #askagentDid they read it first? If they read it you'll have to revise. Something about it isn't fitting the genre. If not, you could try to repitch. #askagent

Literary Agent
Stephanie Jaye @stephjayewriter
@BookEndsJessica What is considered big enough platform by an agent/publishing house when trying to query/sell a nonfiction book? Thanks for doing this! #askagentIt will vary from publisher to publisher and dependent on the subject. Publishers will look at social media, speaking engagements, consulting, and other factors. For everything, the more the better.

Literary Agent
Viggy Parr Hampton @viggyhampton
@BookEndsJessica If you’re querying multiple agents, is it a good idea to mention that in your query letter? Thanks in advance for your answer! #askagentAgents assume you're submitting widely, so no need. At most agencies, like BookEnds, it's best though not to send to more than one agent in the same agency at the same time.

Literary Agent
I was honored when Rich asked me for an interview. Especially because he had such terrific questions. Here it is: A Few Words With: BookEnds Literary Founder Jessica Faust richehisen.com/a-few-words-wi… via @WordsmithRich #askagent

Literary Agent
maria vicente @msmariavicente
@AliceArley Very rarely do I think a picture book manuscript can exist without art notes (even if minimal). The text should always leave room for the art to tell part of the story, and if you don't explain what's missing in the manuscript, then the reader won't understand the book. #askPSLAI have a short post on my website about this. mariavicente.com/blog/visual-th… #askPSLA

Literary Agent
Alice Arley 🐇🌹🍵 @AliceArley
I know that art notes are only to be used when absolutely necessary to understand a story in PB, but I have also seen some say no art notes ever, no matter what. Leave it to the reader and illustrator to decide. Do your agents or agency have an opinion on this? #askPSLAVery rarely do I think a picture book manuscript can exist without art notes (even if minimal). The text should always leave room for the art to tell part of the story, and if you don't explain what's missing in the manuscript, then the reader won't understand the book. #askPSLA

Literary Agent
Michael Lunsford @LunsfordMichael
Why do so many MG agents automatically reject any MG book with an animal protagonist? (Hoping the answer isn’t just personal preference.) #askPSLAPersonal preference. ;)
And also, they're a tough sell at publishing houses. Maybe the market's oversaturated right now? #askPSLA

Literary Agent
maria vicente @msmariavicente
@thatpurdywriter I wish the conflict wasn't always focused on what makes a "diverse" character "diverse." Ex: A YA book with a queer protagonist that doesn't focus on trauma associated with their sexual identity. Instead, the conflict is that they're being chased by a dinosaur. #askPSLAOr just more joyful stories in general! A book about hanging out in a cat cafe, rather than dealing with the world ending. #askPSLA

Literary Agent
Sarah Purdy @thatpurdywriter
@msmariavicente Can you elaborate a little on joy in books? I want to read and write more joy! ^_^ But how can that co-exist with the relentless conflict required? #askPSLAI wish the conflict wasn't always focused on what makes a "diverse" character "diverse." Ex: A YA book with a queer protagonist that doesn't focus on trauma associated with their sexual identity. Instead, the conflict is that they're being chased by a dinosaur. #askPSLA

Literary Agent
Kaliyah Martin @kaliyah_nicole
Hi @msmariavicente and @maureen_morettiWhat is something in either a query letter or the first few pages of a manuscript that immediately captures your attention and usually leads you to request more? #askPSLA
I mentioned this in an earlier response, but I'm always looking for a great writing style at the beginning of a manuscript. In a query, if your concept is something I truly haven't read before (many queries sound repetitive of one another), then I'll want to know more. #askPSLA

Literary Agent

Literary Agent

Literary Agent
IR Garner @irgarner
@PSLiterary @maureen_moretti @msmariavicente My ms combines translations of great Russian 20th century writers and historical commentary about their roles at the Battle of Stalingrad. Do I pitch it as literature, non-fiction, or translation? Is it even trade publishable, or better in academia? #askPSLA
Literary Agent
S. Beard @ABeardedScribe
Can a MS be pitched as an age crossover? I see people pitching "Adult SF with potential for YA crossover" or "YA romance with potential for Adult crossover." I had assumed those would be New Adult, but some are saying that's "not pitchable."#askPSLA
They probably would be New Adult if that category had developed like many hoped it would. Alas, it's not really a recognized category in traditional publishing, so you're right to pitch as having crossover potential. #askPSLA

Literary Agent
Aaron Wyckoff @ajwyckoff
In comp titles for a query, would you rather have titles that are similar genre but maybe not writing style, or titles that are similar writing style from a different genre (having trouble finding any that meet both criteria) #askPSLASimilar writing style. I don't need comp titles for genre—those are easy to find. I'm more interested in comp titles that have to do with style, tone, theme, etc. #askPSLA

Literary Agent
Casey Mulligan Walsh @caseyhen1
What is your preferred range for memoir word count from a first time author? #askPSLAMemoir's tricky, they can be quite effective even when on the shorter side. I would say 60k-80k. #askPSLA

Literary Agent
Aaron Wyckoff @ajwyckoff
Do you have any unusual pet peeves when it comes to queries? (beyond the traditional things that most agents hate) Or any that seem to be coming up a lot recently? #askPSLAI really dislike it when someone puts down other books/tropes/topics/etc. in their query letter. Just focus on your own book, not what other people are writing! #askPSLA

Literary Agent
Aaron Wyckoff @ajwyckoff
What are you hoping to see more of in your inbox this year? #askPSLAMy wish list is on my website, and I'll update it throughout the year as I think of more projects I'd like to see. #askPSLA mariavicente.com/representation

Literary Agent
S. Beard @ABeardedScribe
I've been seeing a lot of varying word count requirements for Urban Fantasy, lately. Is there a solid range––or even, "sweet spot"––word count for the genre? (so far, I'm seeing recommendations somewhere between 60-120k depending on source, which is a daunting spread😬)#askPSLA
It depends on the age group. For adult, I would think 80k-100k is a good range. #askPSLA

Literary Agent
zach. @whackyzach
@PSLiterary @msmariavicente @maureen_moretti When would you encourage a client to use a pseudonym? Would it be necessary if someone wants to write disparate genres, i.e. graphic novels for adults and novels for middle grade? #askPSLAI would suggest using a pseudonym if you want to publish books for both the kids and adult markets, especially if the adult content is inappropriate for kids (like erotica or super violent/gory GNs, for example). #askPSLA