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Catherine Eli @TheCatherineEli
@UweStenderPhD @shellyjarvis Going along with that, what would you say the likelihood is of an agent signing a debut author if their first book is meant as a series? I’ve heard this isn’t likely . . .I don't know where you heard that from, but "novel with series potential" will sell.
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Sierra Pung @sierrapung
@UweStenderPhD Hi Uwe! Thanks for doing this! How long do you think it will be before agents are done with Pitch Wars requests and go back to normal queries? I know it’s going to vary, but your guess is better than mine :)Ha, I don't know since I don't participate in Pitch Wars. I used to, but it never had any impact on my openness to queries.
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Susan Gray Foster @susangrayfoster
@UweStenderPhD I hope this isn’t an annoying question.What do you love to see in opening pages of a manuscript?
Questions can only be annoying if they are not genuine So, yours is not at all annoying. I like to find a connection to the narrative voice, and something that drives the plot. Not endless descriptions or pretentious introspection .
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Loretta Chefchaouni is drafting Graveyard WIP! @Writerly_me
@UweStenderPhD Hi! If I query agents who passed on my last manuscript after requesting the full with a new MS, should I mention the previous request at all? They did not specifically invite me to query them with new projects, so is it still worth bringing up? Thanks! #askagentNo reason to mention it. Each project stands on its own, at least for me.
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Carol Sadan @carolchristie_
@UweStenderPhD Congratulations on your recent success. I'm UK based and about to start querying US agents. I'll follow individual agents submission formats, but are there any key differences in the US market that you'd advise I watch out for? Thanks.Thank you. I'd say, just query following respective guidelines. They'll either request or won't.
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Susan Auten @SusanAuten
@UweStenderPhD As far as trends go: Is MG still gaining popularity? Or do you think it’s simmering down?I don't pay attention to trends. In my 14 years as an agent, I never followed trends. So I cannot answer this question well. If I love an MG, I will fight to sign it, if I don't, I won't
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author whitney d. grandison @whitney_DG
@UweStenderPhD If your agent can’t sell a book due to gatekeepers could you then self publish it?The answer is more complicated depending on the specific circumstances, but theoretically the answer is yes. But I can't emphasize enough that it is a case by case career decision.
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Shelly Jarvis @shellyjarvis
@UweStenderPhD When someone pitches you a book “with series potential,” are you interested in knowing up front if they’ve started writing more books in the series or is that something that doesn’t matter until you decide if you like their writing?It is not essential, but if you have more info at that stage, there is no reason not to mention it.
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J.L. Delozier @jldelozier
@UweStenderPhD Congrats on your recent successes! My question: I've had my right reverted to my small-press pubbed trilogy. Is it generally better to rush to self pubbing or just sit on them in case I sign with a future agent/publisher?I really don't know. I would never rush to decisions (I used to, but I learned it's better to think first and then act), so think it through strategically.
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What does it mean when an agent says they are only looking for "select" books in a given genre? #askagent bookendsliterary.com/2020/02/11/sel…
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Jessica Reino @JNRlitauthor
@Anna_Wenner Thank you! Great question! This is different for every agent, but usually check submission guidelines on the agency website. If an agent has a partial or a full and didn’t specifically say when they would get back to you 1/2 #thewriterszen #AskagentI have no problem with someone checking in after 3 months. But that’s just me. For initial queries, some agencies specify on their website that a no response after x weeks means no. I hope that helps. #thewriterszen #AskAgent
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Anna Wenner @Anna_Wenner
@JNRlitauthor Hello! Thanks for doing this. I always find #AskAgent threads really helpful. (And happy birthday to your husband!)My question is: When, if ever, should a submitting author nudge/remind an agent about a submission? I've seen a lot of conflicting advice.
#thewriterszen
Thank you! Great question! This is different for every agent, but usually check submission guidelines on the agency website. If an agent has a partial or a full and didn’t specifically say when they would get back to you 1/2 #thewriterszen #Askagent
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Jason Hussong @JasonsWriting
@JNRlitauthor What's on your #mswl these days #AskAgent #thewriterszenGreat question! I’m always on the lookout for stories with MCs who have invisible illnesses. I would love a good mystery, thriller, suspense, and cozy mysteries with series potential. I would also like to see more Romcoms. #AskAgent #thewriterszen
Literary Agent
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Emily is subbing and writing @writeonwagner
@annmrose How many rejections before we should give up?Maybe look at this a different way (as when to pull is so personal) but as you query you should be writing the next book. So if you come to the point where that one is ready and the 1st hasn’t been picked up maybe it’s time to switch gears
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Dotti Enderle/Dax Varley ✍🏻 @dottienderle
@annmrose When will adult paranormals trend again? I have to finish this WIP and file it away until said time.My crystal ball is in the shop, but I’m hoping it’ll come around sooner than later. That said if you have a unique spin on it you might not have to put it away at all
Literary Agent
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S. H. Clark is querying ✍🏻📖 @AuthorSHClark
@annmrose When asked for a full submission, how long should an author wait before reaching out to inquire status?At least 3 months IMO but don’t be surprised if it takes longer than that
Literary Agent
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Verna Moss @vernajillmoss
@annmrose Are you open to reading #metoo ya/mg novels? tyYes, I’m open to looking at any book that deals with issues teens/kids are dealing with today.
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kcharper @kcharper613
@annmrose When reading a bio, do you prefer to see only writing related credentials? Or do you like to see anything regarding personality?I love a little personality in bios. I also love to hear about why an author was called to write the story. If they have any similarities to the MC or their experiences.
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Pamela Vincent @PamelaSVincent
@annmrose I’ve been getting a few “here’s where you can find other agents who might like this” in my rejections lately. Is that a positive reflection on me, like there might be someone out there or is that more standard/form letter-ish?Sounds like a form rejection. (Sorry) If you are just getting form rejections something might not be working with the query &/or first pages.
If you are getting asks and it’s still not getting any offers something is most likely off with the middle of the book.