Literary Agent
Kira Aitch @AitchKira
@UweStenderPhD I have switched from writing YA to more New Adult. Is there a reader base for that? I've been seeing some buzz here and there, but when I actually look for titles, it's not as easy to find.In my opinion, there is definitely a reader base. Sadly, it appears to me, that publishers no longer think there is a reader base.
Literary Agent
What does it mean when an editor or agent says your manuscript is “quiet?” -- @TracyMarchini #AskAgent #amwriting #amquerying bookendsliterary.com/2020/01/07/wha…
Literary Agent
My #AskAgent Tumblr in a nutshell:
"Is it true you should only get an agent who lives in NYC?"
(I don't live in NYC.)
"If I queried and then I changed two words should I send an updated version?"
(No.)
"How many words are in a book"
(Just make it book length pls.)
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Melissa See @melissasee
@Megan_Manzano If a book is dual POV, what has to compel you to fall in love with each respective character?Voice is huge for me for any character, but for dual POVs, I love when each character adds something to the narrative. Whether that's tension, a new take on a relationship, a very different way of seeing the world, etc.
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Literary Agent
Khadijah L. VanBrakle 🇨🇦 @LVanBrakle
@Megan_Manzano How do you feel about YA coming of age stories from an #ownvoices perspective?#askagent
Send them my way. I absolutely want to see them!
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Literary Agent
Brittany Evans 🍩 @ImBrittanyEvans
@Megan_Manzano Is a year too long of a time to send stuff back to an agent who asked for a revise and resubmit 💀That's definitely on the longer end for an R&R so I'd remind the agent of your work and when they sent the R&R to you.
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Literary Agent
Shannon Elaine @ShannonElainexo
@Megan_Manzano Does the manuscript need to be completed before submitting?Absolutely. A manuscript should be complete and as polished as possible.
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Literary Agent
Literary Agent
🌬Mandy❄☃️🌨 @DMandzz
@Megan_Manzano I know you are looking for upper MG. I have something that fits your req for friendship and awesome girls! I read your comment about a 60k for word count. Is 70k something you wouldnt be open to reading?I'd be open to reading it but I'd definitely be wondering where the story could be trimmed down or if it was perhaps tipping into younger YA.
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Literary Agent
Kale Brunson @KaleBrunson
@Megan_Manzano Thank you for this opportunity! What advice do you have for the first few pages of a novel? Specifically, how might one gain reader connection with a character when the novel begins in a suspenseful scene?I actually wrote a post on this a while back! For a suspenseful opening in particular, give us good character voice so at least if we don't know what's happening, we want to stick with it for the character.
meganmanzano129.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/how…
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Literary Agent
Avhlee🏹🌙 @AvhleeWrites
@Megan_Manzano What kind of magic system elements do you love to see, not only in submissions, but in books you enjoy in general?I like all kinds. Necromancy, alchemy (this is a big WANT right now), elemental magic, magical realism, fortune telling, dream magic (think The Raven Cycle or Reverie).
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Literary Agent
Howard Wolke @HowardWolke
@Megan_Manzano This is awesome! Thank you!How strict are word count ranges? If a YA is at 95k words, is that an automatic no-go for you?
Thanks!
I'd say word counts are fairly strict. 95K for YA isn't a red flag as a fantasy novel, but would be a red flag for contemporary. There are different expectations for each genre.
And for debut authors, word counts outside the norm are much harder to sell.
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Literary Agent
vika/victoria (festive edition) @village_witch
@Megan_Manzano @ESymesSmith How did you become an agent? What would you recommend for someone trying to break into publishing? I'm interested in the trade side of books but apply as I might I can't get anybody to respond to me.I was lucky to get a remote internship which led me to grow/become an agent.
Publishing is so hard to get into. My tip would be try and find opportunities with agencies or smaller presses as they're likely to have those opportunities/accept non NY based applicants.
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Literary Agent
John Taylor @JATauthor
@Megan_Manzano Is it common to not hear anything while on submission - not a yes, not a no - for eight months?I wouldn't say it's common but it definitely happens. As an agent becomes more known, queries can come in at 50+ per day and reading them as quickly with clients/editing/life isn't feasible.
I'd check the agency policy and follow up.
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Literary Agent
kenzie rain @imkenzierain
@Megan_Manzano What’s a note you find yourself giving out the most?Either an opening has too much exposition, there's too much telling, or not enough sense of who the main character is.
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Literary Agent
Kaetlyn @KaetlynParish
@Megan_Manzano @ESymesSmith I’m so excited for this! Thank you!Do you rep upper MG and what word count do you look for?
I love MG and do prefer upper MG. I'd say 60k is a solid word count.
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Literary Agent
Katelynn Watkins @katelynnedits
@Megan_Manzano How do you feel about follow-ups from writers if they haven’t gotten a yes or a no (after whatever amount of time you or your agency specifies is appropriate, of course)?Unless the agency has a "if you don't hear from us it's a no policy" following up after the timeframe on their site is fine!
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Literary Agent
Kayla McGrath @KaylaMcGrath_
@Megan_Manzano What is the main driving reason for you to request material? (Ex. Good query letter, unique voice, etc.)Definitely voice! If the story opens with a strong hook or really good character voice, I'll almost instantly request more.
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Literary Agent
Jennifer Laughran @literaticat
I'm trying to power through all the current #AskAgent questions on le Tumblr, so if you HAVE a question, it is likely that it will be answered before the New Year**(unless it is a terrible question or a repetitive question obvs)
literaticat.tumblr.com/ask
(BTW I am all caught up on #AskAgent questions and the inbox is empty! Woooo!)