Literary Agent
Sarah A @MochaSarah
@BookEndsJessica #askagent What elements particularly draw you in when you read the first page of a manuscript or novel and make you want to continue?Pacing, voice, plotting, and character #askagent
Literary Agent
joriamramos @joriamramos
@BookEndsJessica #askagent As a newbie author, I'm aware that I'm not inventing a new genre, but my fantasy novel doesn't look anything like Tolkien, Rowling or Pratchett. I feel even using the term 'fantasy' might be deceiving.Any tips on how to learn proper genre labelling?
Thanks! :)
Read recently published books. While Tolkein, Rowling & Pratchett are certainly legends in fantasy, they are not necessarily what publishers are buying today. #askagent
Literary Agent
Lisa T. Joyslin @lisatjoyslin
@BookEndsJessica What are some things that pull you from “hm, could be interesting” to “requesting now!” in a query/opening pages? #askagentThis is so different for every agent and often comes down to personal preferences & an #MSWL. Some recent ones for me--setting it in Alaska, food-related, bookish books, big twists, settings outside of the US... to name a few.
Literary Agent
Jasmin Nyack @101mystic
@BookEndsJessica #askagent is having dyslexia an issue with getting representation if they are at least trying to tidy up the grammar/spelling?Dyslexia won't hold you back from publication (I have a bestselling client who's dyslexic), but if grammar feels like a struggle, then consider finding a critique partner, beta reader or hiring a professional to help you polish your work before sending it to agents #askagent
Literary Agent
Alice Arley 🐇🌹🍵 @AliceArley
@BookEndsJessica For PB representation, is it best to have a number of completed manuscripts even though you only query one at a time? I have been told that agents want to see that you aren't going to be a one time deal. They want someone who is likely to write multiple PB books.#askagentYou are correct. Having 3-4 polished picture books at the ready is best when you’re beginning querying PBs #askagent
Literary Agent
mynewjersey.online @vsam90807591
@BookEndsJessica #askagent I see lots of companies/individuals offering to edit books for a hefty sum prior to submitting a query. Is this recommended or does the editing take place after an agent has taken on your project?It's best to have the most polished manuscript possible before submitting to agents, but not absolutely necessary to pay a professional to get you there. Some agents are more editorial than others, but it's always a good idea to send them your strongest, cleanest work. #askagent
Literary Agent
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