Dr. Uwe Stender @UweStenderPhD · 18 Aug 2019
NLMcLaughlin @NMclaughlin9053
@UweStenderPhD When submitting a series, should there be a synopsis for each book in the series or should there be one synopsis that covers the entire story arc? Also, do you want spoilers or no?Not necessarily, but IF you have all of that, that is awesome. I personally don't mind spoilers, but that may be a NO NO for others.
Dr. Uwe Stender @UweStenderPhD · 18 Aug 2019
Traci-Anne [wip = 38,483] @traciannecan
@UweStenderPhD With a lot of YA authors heading to MG, do you predict that will become as oversaturated as YA soon?Likely, but again, I am the wrong person to ask. I rep what I love.
Dr. Uwe Stender @UweStenderPhD · 18 Aug 2019
Catherine T. Ricardo @CathyTRicardo
@UweStenderPhD I know that agencies vary on this point - if a writer submits to you and you pass, is it acceptable to query others at your agency? Or do you share submissions?In our case, go to the next Triada US agent.
Dr. Uwe Stender @UweStenderPhD · 18 Aug 2019
Belinda Grant @belindagrant80
@UweStenderPhD If you come from a Non-American English speaking country, should you Americanize your spelling for querying?In my opinion IF it is grammatically correct in either/or US or UK English, it is fine.
Dr. Uwe Stender @UweStenderPhD · 18 Aug 2019
Shanice Littlejohn is revising @twixsftbl
@UweStenderPhD How long is typically too long of a wait to hear back from an agent? Is a gentle inquiry welcome or unprofessional?Give people 14 weeks, after that they ought to be open to a nudge. IF they are disrespectful to you because of a gentle nudge, YOU should not want to work with them anyway. They may not have had a chance to consider yet, but they should not be CRANKY about a nudge.
Dr. Uwe Stender @UweStenderPhD · 18 Aug 2019
Julie Shattuck @JulieShattuck
@UweStenderPhD Do you have any plans to close temporarily for submissions anytime soon?I will NEVER close to submissions. That is how I started my business, and I will die on that hill.
Dr. Uwe Stender @UweStenderPhD · 18 Aug 2019
Brett Jonas @BookSquirt
@UweStenderPhD If you are preparing to write a cookbook, do you write it first and query, or write a proposal first and query that? (I know about fiction, but this cookbook thing for my mom has me totally lost lol)Anything non fiction will work on a detailed proposal with sample chapters.
Dr. Uwe Stender @UweStenderPhD · 18 Aug 2019
Belinda Grant @belindagrant80
@UweStenderPhD What is your take on the discussion re the need for more books for older MG/Young YA? How hard are they to sell? Is there a market?I have no opinion. I take on what I love (I am 100% gut feeling, and don't follow trends). IF that is a real discussion, then I am sure they're is an emerging trend. But I am the wrong guy to ask.
Dr. Uwe Stender @UweStenderPhD · 18 Aug 2019
Shanice Littlejohn is revising @twixsftbl
@UweStenderPhD Do you typically have a word limit that you prefer for ya speculative fiction submissions?Not necessarily, but less than 100k would always be welcomed.
Kari Sutherland @KariSutherland · 16 Aug 2019
Lolis Aguila @lolisaguila
When an agent requests more pb manuscripts on a query what are they looking for? I overthink what to send since the query is for a serious pb bio and my other pb projects are lighter. Do they want something similar to the query or something different? #AskAgentBLAIt's going to vary. I'm looking for a sense of your range and what YOU want to be publishing. If your focus is on serious pb, then submit just those. If you want to do more than one kind, submit a few. Same for fiction/nf. #AskAgentBLA
Laura Bradford @bradfordlit · 16 Aug 2019
Patrick Ross @PatrickRwrites
#AskAgentBLA Is it a problem for a debut novelist to pitch a novel that while a good read by itself (complete story/protagonist arc) is intended to be the first of a trilogy? Should that fact even be revealed up front?You can just say it is intended as the 1st in a trilogy. But if it doesn't stand alone and act as a fully satisfying read on its own, that would make it harder to hook an agent/editor. #AskAgentBLA
Kari Sutherland @KariSutherland · 16 Aug 2019
Patrick Ross @PatrickRwrites
#AskAgentBLA Is it a problem for a debut novelist to pitch a novel that while a good read by itself (complete story/protagonist arc) is intended to be the first of a trilogy? Should that fact even be revealed up front?You can call it a standalone with series potential. I like to know if you have a plan for more, but that there is a satisfying conclusion. #AskAgentBLA
Kari Sutherland @KariSutherland · 16 Aug 2019
Mackenzie Reed @mackenziemreed7
@KariSutherland Also, when pitching a crossover, would that be pitched as YA and NA? And to an agent, does that mean it could be marketed to both genres?#AskAgentBLA
If the characters and themes feel more suited to YA, then query it as YA. I tend not to use NA, just call it a YA with crossover appeal. Unless the themes are really more on the adult side. #AskAgentBLA
Laura Bradford @bradfordlit · 16 Aug 2019
EikaPrime @EikaPrime
#AskAgentBLA It seems like every book I read in YA/A has a romance plot or subplot. What are the odds of a romance-free story ever getting representation?Does it matter what the odds are? If that is the book you want to write, you should. There are YA books that don't contain romance that sell. I have repped YA projects without any romance. #AskAgentBLA
Natalie M. Lakosil @Natalie_Lakosil · 16 Aug 2019
Helena Hoayun @helenahoayun
#AskAgentBLA if for some reason you sign with an agent and the match isn’t as good as you thought (you don’t agree with edits, they aren’t selling your book vigorously, etc), how do you go about ending that relationship amiably?I ALWAYS recommend a conversation with your agent FIRST. Communication, esp expectations, is key. Never talk to others only and assume things. If you do still want to part ways, a call or an email work. You can't control anything but your actions; be professional. #AskAgentBLA
Kari Sutherland @KariSutherland · 16 Aug 2019
Jon Wallace @_Jon_Wallace_
Another question! I have scientific journal publications, but I write YA fantasy. Is this worth mentioning in a query letter or not relevant? #AskAgentBLAI'd say it's worth mentioning, as it is a part of your bio. A scientific mind can make for an intriguing world. #AskAgentBLA
Laura Bradford @bradfordlit · 16 Aug 2019
Lisa Herron @LisaC_Herron
@bradfordlit How do you feel about quiet women’s fiction? #askagentBLADepends on the writing because the quiet aspect will almost always make it much more challenging to pitch and sell. #AskAgentBLA