...the opposite way: as a fantasy, with romantic elements. (2/2) #askagent

This is a good question. #askagent Most romances follow a sort of outline/type: bit.ly/3bxrztT. If your story fits this as its core, then you want to pitch it as a contemporary romance with fantastical elements. If it doesn't, and is more fantastical, pitch it... (1/2)

Beyond this, I think you need to expect a supremely honest, professional, self-possessed account of the agent's history, capacity, and love of your book! Agents differ, but for many, it is a blend of professional + existential life, + should be recognized as such. (2/2) #askagent

This is a great question; a very broad one. #askagent You should be prepared to ask the right questions (bit.ly/2yaTm4P, one great summary), to maintain a sort of 'authority' over the call (to the extent that you can ask your agent all the hard questions!), etc. (1/2)

Oops, here! (3/3) #askagent Query until your list is done--I know writers who scored agents after 10 queries, + others who scored agents after 350 queries. Weigh the feedback, + learn as you write. @DonMaass has terrific books on craft, for example.

(2/2) It's good to explore agents' reactions; as you get full requests + solid feedback, query further + more widely. Always debatable, but I think this is a solid starting place for writers. As for total queries: I would be writing a second novel. #askagent.

Great #askagent question! I would say that you want to query in tiers, and per tier, query something like 7-15 agents a time, depending on your genre and the size of your list; in each tier, as you start, mix favorite, second-favorite, and third-favorite agents. (1/2)

I just signed a clever thriller about consent and abuse which turns every trope on its head - and great writing too #askagent

I think this is so subjective! I would say I am not always a fan BUT my fave book of all time is entirely told in dialect (the book of night women) #askagent

Yes lots of success has been had with rewrites whether gender-flipped or otherwise updated eg the Deathless Girls and The Restless Girls #askagent

Yes and no - most tend to be journalists so proven writing track record. The big name ghosts with a good track record of bestselling books are often v in demand #askagent

V annoying answer I know but I know it when I see it! I love a clever high concept pitch, pageturning plot and strong writing #askagent

I don’t #askagent

Hard to know without reading it to be honest but sometimes complex structures CAN be difficult to follow (not always!) #askagent

Some agents are dealing with illness or family or childcare BUT we are all trying to carry on as normal as much as possible #askagent

Well-written LGBT MG+ projects are often highly sought-after #askagent

I think a judgement call! If the agent is specially calling out for own voices or diverse rep then no harm pointing it out explicitly #askagent

A reputable publisher would, in my experience, *expect* you to find an agent. #askagent

Having an author on hand for events and tours is certainly easier logistically #askagent

Good question. It depends on the kind of publicity you mean, I think. Tours? Rare for all authors. Festival appearances? Easier and cheaper to set those up for UK authors. Print coverage? Well-known US authors often get a lot of that. #askagent