Ask Agent | MsWishList

· 15 Apr 2020

Laurie Smith Murphy @LSmithMurphy

@hannahvanvels What do you look for in a first page/first chapter? I've been revising mine since an agent felt there was too much backstory. I have a hard time figuring out where a story begins. Thanks for any advice you can give!

Replying to @LSmithMurphy

Great Q! I'm looking for your HOOK in that first chapter. Your hook should:
1. Introduce MC
2. establish MCs everyday life (stakes!)
3. kick off the forward momentum of your plot

#askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Sylvia Woodham @SylviaWoodham

@hannahvanvels I have speculative fiction/ alt history in a non magic world about a bi poly woman Sultan who is not "the chosen one" would it be of interest to you?

Replying to @SylviaWoodham

I do like many of those aspects in stories! My queries are open! #askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

JohnPrather3 @JohnPrather3

#AskCLA Had my ms professionally edited. Should I mention that in query? If so, can/should I quote some of their positive feedback? Thanks for doing this.

Many authors do this, but it isn't necessary. Let your writing to speak for itself;) #AskCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Genesis @GenesisDowney

@hannahvanvels Is there a good "rule" for how long a chapter should be? My chapters are really long, but that's because they are made up of sub-chapters (it's a multi-pov story). Instead of sending 3 full chapters, I'm wondering if it's ok to just send the first 3 labeled sections.

Replying to @GenesisDowney

It depends on your audience and age range. If agents ask for three chapters, send those full long chapters! Some agents might only ask for 30 pages instead of 3 chapters, so just follow directions. #askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Sylvia Woodham @SylviaWoodham

@hannahvanvels What impresses you most about a prospective writer or his/ her voice?

Replying to @SylviaWoodham

Voice! A writer can always expect their story to go through several iterations and revisions, but a voice is what makes an author unique. I also love to see enthusiasm and willingness to learn. #askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Sandy M. Bachar @Sandy_M_Bachar

@hannahvanvels Hello from Corona captivity. Having trouble nailing down if my manuscript is Mainstream Mystery or Supernatural. It is set in present day, with elements of witchcraft. Thanks!! #askagent

Replying to @Sandy_M_Bachar

I'd pitch as mystery with supernatural elements! #askagent #askCLA

· 15 Apr 2020

Albert Joynson @AlbertJoynson

@katenashagent @jounwin Sorry I must be being slow, I’m not exactly sure what you’re saying?

Replying to @AlbertJoynson

In the case of sequels (or indeed series) I would want to see and review book 1. #AskAgent

· 15 Apr 2020

Annie Barber @AnnieBarber1973

#askagent is the publishing industry telling you what it's looking for at the moment?

Replying to @AnnieBarber1973

Yes, and we keep asking them as it is rapidly changing right now but we also do our own market research. #AskAgent

· 15 Apr 2020

Albert Joynson @AlbertJoynson

@jounwin #askagent if you wrote a sequel to your first book but haven’t been able to publish, would it be best to self publish book one and start submitting with book 2? Or better to hold onto book one and start submitting book2 or just plod on with 1?

Replying to @AlbertJoynson

I would making any decision on book 1 since book 2 is a sequel. #AskAgent

· 15 Apr 2020

The Prosecco Diaries @Sairey_bearey

@jounwin Would you not read a pitch if the title was awful, or a 'working title' - or no title at all yet? #AskAgent

Replying to @Sairey_bearey

I don't pay much attention to the title as this often changes. However a great title will always grab attention. #AskAgent

· 15 Apr 2020

Jan Carr @jancarr

@katenashagent Are agent response times any faster at the moment?

Replying to @jancarr

Our submission volumes haven't gone down, no. #AskAgent

· 15 Apr 2020

Ben Ross @flyraccoonfly

How do you feel about comp titles that aren't recent or aren't even novels? Would being told that something has 'a good dose of Press Gang' help you understand what it was, or make you think it's way out of date? #askagent

Replying to @flyraccoonfly

It will either resonate with your intended agent or it won't. But good pop culture isn't good just because it is recent. I was only the other day telling an author to make their novel more like Roman Holiday. #AskAgent

· 15 Apr 2020

Jan Carr @jancarr

What’s the point of submitting to an agent now in april 2020 when some big publishers are cutting back their operation and some agents holding back subs why not just go ahead and self publish? ( ref a publishers weekly article) #askagent

Replying to @jancarr

I'm still submitting and editors are still buying books - if you want to self-publish I'd do so regardless of the current pandemic, but if you want to be stocked in bookstores etc I'd try agents #askagent