If you've pitched your project to the 'right' literary agents and they are all declining, consider the feedback you're getting. If you see a pattern, then you know what the issue is and you should fix it. If a timing or unlikeable story issue -- shelf it. #AskAgent

If I love the premise I'll read until I know I want a partial or until I realize the writing isn't there/pulling me in. Sometimes I read all of the pages, sometimes I read a few paragraphs. Sometimes I don't read the pages at all if the concept isn't there. #askagent

Voice and connection with a character. Before I jumped to agenting, I was an editor at a house, so I am very editorial! #askagent

It's important to make sure you target the agent whose MSWL matches what you've written, for sure. You can then discuss agenting styles with those agents who offer rep during the call. Don't limit your opportunity to have your book seen. #askagent

Yes! #askagent

You need an agent if you want the book to be published by a traditional publisher who can get you into stores and expand your reach, or to sell your sub-rights... or even your next work. It depends on your needs and goals. #AskAgent

Hehehe maybe but better that they pass if they don’t truly love the work than have an agent who’s not fully invested in making the work a success for both of you. #askagent

If I absolutely love the concept and the writing is great, but just needs a little help, I would totally consider it. #askagent

Some agents are more editorial-based than others and will take on work they can help polish but they don’t have time to do full developmental edits. Remember that agents don’t get paid until the book sells so we prefer to rep woks that are ready for us to sell. #askagent

Yes. I have in fact done this. It depends on how much is needed to be revised and the author's liking this idea. Could go either way:) #askagent

Yes, publishers are buying books. :) #askagent

I can’t speak for all agents but for me, this usually means that the market is not right for the book with me. So, for example, right now, I’m not the person to send pandemic books. The work will not be right for my list. #askagent

There will probably be agents who will want to capitalize on that story, but I'm not one of them. Lol. So that is truly up to you. #askagent

There are specific topics or categories that are more popular than others within different genres. These are often cyclical. YA is probably the best selling genre right now. Yes, editors share their #MSWL with us often. #AskAgent

Yes, I think that would be helpful to mention along with the penname. #askagent

No. An agent should never make you pay for anything. #askagent

Small presses are great opportunities for debut authors so I like seeing them in author queries. I also research authors before offering rep and it’s great to see when authors have some publishing experience. #askagent

Editors also have manuscript wishlists too and as agents, we build strong relationships with editors so we know what they are looking for. #askagent

We recommend nudging once. Our team will respond to each submission. #askagent

It depends on the agency. @CorvisieroLit signs the author for the life of their career usually unless they part ways for some reason. #askagent