No specific no-nos! I want to get a sense of setting and character and where the story is going to take me #askagent

I have sleepless nights when I do this! I guess it depends on the time frame? I am slow if I have a backlog of manuscripts to edit from existing clients. I’d suggest normally nudging 6-8 weeks later and if no response, try once more and then chalk it up to experience #askagent

Probably both #askagent

A synopsis is a technical document which should reveal the main plot points and the end - you wouldn’t include the ending in your pitch, but it should be in a synopsis #askagent

Most adult fiction is 80-100k words. That can go longer in fantasy. I am not a stickler for a specific word count BUT would say that it can be hard to sustain the pace over say a 150k word crime novel #askagent

Make a list of 8-10 agents you like the sound of and then research them via their websites - send them the material it says they request and wait with crossed fingers. Good luck! #askagent

Agents don’t ever take any money up front - we work on a commission basis so only make money if YOU make money, so there isn’t a risk from that perspective. I would advise reading the Writer’s & Artist’s Yearbook to research agents who might be a good match #askagent

Honestly I wouldn’t worry - it’s a technical document so I don’t expect it to be super exciting and polished. I would suggest maybe 1-2 pages in length #askagent

I think you have to accept it will never be perfect - if the edits you are making now are tweaks it might be time to let go #askagent

Some agencies offer remote internships - might be a good time to reach out to a few? Just reading critically and fast is what I ask for! #askagent

Yes correct #askagent

It's always exciting and nerve wracking to take something out on submission! I try never to pitch cold, so I usually speak with all the editors on my sub list before sending them anything. Placing a book is really about match making!

I have 7 clients and I got 6 of them through the regular querying process, and 1 of them through a call I put out on Instagram. Querying is still the most common and effective way to get an agent.

You'll know in your gut, is all I can say. 20 passes is WAY too few. You gotta kiss a lot of frogs.

Nudge after 3 months. It can take a LONG time. I'm not proud of this but I have absolutely dropped the ball on my requests before, and most agents will at some point.

Agenting is already one of the most flexible parts of the industry (I started in NYC but now in MN). I only hope the entire industry embraces this flexibility and creates more opportunities for disabled people and people of color and folks who otherwise experience access barriers

When I love the way they see and explore the world, so I know that I'll be interested in anything they write, because their viewpoint and expression and fascinations are endlessly appealing to me.

It is rough out there for New Adult. As for content (violence, drugs, swearing) this comes down to the brand identity of the imprint, really. Some imprints will published edgier, gritty, dark YA. Some won't. That will be an important part of submission strategy.

I’d send, but mention this info at the top of the query.

Character development!