Literary Agent
marcy mccreary @mcmarcy
@bookishchick If any agency allows for querying more than 1 agent at their agency (not at same time), but does not give a time frame for response, what is the appropriate amount of time to wait to query another agent at that agency?Every agency will have different guidelines. If you can query simultaneously then just go ahead and do that. If not, you can nudge after 3 months, usually.
Literary Agent
Brittany Tucker Is Querying @Brittan75129010
@bookishchick I am curious what is the average deadline for a contracted manuscript once it's been sold?18 months is standard contractual language, but I’ve seen up to 2 years, and of course books are crashed on quicker timelines or extended out further depending on multiple factors.
Literary Agent
Brittany Tucker Is Querying @Brittan75129010
@bookishchick I am curious what is the average deadline for a contracted manuscript once it's been sold?18 months is standard contractual language, but I’ve seen up to 2 years, and of course books are crashed on quicker timelines or extended out further depending on multiple factors.
Literary Agent
Katie Mullen @KATIEFMULLEN
@bookishchick I have a question… I was able to get a critique from an editor from sourcebooks through a conference and she was interested in seeing the rest my book but said I need to get an agent first. What is the best way to capitalize on this to get myself an agent?Mention in the query that the editor has expressed interest at a conference. Do not imply that you have an offer if you don’t, though!
Literary Agent
Dragonness Wyverna @DragonnessRawr
@bookishchick If you’ve made major changes to your mms, (such as rewriting the last 12 chapters) should you requery agents you’ve skewed queried, it move on?A pass is a pass and unless an agent as requested explicitly to see revisions, it's best not to requery.
Literary Agent
Allison Lane @AllisonLane
@UweStenderPhD What's your advice on identifying relevant comps published in the last 1-2 years? The challenge is most Amazon categories are filled with reprints or other versions of older titles. (kindle/audiobooks).Read recent books. Also, you can use movies or TV shows.
Literary Agent
Susan Burdorf @sburdorf
@UweStenderPhD Two minutes to ask a question: #askagent What is your worst nightmare when it comes to manuscripts? in life?Worst nightmare re: manuscripts? A writer not delivering on time.
Worst nightmare in life? I am grateful to BE alive, so the loss of a loved one, including my dogs, is my worst nightmare.
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
MichaelJWriting @MichaelJWriting
@UweStenderPhD What are your thoughts on author platforms for Fiction writers?It's nice if you have one. But it is not a necessity.
Literary Agent
GL Francis @merelecroix
@UweStenderPhD Thank you for spending the time to answer questions!Although I'm seeking an agent for my MS, I found a publisher who takes unagented submissions but with a long (1 yr +) report time due to volume.
Is it ethical or advisable to sub the work while querying agents?
That is a too complicated question for a Twitter response. I would keep querying. But, again, this question has a lot of layers re: an answer. However, IF the pub states it wants an exclusive for a year +, then don't submit to them. It's ridiculous.
Literary Agent
Shanice Littlejohn is querying @twixsftbl
@UweStenderPhD How likely am I to get published if my own voices novel makes white folx uncomfortable with their own privilege?Ha! I don't know. People CLAIM they are open to own voices. So, theoretically, as long as the writing and the story are strong, it should be a shoo in. BUT, you don't know IF the claims are real. (And to be fair, tastes are subjective.)
Literary Agent
Shanice Littlejohn is querying @twixsftbl
@UweStenderPhD How many agents should we query each round and at what point of rejection do you say I need to put this away and try writing something new?As many as you like. Start with your Top Thirty and go from there. I would write something new the second you start querying.
Literary Agent
Kristi McManus 🛫 @kristimcmanus
@UweStenderPhD What is one trope you feel is overdone? #askagentThe ugly one becomes beautiful.
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Ian Compass @iancompass
@UweStenderPhD Suppose an author uses the wrong age category in a query, e.g. calls it a YA novel when it’s actually adult or vice versa. Is this a turnoff for an agent if they represent both and the book is well-written—solidly feels like either YA or adult but not mixing elements of the two?Yes, for me it's an automatic NO. If you don't know the proper age category, then I am not going to pay attention.
Literary Agent
Monty Harper @montyharper
@UweStenderPhD #askagent - Your query guidelines are very sparse - you don't ask for first pages or a synopsis. What's behind your choice to keep it simple?If I like the query, I will request the full. If I don't like the query, I will pass. It is just a personal preference. It's like taking a sip from a drink and not liking it, I won't drink more just to see if it tastes better later.
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Ari Augustine Is Elsewhere @SouffleLumiere
@UweStenderPhD Mr. Agent, sir, it's Augustine with Yodel News. What's a trope you never tire of reading (so long as it's done anew)?Also, all the polls say you're the greatest 👍🍺🎥
Nobody ever had better polls than me.
I love: The Love Triangle.
Literary Agent
Elissa McColl @ElissaMccoll
@UweStenderPhD I've noticed several books recently have not had aknowledgements. Are there any other sources for determining which agent represented a particular published book?You could likely look it up on Publishersmarketplace. Side commentary: *I* don't like it AT ALL if acknowledgments are not given. I find it very inconsiderate.
Literary Agent
Nancy Parish @nancyparish
@UweStenderPhD How can you tell when your manuscript is ready for primetime? #askagentPerfect like my calls. When your critique partners cannot find anything wrong with it anymore.