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GL Francis @merelecroix
@UweStenderPhD Thank you for taking time for these #askagent sessions!If a novel is the 2nd (or 3rd) written about a particular MC or milieu, would you classify it as a series or does it depend on whether each novel can stand alone?
Would that affect whether you'd consider or pass on it?
Probably a series. No, not necessarily.
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Nina (is rewriting her opening) @NFortmeyer
@UweStenderPhD How important is media presence? Do agents care if you have an up-to-date blog or a website?In nonfiction, it is ESSENTIAL. In fiction, I don't care.
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Ara Lynch @Ara_B_Lynch
@UweStenderPhD How much does personalisation in a query letter really matter? As someone who is rather socially awkward, I worry I'll get it wrong and just sound strange by trying to personalize it too much.To me, not at all. I want a client, not a stalker.
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Shanice | Wakanda Forever @twixsftbl
@UweStenderPhD If you sign a client and their book doesn’t sell, would you continue to be their agent while they work on another book? How does agenting work with movie/tv rights? Is a bidding war typical for both publishing and rights?I only work as a career agent. If I don't sell it, then you are still my client, unless YOU fire me.
We handle it all.
Typical, no, but it happens.
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Isabel Duarte @IsabelEmilyD
@UweStenderPhD If an author has a full on submission with you, do you prefer the author hold off on querying/submitting to other agencies until you've had a chance to review and decide? I remember reading some agencies prefer this.I BET they prefer that, but IF they do: RUN! Send your book to as many people as you can and want. Do MULTIPLE submissions, and don't let an agency restrict that.
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Mike Spinney @spinzo
@UweStenderPhD sorry for a second ask, but do you take into account potential beyond the book? film/television rights? product marketing? or is your first priority a good read?A good read, but of course that includes all of the above. But if I am not in love with your novel, I don't care about any of it. I don't torture myself with stuff I don't like, regardless of saleability.
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Rebecca E. Treasure *Black Lives Matter* @R_E_Treasure
@UweStenderPhD Another, if that’s okay. I’ve seen/heard conflicting takes on hiring a developmental editor before you query. I see the question a lot in the writing groups but when I say “I’ve heard you shouldn’t”, I get pushback.What’s your take? #askagent
I may be an outlier, but if you can't write your novel without a developmental editor, I am not interested in you. I am also not interested in Milli Vanilli if they can't sing their own songs.
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Michelle Hauck @Michelle4Laughs
@UweStenderPhD Do you think the role of an agency in helping clients with promotion/marketing is increasing? Should agents play a role in helping clients market their books?To a degree, of course. But agents are agents, and PR experts are PR experts. Opthamologists are fantastic doctors, but you don't want them to perform an appendectomy. And you don't want your heart surgeon fix your retinal detachment.
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Rebecca E. Treasure *Black Lives Matter* @R_E_Treasure
@UweStenderPhD Oh yay I’m online for one 🙂 #askagentFor you personally- If you requested a full, but passed, does it matter if that’s mentioned in a future query?
Generally, do you think word counts are getting shorter across the board? 100k down to 80k, even for adult?
Thanks!
Ha, happy you made it.
It does not matter either way.
I don't know. All I care about is that it works within the book I am reading.
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Paige Wyatt @Paigeotto
@UweStenderPhD What are you really wishing you could see more of in your inbox lately?Smart rom coms. Unique thrillers.
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James Haes @JamesHaes
@UweStenderPhD What are the three most important things you look for in a query letter?In non fiction: concept, platform, and platform again. In fiction: hook, no spelling errors, and lack of grandiosity.
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JoeyIsEditingSendChocolate @JoeyIdeaJones
@UweStenderPhD I have a question, if it's not too late. I've heard both that the common phrases in a rejection, like, "not right for my list," can be taken literally, or they're actually code for something. Should we break out the tea leaves or take what's said at face value?Who knows? Nonetheless, I would not give it a second of thought. Drink the tea, don't read the leaves.
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Irene @ireneiswriting
@UweStenderPhD @Sarah_Nicolas @awfleck Hello, thanks for answering questions! What happens if a publisher asks for a manuscript before you find an agent? Is it better to have an agent before submitting to the publisher?Yes. In fact, a publisher should tell you to get an agent.
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🍩 Grace Ellis Barber @novelorbust
@UweStenderPhD @awfleck Why might a novel get a "revise and resubmit" response over an outright rejection? Do you encounter smaller story issues that you assume will be dealt with in editing after a sale or do you try to have them perfect before you offer and pitch to publishers?For me, it means it is a strong project, but maybe 90% of the time it sounds like a 16 year old talking, but 10% of the time it sounds like a 40 year old writing a 16 year old, but can they pull it off 100% of the time? Etc.
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Quiana Glide @Quiana2001
@UweStenderPhD @awfleck How can one stay positive in this business? I know rejection is just a part of things but I have depression and still struggle sometimes. #askagentWhen I started out, at one point I was 0/1000. Then I stopped keeping track. I am sorry you have depression, but in this business, my only advice is to "not take it personally," which is tough, BUT true. Hang on in there.
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A. W. Fleck (is drafting) 🌞🌙✨🔮 @awfleck
@UweStenderPhD Hello! I’m here! Thank you for the alert! Hope you’re staying safe ❤️ My question: What’s going on with the ‘New Adult’ genre? My MC is 20, dealing with narcissism, abuse, etc. Should I query as adult? Age is very intentional and changing it changes everything about her. Thanks!Alexandra!!! So nice to hear from you. It's tough. Most pubs appear to be convinced that nobody reads that age group..."too old" OR "too young." I disagree with that assessment, but... My, probably useless, advice: write the story you are compelled to write. It MAY still work!
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No Justice No Peace | Madeline Scott Pine (They) @Madeline_Pine
@JNRlitauthor @LaylaHersch How do you personally handle a book deal with a queer MC and/or plot when the author does not want to publicly come out? How does the industry typically handle it? And what steps to further protect authors do you think the industry and agents can take than what they’re doing now?Great questions! Personally, I always work to do what is in the best interest and wishes of my authors including what makes them comfortable and and safe. No one should feel forced to publicly come out to anyone (including their agent) until they are ready and want to.
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Architectonics @theshadowarc
@JNRlitauthor does it mean anything that I'm getting more actual rejections (vs. non-response) on queries than I used to?It’s always good to know your work is getting read. If there is any feedback in the rejections you could maybe try to rework your query to turn it into requests. Best of luck to you!