I love this question--and there are so many answers! For me, it's:
- great writing
- characters I can't get enough of
- interesting plot
- genre I'm interested in
- feels fresh (can be a classic trope, but shouldn't feel stale)

Could go on forever! #askPSLA

My advice in the novella space is always to pitch agents who have worked on the novellas you’ve been picking up. Particularly in that SFF space.

Not a lot of folks work on them, but some certainly do. #askPSLA

I recommend researching agents before submitting to them, but make that wishlist and prioritize. To make it a little less overwhelming, you could submit to agents in waves. Also, keep in mind you might not know if an agent is really a good fit until you speak with them. #askPSLA

My son is trying to eat my mail right now so perhaps I’m not the best person to answer this. #askPSLA

But really, industry friends trying to juggle it all? Group messages with my colleagues going through the same helps. ❤️

I generally don't have time to give feedback unless I'm asking to take a look at a revised version. It's a hard balance because we want to help, but we also get so many queries and giving everyone feedback wouldn't be a good use of our time as agents. #askPSLA

No apologies, we are here for it!

I like a good prologue. The only time I can’t stand them is when it’s a character looking back. “Now I’ll tell you my story.”

Well, they turned out okay, so... why read the book? Try not to let your prologue ruin your stakes. #askPSLA

Overdone cliches, yes, but also writing that I don't connect with, confusing plot right off the bat, too many characters being introduced in quick succession (but without being able to distinguish between them). #askPSLA

Definitely not a showstopper, it's something agents can help you tweak (and editors are commonly thinking of new titles, as well). #askPSLA

This is a good question that I can actually fish resources for! I have three full non fiction proposals here. ericsmithrocks.com/perfect-pitch

I tend to ask for 5k to 10k in terms of sample pages. #askPSLA

You want your project to be in good shape, of course. But if it gets to the point where you're only making one-word tweaks here and there, I'd say it's time. Make sure you have someone else read for plot holes, too. #askPSLA

Nope! So many titles change from agent to editor to publication.

You should still have a title that you’re proud to shop your book around under though. #askPSLA

For more about Hannah and what she's looking for, check out this #askagent interview that she did with @bluepencil_edit earlier this year: bluepencilagency.com/ask-an-agent-h…

Answering #askagent questions tomorrow and my animals will be making appearances. Here’s the link instagram.com/stories/sztown…

Also, if you have a novel ready to submit, please do send it our way! See northbanktalent.com/contact for submission guidelines 📚📝

#amquerying #MSWL #askagent

When you are out of all legitimate agents to query to.
If I think it is good, but may work better for them than me.

That depends on whether you can pull off more than one uniquely identifiable voice.

I think you may be right. But, in general, historical fiction can be tough in and by itself.

I would. If they don't respond at all and/or don't give you a reason, like an out of office message that details reasons for a no response, you have no idea if they received it or not.

Thank you, I hope you are having a good day. Hmm, I think you pretty much covered it. Yes, I can't think of anything else.

I think you can do both.