Literary Agent
Ashley @TheArtfulAshley
@BrittSiess For someone who doesn't have an agent and has never had a publishing deal before, what are some important things to look out for?I suggest getting an agent to negotiate a publishing deal. I can't list everything to look out for in a tweet, unfortunately. Off the top of my head, reversion of rights, schedule and payout, deliverables, royalties and sub rights.
Literary Agent
Cynna Ael @CynnaAel
@BrittSiess Yes, exactly.No it isn't harder at all. Many people do all the lettering and coloring themselves. Many don't. Just depends on the person.
Literary Agent
Cynna Ael @CynnaAel
@BrittSiess How difficult is it for someone who seems to be a Jill of all trades? Edits, writes, and letters? I know places love to see a script and sequentials, but I'm curious if they also look at those who'd carry most of the work, too?Not sure what you mean by this. Are you asking if it's harder for someone who would also do the coloring and lettering? If so, no it isn't harder.
Literary Agent
Kevin McCloskey @KevinMcWho
@BrittSiess In your experience what is a typical advance for a GN aimed at middle graders, more or less than adult project?I can't give a figure because it depends on the project. In my experience, the children's market is doing better than the adult market. (Though I do hope that publishers start buying more adult graphic novels soon!)
Literary Agent
Sarah A. Macklin is Nano-ing @killianfantasy
@BrittSiess Do graphic novels usually get picked up as stand alones or series?It depends on the project, so I can't answer a "usually." If the creator has a vision for a series, the publisher will take that into consideration.
Literary Agent
Paul Allor Loves You @PaulAllor
@BrittSiess Any advice about finding an agent as a writer who works with various artists? Traditional publishing seems much more focused on folks who both write and illustrate their own work.Having the full script when querying would make (me at least, can't speak for other agents) the most interested.
Literary Agent
tahni marie @queenofgoldfish
@BrittSiess Thank you for doing this !! 😭1. When submitting script for your graphic novel query how much is too much/too little?
2. Should graphic sample pages be polished ?
3. What to look for in a pitch packet for graphic novels?
4. What to expect when submitting a query !
Glad to be doing it! 1) I'd personally like to see at least 3 chapters 2) Yes 3) Should have story outline/synopsis, character art, author bio at the very least 4) Not sure since I've never queried. Sorry!
Literary Agent
Britt Siess @BrittSiess
@AyanniDoesStuff I knew the market really well and spent A LOT of time reading comics in all formats. I was familiar with the production and more technical aspects of comics. I'd say a combo of a discerning eye and an editorial hand.In addition to working in the industry for a while. I had a lot of internships, worked at agencies, was a bookseller, and worked at book pub.
Literary Agent
Ayanni is Celebrating Scorpio Szn🎉 @AyanniDoesStuff
@BrittSiess What was your path to becoming an agent for GN?I knew the market really well and spent A LOT of time reading comics in all formats. I was familiar with the production and more technical aspects of comics. I'd say a combo of a discerning eye and an editorial hand.
Literary Agent
Kaveh S. Voter @kavehtaherian
@BrittSiess Putting together a 10 page pitch (includes a lot of artwork) and about 12 sample pages (arch of a chapter) and want to make sure it doesn’t feel like I’m over sharingNot over sharing at all! That sounds like a great amount of art.
Literary Agent
Ope Okusi @olafemi96
@BrittSiess 1. Why does it take two - three years to get a new graphic novel by a new author published?2. How do I get a series deal and how many book would publishers allow for a series? I'm planning anywhere about 15 to 20 for my series if I decide to not make it a webtoon.
OGNs take years to make because of all the time spent on the art and production. There's no one answer on how to get a series deal. Depends on the idea, writing, and art. I've never seen pub buy 15 books at once.
Literary Agent
Chelsea Carr @carr_toons
@BrittSiess Do publishers always respond to agents? Do agents need to have a relationship with a publisher to submit work to them?Publishers don't always respond (sighs). Having a relationship with editors and publishers (in my experience) certainly helps with responses and communication, but there isn't a requirement of a prior relationship in order to submit.
Literary Agent
I’m now also posting on Parler. It’s a great platform with no censorship!
Giving away a few critiques there next week. Come find me @ColleenOefelein ❤️❤️❤️
#WritingCommunity
#Writer
#askagent
Literary Agent
Andy/P. Andrew Floyd @pandrewfloyd
@LZats As an agent, since you get to read things obviously before they're published or even repped - do you have favorite books that you have no one to talk about with or that you can only talk about to a few people?I mean, all the books I’m on sub with I LOVE (editors, get on it!) But since I’m trying to sell them I talk about them all the time! I do get ARCs but don’t usually get time to read them until they’re already pubbed. #askagent
Literary Agent
Dee @DeeBertison
@UweStenderPhD What has the impact of Covid been on the deadlines and submissions of agents and editors and publishers? Has it slowed the industry?Not really as far as edits and submissions go...
Literary Agent
Dani Kraai @KraaiDani
@UweStenderPhD Are there any specific genres you are looking for right now?YA contemporary novels.
YA graphic novels.
MG graphic novels.
Literary Agent
Tiffani Burkett @BurkettTiffani
@UweStenderPhD When is it worth mentioning past self published works? Or what kind of sales numbers are successful enough to take notice?In fiction, I only care about the project at hand.
Literary Agent
Catherine T. Ricardo voted early @CathyTRicardo
@UweStenderPhD I didn't query at all this week for obvious reasons, but figured I'd start back up again on Monday. I seem to see a lot of agents closing at this time of year, though - is this very common? (Of course, I would only query agents who are open, but still...)In 15 years I have never closed to queries, so I cannot answer that.
Literary Agent
Tesse Struve @StruveTesse
@UweStenderPhD Hi! Thanks so much for doing this! When you read a MS and can’t connect with the writing, what does that usually mean? Generally does it have to do with voice or deep POV?It could mean a lot of things. Maybe there is no specific reason. Maybe it just means that the agent did not love it.
Literary Agent
Dedoni Books @DianaAleksand13
@UweStenderPhD If an author is self-published in one genre, but submits to you for a different genre, should she mention her publishing history? And would that be deterrent to you?I think the author should mention it. And, no, I wouldn't care.