Literary Agent
Michelle Renee Stimpson @Stimpy8
@UweStenderPhD When providing comp titles in a query, I imagine the more recent m, the better, but what's the cut-off? When is a comp title too outdated?I don't know, it depends on the project. I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as the comps are still relevant.
Literary Agent
Kate Nash @katenashagent
7 questions to #AskAgent before you sign a representation agreement:1. Are client monies kept in a separate bank account?
2. Will the agency pass on royalties promptly?
3. Does the agency have adequate professional insurance?
4. Are there any conflicts of interest?
1/2
5. Does the agency commit to keeping my confidential affairs confidential?
6. Does the agency commit to keeping me apprised of relevant information and offers received?
7. What happens if my agent dies / retires / disappears? How am I protected?
2/2
Literary Agent
Lauren Spieller @laurenspieller
Ok, I've received 150 queries in the last 48 hrs. Here are 3 things I've noticed:--word counts that aren't in line w/ category/genre (read: too short or too long).
--tiny email font that is difficult to read
--lots of dragon books.
If you have any Qs, ask away!
I have answered a ton of questions in the replies—check it out! #askagent
Literary Agent
I have a Monday Instagram series called “Monday stories” where I tackle popular questions. Today’s is “why don’t agents give feedback?”
To view the rest go to my “highlights”! #askagent instagram.com/stories/carlyw…
Literary Agent
Ali Lawati @lawatibooks
@Megan_Manzano Hi, do you sign an author up for just one book or more than one?Whenever I sign a client, I'm going into the relationship with their career in mind. Not just the book I'm signing them with.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Monica🍀 @trippinmonica
@Megan_Manzano What do agents prefer, that the hook comes first or that you put the books information first (ex. How many words, genre, title)?I think it varies by agent. I personally like the hook first and then the information after the query, but either is fine.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Raven Jakois @RJakois
@Megan_Manzano @MadelynKnecht I hope I'm not too late! 1) what genre/aspect (like gothic) is trending in the publishing industry? 2) Is a synopsis single spaced? I get mixed information on the second question.Right now, middle grade is pretty popular, as well as contemporary fantasy/light speculative stories. Predominantly in the kidlit space.
For synopses, it's either 1 page single spaced, or 2 pages double spaced.
#askagent
Literary Agent
J.T Everton @JTEverton1
@Megan_Manzano Hello, Megan. Thank you for answering questions! When querying an agent, should the query letter spoil the twists in the story, or is that best left to the synopsis?The query shouldn't have any spoilers. It should just set up your characters, what they want, the inciting incident, and the stakes.
All spoilers go in the synopsis!
#askagent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
sophia grace 🍜 @SophiaIsWrite
@Megan_Manzano i hope this isn't a stupid question 😬. "The pages weren't what I'd hoped"-- if you use this for form rejections, what can it usually mean, if anything? technical skill is lacking? voice or style isn't meshing? does it always mean the pages or it's just a catch-all?It could be any of those reasons or simply they weren't intrigued by the premise and passed.
#askagent
Literary Agent
JD @JayDowski
@Megan_Manzano Hello. Are bios in queries important? Should self-publishing be mentioned?Bios should always be included but keep them short (2-3 sentences). And you should mention recent self-published works/recent published works if you have them.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Jennifer Smith @Jen_D_Smith
@Megan_Manzano How often do you get queries from authors with a second project after the first has been rejected?Fairly often! And it makes sense as writers work on new things and strenghten their craft.
#askagent
Literary Agent
MK Hardy @mkhardywrites
@Megan_Manzano Was literally just hoping for someone to do one of these!!How important are specific comps? If you're struggling with phrasing and instead said "This novel explores X, Y & X themes in the growing tradition of [currently trendy subgenre]" does that serve a comparable purpose?
Comps are helpful in placing your story to the current market. But they don't have to be 100% accurate.
You can use "with the atmosphere of x" or "themes of y"
#askagent
Literary Agent
For anyone that attended the Querying 101 webinar last night: here’s the rest of the Q&A over on IG stories...
#askagent instagram.com/stories/carlyw…
Literary Agent
Lily Mehallick she/her @LilyMehallick
@UweStenderPhD Oh no sorry to hear that! My question is if a book with Greek mythology (a Medusa retelling) is a hard sell right now?At Triada, we just sold one. Don't believe in generalizations, though some publishing *Gods* seem to know better. <unrelated reference >
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
🦭 Sarah Nour 🦕 @SaCha1689
@UweStenderPhD Do you need to have a specialized genre pinned down before querying?I write YA, children's books, and adult fiction. My genres range from realism to magical realism to fantasy. Should I pin it down or find me an agent who can do all of those?
Query the book you love the most and go from there.
Literary Agent
Dr Brooklyn Stinson 🚀📚💻 @abandonedladder
@UweStenderPhD Oh my. So glad you’re okay.But, I’ll also take advantage of the largesse: what do you prefer to see in the way of comp titles? A certain number/format? Or is it one of those situations that changes with each submission?
It changes. I like 2 or 3. Could be books or film/TV for me.