Ask Agent | MsWishList

· 1 Jan 2022

M J Steward @authorMJSteward

@kissedbyink I'm curious to know how you feel about the emerging new adult category. I've heard some very conflicting opinions about it.

Replying to @authorMJSteward

There is no new adult category and probably never really will be other than self-pubbed titles. I'm pissed about it, because it should be something, but it's not and I have no control over it. Titles are either YA or Adult.

· 1 Jan 2022

Corina Draycott ✍ @Corinalee74

@kissedbyink Thank you Amy! In your opinion is it okay to comp an LGBTQ+ book in your query for style and story similarities when your own book is not LGBTQ+?

Replying to @Corinalee74

Good question...I would definitely look to see if there are another titles with straight pairings you can put together as comps. I am here for all the romance--straight or not--but honestly, when I see say RW&RB as a comp, I expect LGBTQ+ characters/storyline.

· 1 Jan 2022

Maya Darjani @DarjaniMaya

@kissedbyink No sci fi set in space--I'm assuming that includes grounded science fantasy on a secondary world planet? Space travel exists in the book but it isn't set in space

Replying to @DarjaniMaya

Yes. I am no science fiction expert--I love Star Wars, so I'm going to keep that with the masters. If it is grounded in our world, that is more my speed.

· 1 Jan 2022

R...is into haunted home improvement @rebecca_fryar

@kissedbyink So you are not a good fit for talking animals. Does this apply to magical creatures as well in MG?

Replying to @rebecca_fryar

If it is an animal and it talks it is a no for me--magical or real.

· 1 Jan 2022

Melissa Jenson @MelissaSDavies

@kissedbyink If a query-ready WIP fits your wishlist, but a writer has also written/is very interested in writing books that you don't go for (say a portal or time travel book), would you recommend querying? Or, is it better to look for an agent who is interested in everything you write?

Replying to @MelissaSDavies

Unless it is something that would be on my never-ever-ever list (abusive, horrid, awful, religious), then I would query me. I may love the other book you've written because of your style--and this has happened before FYI. And would be a talking point upon an offer.

· 1 Jan 2022

Beck Erixson @BErixson

@kissedbyink How do you feel about sports within manuscripts

Replying to @BErixson

I love sports, but I don't want exposition with a ton of sports details or rules. Like think about how lacross was used in Teen Wolf🙌 or soccer in Yellowjackets🐝

Here's a fun fact: I lettered in softball & field hockey (goalie), and played softball for a year in college.

· 1 Jan 2022

M. W. McLeod @MWBeyondTheVeil

@kissedbyink Thanks, Amy! In your opinion, what is the biggest mistake an author can make when querying?

Replying to @MWBeyondTheVeil

100% not following sub guidelines & not writing a query letter that tells about your story. This is NOT the time to blow smoke or be vague. You don't have to be perfect, but I want to know what makes this story something I should read.

· 1 Jan 2022

Cat Norris @kittycatbytes

@kissedbyink If an indie publisher is interested in a manuscript does this qualify as a reason to update agents who you’ve queried? Or is it only for an offer of representation by another agent?

Replying to @kittycatbytes

Let agents know of any offers you receive, whether they are from pubs or agents. It is also nice to be told if you are pulling a query if you've accepted an offer of publication/representation. Also, make sure to do your research on any indy pub before signing anything!

· 1 Jan 2022

Michael Terrance (Querying) @MTerranceAuthor

@kissedbyink Hi Amy!

How would you feel about a genre-bending contemporary fantasy that's a cross between "Silence of the Lambs" & "Interview with a Vampire" w/ a darker protagonist & duel past/present timelines?

Similar to Justin Cronin's "The Passage" & Camilla Bruce's "You Let Me In"

Replying to @MTerranceAuthor

If you can hit that dual timeline with perfection...I am so here for it!

· 1 Jan 2022

Carolyn Ziegler @Carolyn_Ziegler

@kissedbyink Hi Amy! Thank for doing this. When you say you’re not interested in talking dogs, does that mean talking to humans? In other words what about animals talking to each other?

Replying to @Carolyn_Ziegler

I enjoy stories with animals in them, just not ones with them having conversations with anyone.

· 1 Jan 2022

Lily Mehallick she/her @LilyMehallick

@kissedbyink Thanks for doing this Amy! If some of my fulls have been out with agents since October, when would be an appropriate time to nudge? Later this month? Or should I wait longer?

Replying to @LilyMehallick

I would see if the agent has a timeline on their website first and nudge after that time has expired. While nudging isn't a bad thing, remember October isn't that long to have a full. It is taking agents a long time to get through the many 2021 submissions.

· 1 Jan 2022

Rowan @WriterRowanHill

@kissedbyink Thanks Amy, how do you feel about Southern/mid-west Gothic with touches of celebrity/slasher? Thanks!

Replying to @WriterRowanHill

Can I say...

· 1 Jan 2022

Aaron J. Cole @aaron_j_cole

@kissedbyink What sort of MG fantasy really draws you in? Or maybe more so, what do you think middle grade readers are looking for when it comes to fantasy?

Replying to @aaron_j_cole

My favorite part of MG is the voice. It is so fun to read! I really look for whimsy and big adventure. Personally, I'd love to see more on the upper end, because 13 and 14 is still technically middle grade...but we won't get into that now. 😂

· 1 Jan 2022

elle ☕️ @elle_pond

@kissedbyink Hey Amy! Thank you for this! I’m querying right now and struggle with synopsis and pitch writing. When you’ve read excellent ones in the past, what made those great?

Replying to @elle_pond

First, no on likes to write a synopsis--ask my clients. Lol. Second, in a query I like to know the down and dirty of the story--beginning, middle, end- you can leave me hanging tho. Give me the stakes and a reason for reading. Comps also help, but only if they are recent.