Literary Agent
Alisa Hewitt @SparkleFireD
Assuming submission guidelines are followed and the agent reps my genre, what's a common mistake you see in a query that triggers an instant "no?" #askPSLAThere's not much that results in an INSTANT no (aside from racist/sexist/etc. remarks), but I have some common mistakes listed on my website: mariavicente.com/blog/10-common… #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Liz Hanson is querying her MG novel in verse @LizHansonBooks
#AskPSLA I’m interested in querying both @agentvicente and @ericsmithrocks How do I decide which to query? Is it true that all agents at PS read all queries?Address your query letter to both of us and let us fight over it. @ericsmithrocks, it's time for battle. #askPSLA twitter.com/LizHansonBooks…
Literary Agent
Nicole Buran @BuranNicole
What do I put in my query bio if I'm not yet published? Do I mention contests, etc. for which I am awaiting a response? The next projects I am starting (I've heard this is a no-no)? Nothing at all feels like it's not the right answer... #askPSLASay that the project you're querying will be your debut book...that's a very cool thing! I also like to see some personality (where you're from, what you're passionate about, what you do to pay the bills) and a few words about your WIP is a great idea. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
J.D. Hathaway @jd_hathaway
@PSLiterary @agentvicente @ericsmithrocks In general, does having a creative writing degree or other credentials influence whether a writer is chosen to be represented or published? #askPSLANope! It’s all about the story. Most of the authors I work with didn’t major in writing.
I only look at credentials in nonfiction, because you’re supposed to be an expert. Past publications really help in that space. #askPSLA
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Julie L Whitehead @julielwhitehea1
@UweStenderPhD How do you know your manuscript is ready to go out to agents? I am on my sixth write-through and some of the essays have already been published in lower-tier journals. Or is it an unanswerable question?Whenever you think you, and your CPs can no longer realistically improve it, then it is ready.
Literary Agent
R.B. Shifman is also Richard Shifman @rshifman
@UweStenderPhD Other than an author’s own knowledge or googling key terms, and what is a good way to find great comps? Is there a super-secret database? Thank you! #askagentNot to my knowledge. Rely, preferably, on your own reading experience.
Literary Agent
Nancy Parish @nancyparish
@UweStenderPhD Since the Olympics just happened, is there an interest in YA contemporary sports books? #AskAgentI don't know. It depends on the book, not the timing per se.
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Question by email: "Kate, as an unagented author, how can I get advice on a publishing contract?"
🟠 @Soc_of_Authors offers a free contract service for members
🟠 Consult a lawyer e.g. @Harbottle_Lewis or @HarperMacleod
🟠 Find a literary agent to represent you
#AskAgent
Literary Agent
A tale of sharp practice this morning.
Unagented author in haste signs a publishing contract where terms were substantially less compared to a "sample contract" the author had been shown.
⚠️ Authors, never sign a contract in haste
⚠️ Seek advice before signing
#askagent
Literary Agent
Becca @beccaamy22
@katenashagent How do I go about submitting my manuscript to agents?Agency websites have details on how to submit - ours are here: katenashlit.co.uk/submissions/
Importantly, there should be no cost to you or 'reading fee'. We're looking at writing we might take on to represent and reputable agencies do not charge fees for considering work. #askagent
Literary Agent
Nuala Woulfe @NWoulfeWriter
@katenashagent Don’t be put off giving feedback because some people are nasty, so often nobody responds to pitches, they disappear into a black hole which is really depressing. You could well be wrong on an author’s pitch but it’s up to the writer to move on & keep trying, tweaking & pitchingAgents are not the arbiters of everything and must consider their own tastes, and their perceptions and experiences of the market. However, any feedback on craft is way less likely to be down to personal taste/market and more empirical. #askagent
Literary Agent
If a literary agent considers your submission, says no and takes the time to explain why, please don't come back and tell us we are wrong / stupid / failing.
The agent's feedback may or may not be useful to you but it was freely given in a spirit of goodwill.
#askagent
Literary Agent
Kayleigh Rattle @kayleighrattle
@hatteatime Just wondering how much editing/revision goes into a MS before submitting to pubs? And how far the MS you send varies from the original MS a writer sends you? I imagine this varies case by case, but just wondering (hoping!) if agents sign authors off the back of an imperfect MS?!Varies from agent to agent and ms to ms but I will often sign authors knowing we will do several round of edits (and make this clear to them upfront). I want to give the author the best possible shot! #askagent
Literary Agency
Rachel Louise Driscoll @RachLouDriscoll
@TBP_agency #askagent Once you have an agent and book deal, how much say does an author have in how the book will look (ie cover design and whether the book has sprayed/stencilled edges or not)?Any good publisher will consult the author every step of the way, from first concept to the final product. There's usually a good dialogue and collaboration. #AskAgent
Literary Agency
Paul Jeter @PJet
@TBP_agency How does one "breakthrough?"Tough question! Hard work, strong writing, a great pitch. And probably a touch of luck, too. #AskAgent
Literary Agent
Sarah Cordey @SarahCordey
@hatteatime How much do you look at the person submitting and think about how well you'll be able to work together, or is it really just down to what's on the page? #askagentWhat's on the page is the most important thing. However presenting yourself professionally in your cover letter is important - sometimes I can be put off by an arrogant, entitled or unprofessional cover letter. #askagent
Literary Agent
Danielle Devlin @snoochems
@hatteatime I have a traditional deal for book 1 and I am half way through book 2 and I’m looking for an agent. Unagented, It’s a strange path to navigate. What advice would you give for looking for agent?is it best to wait until book 1 is released? When is best to begin querying? ThanksIf book 2 isn't sold, finish that and sub it - I'd say don't worry about whether or not book 1 is pub'd, just say it's due for pub. If you've got a 2 book deal, might be best to sub when you have something new to sell. #askagent