Distance is truly not an issue. I have many authors on my list who do not live in the US and as long as you’re passionate about your storytelling and willing to work with me on your project, I’ll look at it #askDVpit

This is the funniest metaphor omg. I am a HUGE advocate for finding people you trust to read your work but also relying on mentor texts. Read widely and diversely OUTSIDE of your genre. You can learn rhythm from PBs and voice from MG and tension from romance #askDVpit

TV shows are definitely a useful comp, especially when it captures something you can’t use a book comp for. #askDVpit

For me, tropes will never die. Ever. People might have seen a similar pattern of story told in the same western, white, cishet lens, but that doesn’t kill a trope. Marginalized creators can/should absolutely get space to explore classic storytelling #askDVpit

I don’t say this enough but focus on your authentic truth—whatever that means to you. Whether you’re writing memoir or some space odyssey, everything you write has a piece of you in it and if you focus on being genuine, it will reach ppl in a profound way. #askDVpit

There are agents who do like novellas! I think that’s a taste just like any other genre/format/age demographic! Just check out their manuscript wishlist before querying! #askDVpit

You can definitely use TV shows (I've been asking for a Pushing Daisies premise for years!), but I encourage specificity since TV shows by nature have broad appeal.

Is it the style/tone of the show or the premise? An epic memorable twist or a fan favorite character? #askdvpit

Well that depends! Is the story rooted in a technologically driven world? Is the science the anchor to the story? If so, sci-fi. Is there science that is around another magic system or other worldly space? Could be fantasy. @NaomisLitPix can I get a hand? #askDVpit

Protect your creative joy--fiercely! Your job as the author is first and foremost to create and to find fulfillment in the process. The publishing process can be fickle and mercurial, full of highs and lows, and it's important to always be able to return to this joy #askdvpit

Hmmm do you mean just in storytelling as a whole during these events? Honestly I don’t care if I see a hundred fake dating pitches, because I love the trope and I want something fun and new that I can work on. So I don’t look at patterns like that #askDVpit

Thanks for joining the Q&A!

Have more questions? Me and @agentvicente have TONS of free resources on our sites. Query letters, proposal guides, etc!

Stop by. #askPSLA

Maria: mariavicente.com/blog-posts

Trenchcoat Full of Corgis Pretending to be Human: ericsmithrocks.com/perfect-pitch

I’d say that you’re almost there! I’ve had authors in the same position. Acquisitions multiple times. R&Rs. Lots of almosts… and then a yes.

IE: @mikechenwriter’s story. mikechenbooks.com/2019/01/then-a… #askPSLA

I feel like a lot of the adult books that I work on are ALL crossover books that don’t fit someplace neatly. And that’s what makes them so special?

Genre blending crossover books are always popular. I’m a fan! #askPSLA

Hmm...I don't think I'm a fan of clean boxes. I want to make weird books! #askPSLA

To not have pointless goal posts set for myself.

You don’t need an agent by age whatever. A published book at age this or that. A bestseller whenever.

What you need is to take your time. Make friends. Breathe. Remember that there’s more to you than what you’re writing. #askPSLA

Some of the most common reasons: personal preference, the importance of sample art to win over certain publishers, balancing out a client list (already have a number of clients writing scripts). #askPSLA

I’ve signed authors with no website, but I had them make a website right away.

Because I fear @MissDahlELama and @recitrachel, but also because it’s a great way to showcase who you are. Your home base.

You don’t need to be published yet, to have a simple homepage. #askPSLA

Trends in publishing are such a hard thing to point to, because often times when you spot it, it’s already happened?

I do know a lot of editor friends are asking for more MG/YA horror, and works in verse. #askPSLA

For me, I generally read in chronological order, but that might change if I receive something high on my wish list, someone receives an offer of rep, etc. #askPSLA

It depends. Someone like me, who works on memoir in essays, I like to see a body of published work. Chances are your essay collection is about something. I like to see you’re an expert there.

IE: @JamesTateHill’s query is a good example. ericsmithrocks.com/blog/2021/7/26… #askPSLA