I think a number of things come into play. 1) is the author capable or even willing to make these changes—it is their story after all so they get to make the decision what changes do and don’t get made so it’s a question of aligned vision … (cont)

I think it comes down to execution no matter what the age group/genre

Are you asking about making something “commercial fiction”? A book doesn’t need to be “commercial” to be sellable.

Hmmm… well I can’t answer for anyone other than myself, and I wouldn’t scoff at a 60k YA fantasy. I don’t mind when there is room to grow. And to be completely honest adding 20k words always feels a little less daunting than trying to cut those words

I love queries with a strong hook and solid concept. I also love it when authors say what inspired them to write the story they did

It might be anecdotally true but there's no actual data on that. Agents aren't looking for authors who already have or had agents to fill their rosters. The book matters more!

Ans: It has to be a trade bk & not an academic bk, which I know is overly simplistic. It should appeal to a broad audience who read books on that subject, as well as approachable & have a clear "so what?" It shouldn't just be "cool stuff I learned." Paging @lportwoodstacer again!

? from Dms: if an agent asks for, say, the first five pages of your manuscript copied into the body of an email, how much formatting are you supposed to preserve?

Ans: don't worry abt formatting as long as it is readable! Just copy the 1st 5 pp from your book & paste. It's ok!

? from Dms: what if your word length changed a little from your pitch? What's an allowable differential (e.g., I pitched at 90K words, but I'm at 94K

Ans: I would barely notice unless it changed like 50%. This is fine!

? from Dms: When you get a request for a full, how long may you take to submit it (I'm trying to give it one last go-through, but life is getting in the way of that!)

Ans: I would be ready to send a full right you have a request. If you need more time or whatever, tell the agent

Yes! There was just something I saw on instagram about it this weekend but can't find the link! Harper has a union!

Fiction, yes. Non-fiction, you need a book proposal, but not always the whole book.

? from DMs: Are in-person pitches more effective than mailed/emailed queries?

Ans: In person pitches (when they exist) are the LEAST effective way to pitch a book IMHO. I need something to read!

I think it's good to say "Thanks for your time on X book. We weren't a match, but I'm excited to send you Y." Short and sweet! A slight reminder can help, not hurt. (If it hurts they are not the agent for you anyway.)

Ans: I would think so! You don't HAVE to have your WIP critiqued any amount of times. If you're getting useful feedback and you implement it and you're happy with the book, send forth!

? from DMs: Is it frowned upon to look for a new agent before you've cut ties with your old one?

Ans: Yes. Break up w/ your current agent before you go find a new one. I know it's scary! But it's the ethical and fair thing to do. Read the agency agrmt for the Termination clause

There's no one SINGLE format, but this is the general one! katemckean.substack.com/p/whats-a-book…

? in DM: Would an academic/research background (MsC, PhD, and so on) be a deterrent on getting an agent?

Ans: nope! unless it's nonfiction, it's not really relevant. (in NF an advanced degree would be a positive factor)

not if the book hasn't changed!

heyyyy I have the exact same issue! Being able to see the face that is talking helps me comprehend info. When I ask for editor calls I say "Do you mind if we do a video call? I have auditory processing issues that makes audio-only hard for me."