Literary Agent
Aaron J. Cole @aaron_j_cole
@UweStenderPhD What does it take for a book to get sold as a film adaptation?Difficult to answer. Zeitgeist. Buzz. A concept that translates well from book to film. Luck.
S. Michael @tropicofangeles
@kissedbyink How sexy is too sexy for your taste? Does well written erotic lit have a chance in mainstream?That’s a tough sell. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part erotica doesn’t sell well traditionally.
Literary Agent
Daria Pipkin @DariaPipkin
@UweStenderPhD Hi Uwe,What would you consider a good request rate for querying authors these days? When should an author keep looking for the right fit versus pausing to make revisions?
(MG fiction, if it matters)
#askagent
If you base your request rate on query, then I would say that if you get less than 6 requests per 10 queries, you may consider working on the query.
Karin is writing a Roswell book 🛸 @BiggsWrites
@kissedbyink Has there been a decrease in YA word count range and….what are your thoughts on UFOs? 🛸I don’t think there’s been a decrease, I think agents and editors don’t want to read books that break the ceiling on word counts any more. And UFOs? I believe in them 👽 I loved the show Roswell and The X Files.
Literary Agent
Allison Lau @AllisonRLau
@UweStenderPhD Thanks for doing this, Uwe! I always appreciate your insight on the industry.What is your read on editors' activity right now? Are editors back from the holidays and hungry? Or are things slow?
The pandemic, and pandemic fatigue, slows everything, and everyone, down. Not just editors. And I include myself. I am so far behind the eight ball, I can't even see it with binoculars.
JenSinger @JenSinger
@kissedbyink Should an author follow up on a full ask after 6 weeks?Depends what the agent’s policy is—should be listed on their website. But generally 6 weeks is a short amount of time for an agent to read a full (definitely NOT a short time for an author to wait).
Literary Agent
Dani Kraai @KraaiDani
@UweStenderPhD If you’ve spent 6 mo revising your manuscript, pitch and query is it acceptable to re-query an agent?Sure, as long as the actual changes are significant and not just the time.
Literary Agent
DLShelton 🌈📚🎼🔯 #BLM IG: dlsheltonwrites @debralynnlazar
@UweStenderPhD RE: Genres: What genres are getting hot? Which onces are dying out? What are you finding yourself looking for these days?I don't care about trends. I love what I love. Other agents may disagree. I would love to see a really intriguing adult thriller/suspense, in the vein of STAY CLOSE or BOSCH.
Michaelina Deneka @M_Deneka
@kissedbyink If upper MG fantasy is set in the familiar, everyday world, should I still be trying to hit 65k+, or should the word count be closer to what’s expected of upper MG novels that don’t require the in-depth worldbuilding needed in much of fantasy?Such a good question, but it will depend on what the magic system is. Even without the world building, the fantasy elements themselves could warrant the extra word count.
Kate Downton @kate_downton
@kissedbyink How do you determine an offer of representation over an R&R? Is it more of a gut feeling, something in the query, something about the writing quality?For me it’s that I love the writing, but it needs something larger developmentally. I have to have a vision for it, and a R&R will show me if the writer can take it to the next level.
Literary Agent
Chris Jones @ChrisJonesInk
@UweStenderPhD Hi, Uwe.What does a nonfiction author have to demonstrate beyond the proposal?
Hi, Chris
In addition to the proposal, I think 50 pages or so of sample pages are good. However, THE most important part of it is that you have to have a strong platform for better, or worse.
Brian Watson @iambrianwatson
@kissedbyink Do you ever rep for memoir writers?I will rep a memoir when I find a story that calls to me, and I know there’s an audience for.
Heidi Tattrie Rushton @HeidiTRushton
@kissedbyink Hello! I'm new to querying (aka still trying to work up the nerve to *start* querying 😅). I'd like to know if US agents also rep Canadian writers or if I should focus on Canadian agents? Thanks for offering this opportunity 😊I know putting your work out there is stressful, but you can do it! 🤩 And US agents do rep authors from around the world, so certainly query them.
Marie Lestrange @LestrangeBooks
@kissedbyink Is 75k a suitable length for an Adult Horror?That is on the lighter side, but I wouldn’t discount it. I’m welcoming lower word counts at the moment. Lol.
Kelly Santana Banks @ksantanabanks
@kissedbyink Thank you for providing this agent Q&A! Do accept MG with a focus on diversity? If so, do you have any specific aspect you'd hope to see?Yes please! I love MG! I really want to see more joy in diverse stories, rather than just trauma. Family and love—no matter how the characters get there. I will always read a good angsty story, but to balance that with happiness would be amazing.
Brian Watson @iambrianwatson
@kissedbyink What kind of writers do you like working with?Hmmmm…I feel like this is a trap. Haha. The writers I work with aren’t afraid to try new things. They write what they love and don’t apologize for it. They are true storytellers who don’t follow trends. 🙌🏼
Hannah Bonam-Young (She/Her) @BonamYoung
@kissedbyink Is it worth replying to 'rejections' with the genuine interest in improving through feedback?Agents use QM so we aren’t getting submissions in email—this is for editors & clients only, so anything else may get deleted unread. This keeps us organized. We always root for writers and hope you continue to hone your craft & welcome revised subs.
Great question! There’s never an expiration on a R&R. Agents truly want to see how you execute their notes, not how fast you can write. The timeline really depends on how deep the revisions are. And yes. Always inform all agents about any offers—even those with just your query.
KateYorkAuthor @author_york
@kissedbyink Thank you for your time, Amy! What are your thoughts about addressing the pandemic in YA contemporaries? Is it part of our lives and history enough now that it is a fact or should it still be avoided for escapism for the reader?Avoid at all costs! I am not the only one saying this…I’ve heard from fellow agents and editors that none of them want to read about this—I think there have been one or 2 exceptions so far, but small %. We are still in the throes of the pandemic, so too soon.
Kelly Malacko @KellyMalacko
@kissedbyink What makes a suspense stand out in a saturated market?The uniqueness of the plot and characters. Suspense needs that fast pace and hold your breath and wait rise of tension, so if you can find a new twist…and I always say that voice is everything. Twisty and lyrical words can be everything to a story.