Literary Agent
Kelsey Knowles 🏳️🌈 @_Kelsey_Knowles
@annmrose When you request a full, about what % of those get an offer of rep? I know it varies from agent to agent.PS: Queried you in November and hoping to hear back soon 😊💕
My goal is to try to keep those statistics this year. I have no way of knowing at this point since we don't use Query Manager which does all that wonderful math for you.
Literary Agent
Heidi Nickerson @HeidiANickerson
@annmrose Thanks for hosting this! Obviously this can vary, but do you and/or Prospect Agency have a standard timeframe for reviewing queries? I couldn’t find a specific timeframe on the agency’s submission page.It's buried on our FAQ page... basically it is 3 months.
You aren't the first who couldn't find it though, so no worries. ❤️
Literary Agent
Michael Gilroy is querying @VanguardsMike
@annmrose How long does it take you to get through a standard query, and how many can you do in a normal day? (I know this’ll vary from person to person, but I’m still curious)On average I spend 40 hours a month going through queries. So an entire work week is basically just this on top of all the other things I do.
Literary Agent
🌋❄N.K. Valek🌱🌌 (she/her) @AfterEpilogue
@annmrose What is your recommendation for querying with a debut book that is also a first in the series?For instance, what to say in the query letter?
My recommendation is to make sure it stands alone. When querying a series you aren't saying I am hopeful you can sell this one book, you are saying I'm hoping you can sell ALL OF THESE BOOKS--and that is a huge ask.
So 'stand alone with series potential' is best.
Literary Agent
David Neuner @david_neuner
@annmrose Thank you so much for offering your time for an #askagent a session.What advice do you have for querying after the holidays when many agents are reopening to querying? Is this a bad time or a good time to query?
The best time to query is when your project is ready. If the agent is open, send it, and they will get to it when they can. There is no way to predict the exact right moment to query any one agent.
Literary Agent
Judith L Webster @JudithLWebster
@annmrose Do you expect manuscripts to be “90% polished” (I keep hearing this expectation on podcasts) when they first come to you? Or are you looking for the hook and storyline to grab your attention since it will go through professional editing anyways?I expect it to be the best you can make it, and formatted correctly.
If it's full of spelling and grammar issues that is a red flag. But a "of" instead of "for" here or there isn't a make it or break it.
Literary Agent
Zach Humphrey @Blueslushie92
@annmrose Hi! Do you recommend a certain way of applying to agents in batches? I’ve heard to only do batches of 10-15 and not do your top ones at first to leave potential for revisionsI've heard those things too. You just have to do what works for you. Just remember to notify everyone--even agents who just have a query--if you get an offer of representation.
Literary Agent
sjkrandall @sjkrandall1
@annmrose Is there any benefit to self published authors having an agent? I have seen many wondering this.If you want to get your (unpublished) work in front of traditional editors, yes. Or if you are looking for ways to execute your subrights--foreign, audio, film, etc...
Literary Agent
Stephanie (Lupo) Henson @stepha_henson
@annmrose I’m also wondering about querying you again. It’s been a year and the manuscript is completely updated. Thanks.I'm always open to revisiting a heavily revised MS. Sometimes it's a pass because it's not ready yet, and now maybe it is
Literary Agent
Lisa Dunn @AuthorLisaDunn
@annmrose I'm generally 100% 12pt. Times New Roman, but I'm using two different fonts to get "in character" for a dual POV epistolary novel. (If it makes a difference, the letters are supposed to be handwritten.) When I start querying, should I switch the whole MS to TNR?For readability it makes sense to do it all in the same font.
Literary Agent
Valeriya Salt @LSalt1
@annmrose Thank you for doing this!! How long does it take for an agent to sell a MS to a publisher (on average)? Also, after how many months can I chase an agent who asked to R&R? How often do an agent say “no” after requesting R&R?Timing varies so there is no way to answer that question with any kind of true number. Sometimes weeks sometimes months to years. The trick is finding someone who isn't willing to give up after one round.
I think 3 months is reasonable to nudge, but don't be surprised if they...
Literary Agent
J.W. Martin @jDubMartin
@annmrose @LRyan_Storms In a query, do you want a paragraph about the writer if there are no writing creds to include?YES! I want to know about you! I don't care if you don't have writing creds? What inspired you to write this book? Do you have a cat? What's your favorite kind of pie? Just show me who you are. Those are my favorite kinds of bios. ❤️
Literary Agent
Jake Fluekiger 🏳️🌈 @jake_fluekiger
@annmrose What’s your take on characters dying in MG fiction?If Someone previously queried you with a manuscript but they’ve made significant changes would you allow them to query again?
What are you looking for right now? Like what is your ‘I need it now or I’ll perish’ wish list?
Okay, let me see if I can get all of these. 1) People die so it happens at any age. It's how it's dealt with that is important to the age group. (I'm open to death in MG if that is the real question here.) 2) I'm open to revisiting manuscripts that have been heavily edited...
Literary Agent
Lily Mehallick she/her @LilyMehallick
@annmrose Any trends or common elements you’re finding in your query box?Lots of "first in a series" types of books. But other than that, nothing specific. For a while it was wolves. Not werewolves, but wolves. Which was interesting.
Literary Agent
Lakewolf @rdwolf
@annmrose What can I expect an agent to do once I am represented? What is reasonable and what isn’t?I'm not entirely sure what you are asking, but you can expect them to get your work in front of editors to consider your work with a goal of selling it. Then it is about trying to get you the best deal and looking out for your best interests.
Literary Agent
Stephanie (Lupo) Henson @stepha_henson
@annmrose What’s the trend for MG? I write contemporary but see a lot of fantasy. Also, in terms of Word Count for lower MG, is there a target? I’ve heard between 22,000 and 30,000? Thanks in advance.That seems in line for younger MG. The average contemporary MG is around 50K I would say, give or take depending on that true target age. Does that help?
Literary Agent
Erin Giannini @ErinAries74
@annmrose I've got one: What's the standard time limit on comps? #askagentWithin the last 3 years is ideal, but 5 years is okay. It's more so we understand where you see your book fitting into the current market, so recent is always best.
Literary Agent
Ashlee MacCallum @_ashleedani
@annmrose How often/when do agents check in on writer’s Twitter pages? I’m curious because most agents who use QueryManager ask for the handle.For me, I do my research before asking for more pages. I like to get an idea of who I could potentially be working with. Compatibility is important.
Literary Agent
Rebecca Lemke is writing Science Fantasy @NewCrunchyMom
@UweStenderPhD What do agents currently consider a strong platform?In fiction: for me personally: it does not matter. In nonfiction: instant name recognizability and/or supreme verifiable qualification to write about that particular topic.
Literary Agent
Rebecca Lemke is writing Science Fantasy @NewCrunchyMom
@UweStenderPhD Do agents stalk indie author ever as a prospective client? Is it true that once a person is indie, traditional publishers won’t be interested?I don't stalk anyone. I have no time for that. Nor the inclination. And why would anyone dismiss an "indie" author? I would not.