Literary Agent
Q: What happens if the agent dies / retires / disappears?
A: AAA code of practice says member agencies will make "provision for the protection & disbursement of clients’ monies in the event of... agent’s resignation, retirement, incapacity or death"
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Literary Agent
Q: Does the agency commit to keeping you apprised of relevant information and offers received?
A: They should. It's your work; you should know who is reading it and any feedback.
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Literary Agent
Q: Does the agency commit to keeping your confidential affairs confidential?
A: Ask for references to check the literary agency is trustworthy and reputable. And ask to see the privacy policy if it not clear in the agency agreement.
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Literary Agent
Q: Are there any conflicts of interest?
A: There shouldn't be. Your literary agency should be only representing your best interests.
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Literary Agent
Q: Does the agency have adequate professional insurance?
A: Literary agencies should have adequate professional indemnity insurance.
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Literary Agent
Q: Will the agency pass on royalties and advances to you promptly?
A: AAA member literary agencies commit to this best practice: "use best efforts to transfer all sums due to the client within 10 days... but no more than 21 days in exceptional circumstances"
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Literary Agent
7 questions you might not have thought to ask before you sign with a literary agency.
Q: Are client monies kept in a separate bank account?
A: The literary agency should keep client monies in a separate bank account to their general business.
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Literary Agent
Kathleen Foxx | Author | Editor | Podcast Host @kfoxx_writes
@C_H_Armstrong @hannahdsharpe2 One more: If you’re excited about a premise from the query, ask for pages, and then it’s not working for you, do you find it’s more often because the story falls flat/doesn’t live up to the promise of the query or because the writing just isn’t there yet?Rereading this, I'd like to add one more thought. Sometimes it's neither the story falling flat or the writing not being there yet. Sometimes it's simply "chemistry" between me and the story. Sometimes I expect to love something & there's nothing at all wrong with it except ME.
Literary Agent
Swati Hegde is offering editorial services @SwatiTheGeek
@C_H_Armstrong What's your favorite romance trope?Oh easy! Enemies to lovers. It’s like chocolate for me. I can’t get enough. I also love fake dating and the big secret romance. And best friends older sibling. Love that one too. I just love them all.
Literary Agent
Christina Fitz-Gallant🔮🌖 @fitzthestory
@C_H_Armstrong what’s the best trick to writing a synopsis?Ugh! The dreaded synopsis! I hate them too!
After every chapter, keep a notebook with a few sentences about what was important in that chapter. Then when you write your synopsis, you have a guide to work from.
Literary Agent
Kathleen Foxx | Author | Editor | Podcast Host @kfoxx_writes
@C_H_Armstrong @hannahdsharpe2 Do you prefer character-driven or plot-driven stories and why?Ooh…good question. I’m not sure I have a strong preference. I need to feel a kinship with the main character, but that’s not enough to keep me reading if the plat is bland.
Literary Agent
Suzy England @suzy_england
@C_H_Armstrong How many MS pages/chapters do you ask querying authors to submit?I can’t remember what I had it set at last time I was open to queries, but about 10 pages. It’s usually enough for me to get a good idea if I want to read more. If I’m not sure but still intrigued at the end of 10 pages, I’ll always ask for more.
Literary Agent
Tammy Blakley @tammy_blakley
@C_H_Armstrong What grabs you when you read a manuscript?Anything that evokes a reaction—excitement, fear, tears, laughter, intrigue. I need something that makes me want to turn the page.
Literary Agent
Hannah Sharpe @hannahdsharpe2
@C_H_Armstrong When would you consider a R&R rather than a rejection?I’ll usually consider an R&R if the premise appeals to me. The only time I wouldn’t is if I just wasn’t overly excited about the premise.
Literary Agent
Hannah Sharpe @hannahdsharpe2
@C_H_Armstrong What is your unicorn on your wishlist?Oh gosh. My unicorn…probably the contemporary romcom version of DREAMING by Jill Barnett. I sooo want one like it in contemp.
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Amanda Spell @StonesofMoss
@laurenspieller What are your top questions for querying authors to ask if they get "the call"?Ask about our editorial vision, our communion methods, and our plans for sub. Also ask to speak to clients. There are other good ones but this will get you going. #askagent
Literary Agent
D. Hawkins 🌈 @DHawkinsAuthor
@leonicka How many words should we shoot for in a query to you?I don’t really have a word count limit for queries but it shouldn’t take more than 3 - 4 paragraphs. About the book, where it fits in the market, about the author. #askagent #amquerying
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Because of this question, I updated my #AskAgent FAQ - so now the "encouragement" section is "encouragement / reality checks" :-) If you have a question about publishing, it may just be answered here:
literaticat.tumblr.com/post/620480199…