Literary Agent
Jon Smith @jonsmith_author
@kcornett_agent What's your take on using prologues? - there seem to be some very strong opinions about the topic (prologue as in a 'cold open' rather than a fifty page info-dump back-story)Yes, I’ve seen a lot of chatter lately about prologues. As I see it, if it’s not setting a scene, framing the narrative, or hooking me in some way that drives the story forward, then I’d suggest nixing it. But, as always, other agents might feel differently! 😬
Literary Agent
steph is querying TSOIT ❤️🔥 🇧🇷 @ryanthisisurgf
@kcornett_agent What’re your recommendations on starting a career as a lit agent? Mentorships, internships, etc (:Def apply for internships! Most agencies now offer in-person + remote. You’d have a really good start if you were able to land two internships 👍🏼 Make as many connections as you can and ALWAYS send hand-written thank you cards to anyone who has helped you in your journey!
Literary Agent
Judy Wise @judywiseauthor
@kcornett_agent Hi Kay! I'd like to ask what are your top reasons for being turned off a pitch, please?I think a few things that definitely turn me off from a pitch are misspellings, lack of punctuation, and no clear idea of what the book is about 😬 lol
Literary Agent
Tatjana Kuljača #AmQuering @KuljacaTatjana
@kcornett_agent Do non-native English authors have a chance with literary agents? I have translated and edited manuscript for the first book of my MG series (3 books by now).I personally don’t have experience working w/ translations, as I’m just building my list, but I would be open to considering. So, if you have an agent in mind, I’d reach out and inquire what their stance is on translations, if it’s not mentioned in their submission guidelines.
Literary Agent
I'm too pretty for this @theashthompson
@kcornett_agent If you didn’t like someone’s last manuscript or concept enough to request, but end up signing on another project, would you then check out the one you passed on before?Likely, yes. If I pass on a MS, I always invite writers to reach out again if they have new work b/c there’s always a chance this could happen, esp if the new MS is in a different genre or narrative style/POV.
Literary Agent
Adina Glickman @adinaglickman
@kcornett_agent Re: comps in queries. Thoughts on citing classics?I can’t speak for other agents, but I’m OK with citing at least one classic, as I’ll likely be able to relate to it quite easily. And since the comp will speak for itself, I’ll also have a much better idea about the vision you have for your MS.
Literary Agent
Kathleen @Halifax_Kat
@kcornett_agent What makes a pitch stand out during pitch days? Do agents scroll through all pitches or look at the Top Tweets? Thanks 😀As for what makes a pitch stand out, that’s hard to say! Sometimes mood boards help me b/c I’m very visual. But I love a good hook that quickly sets the scene, presents a problem, and leaves me wondering if the main character prevails in the end!
Literary Agent
Sarah Floyd @kidlitSarah
@UweStenderPhD I’m planning a new MG novel with a fantasy element that is also used in a well known movie (characters get shrunk, like Honey I Shrunk the Kids). The plot and shrinking apparatus are completely different…is there a copyright issue here? Thanks!Having a plotline re "shrinking characters" in and by itself is not an infringement. But there are details and circumstances that make this a question I cannot answer in this format.
Literary Agent
David Neuner @david_neuner
@UweStenderPhD Thank you for taking the time tonight! I am currently querying a MS and have another that is ready to query. Is it okay to query 2 MS at the same time as long as I don't sub to agents/agencies where I have an open query? What is the protocol if I receive an offer for either one?That's a great, yet tough, question. If I queried, I would query one project, and if I were to get multiple offers, then I would discuss with the offering agent if the other project would work for the agency or not and go from there.
Literary Agent
Brandy meinhardt @MeinhardtBrandy
@UweStenderPhD I recently read that editors are becoming less interested in YA contemporary (for sales reasons). Is this true? Especially for mental health/Neuro divergent?There appears to be a hesitation in acquiring in general, incl. YA contemporary. BUT I, personally, still think that great projects can, and will, find a path to publication.
Literary Agent
River Knight (Queen of all Thedas) @byRiverKnight
@annmrose Which is more attractive to an agent - a writer who has never published anything? A writer who has published a few things in VERY different contexts (academic and fiction)? A writer who has published a LOT but always the same types of places? Hope this makes sense hahaWhat’s most attractive is a really good story. ❤️
Literary Agent
Alec @alecwriter120
@annmrose Like if you like the characters and plot enough, how do I get to the point I can get notes?Critque groups and partners are a great way to seek out early feedback on things. Likely it means swapping, so you provide them feedback and they provide you feedback.
Literary Agent
Alec @alecwriter120
@annmrose How good does the first draft need to be? I think my first draft is a mess...It needs to be as good as it needs to be for you to be able to work on it ❤️
There’s no right or wrong process in writing a book. Just my tip is —don’t query a first draft 😉 but you likely know that ❤️
Literary Agent
Laura Anne Harris @lauraanneharri1
@annmrose I'm working on several picture books that complement my husband's work as a speech therapist. Is that worth including in my cover letter to an agent? Or simply talk about the overall audience of my books? Thank you!PBs aren’t my expertise but I would think it would be worth mentioning it could be helpful to these readers would be good
Literary Agent
Jen Riggs Querying!! @Riggsywrites
@annmrose White auth of tween black,biracial & white/fiery red head MC's! Cast is diverse no racial undertones. My children are biracial & want a book full of diversity for them. Best way to #? Do i specify race in query? I want to be respectful & more books w/ strong POC characters &girlsLikely the question of authenticity will come up so it’s likely best to address it head on
Literary Agent
Matt Schueller @MattSchueller
@annmrose Question on film comps - I've seen a lot of MSWL's discuss Glass Onion specifically. Is it a red flag to specifically comp something that is so popular and ubiquitous?I mean it can be like setting the bar really high for yourself so I think it’s about the execution
There’s a difference between - this will be as popular as Glass Onion and this has the mystery elements of Glass Onion 😉
Literary Agent
Literary Agent
Dor Atkinson is querying! @AtkinsonDor
@annmrose Is it worthwhile to query agents who requested a full MS years ago if you've made major revisions / overhauled your MS? Or is it better to focus on new agents? Thanks!If they passed on the full and you’ve made changes, reaching out with — I’ve made significant changes would you be interested in taking a look - I think is okay. Just be up front about it.
Literary Agent
Siobhan Kellar @StellarSKellar
@annmrose If an agents query procedure requests “10 pages”, does this mean 10 double-spaced?Pages are always double spaced, yes
Literary Agent
Angandeep Chatterjee @angandeep
@annmrose How does an agent feel for pitches outside of US and UK? Ex: I am from India with a story on a US protagonist and all settings in US. I visit Kansas sometimes but basically settled in India. Can I pitch and hope to get published in US or UK after correct editing done?Yes. I have a client in Australia, and I’ve spoken with authors in a number of different countries. Location of an author doesn’t really matter