My YA MC starts at age 13 in Chapter 1. By Chapter 6 she has turned 16. I’ve been asked repeatedly by agents if it’s necessary to have her at ages 13-15 and why not just start her at 16. I wanted to contrast the MC’s naivety in the earlier years versus the point of no return at 16 in which she has no choice but to take leadership actions. I myself have become weary of the “immediately a badass” type of characters, thus the structure. In your opinion, not worth it for me to stay firm on this and is this a losing battle on my part to fight for this type of structure?
Maybe start at sixteen and show the naivety through memories. Or, though some people hate it, just simply do a prologue of something that changed her into who she is today (at sixteen).
jenniferchen0
3 years ago
When you get a R&R from an agent, what do you think are the next best steps to take as a writer?
Thank you so much for being a part of this conference and providing your insight!
In terms of trends, are there specific genres/story types/etc. that seem to be on rise and on the decline at this time? Thanks!
Michelle
3 years ago
What can you learn from agents asking for fulls and partials, with a response they really like it but another client’s work is similar to your own? When every agent on the list is queried, is the only solution to put your work aside?
Thanks!
Leeann
3 years ago
Hi,
If an agent rejects one story, is it OK to send a different one? If so, how long should the writer wait? I am a PB writer who has more than one manuscript, and not all of the work is similar in content or tone. Thanks, Leeann
Jasmine
3 years ago
What do you (and other agents) look for when you read the first 5-10 pages of a MS that are typically included in the query? (If the book gets off to a slow start, is it advised to change the opening scene? Or are you looking more for a general feel of writing style, tone, etc.?)
Thank you!
I’m previously published with a regional publisher and am released from any future contract/publication with them. I’m now querying agents. Should I bring this up in queries? If so, how?
After receiving an R&R, I want to make sure everything is perfect before sending back. But, would you say that there is a time frame that would be too long to wait to send back to the agent?
Kristy
3 years ago
Is there anything that you’re sick of seeing? Is there any genre that’s out right now?
I’ve heard it said that characters should be defined by who they are, not just by their limitations, especially when it comes to disabilities or illnesses. How do I pitch a novel to an agent without making a mental illness sound like a mere plot devise?
Michelle
3 years ago
What if your MS could be either YA or adult, are you able to query agents who only represent one age category, or someone who does both?
Thanks
Thank you so much for hosting this AMA! A few questions:
– During “the call”, what kind of editorial notes should agents provide? I’ve heard that most agents won’t provide details of edits until the writer signs?
– During “the call”, is it ok to ask “How many clients do you have?”
– For “the call”, is it ok to ask about the agent’s process for submitting to editors (ex: how many editors they submit to before moving on to a new project)?
Suzi
3 years ago
What was the longest you’ve ever had a book on submission to editors before it sold? At what point do you decide you’ve done what you can and stop submitting?
I know agents don’t appreciate it when a query letter clearly isn’t intended for them. However due to the chances of rejection wouldn’t you recommend we query several agents at a time? If so, how you advise doing so with respect and efficiency?
Heather
3 years ago
What is your current wish list?
Shanice
3 years ago
Hello. Growing up I’ve loved reading dystopian fiction. But, I never saw someone who looked like me, a black woman. So, I am trying to write that book now. A dystopian book about a black girl who has to dismantle systemic racism. With that said, it is becoming very timely, with Trump in office. So, how do I pitch it if Trump is impeached or after his term runs out versus now, in the time of Trump?
Thanks for your advice!
Michelle
3 years ago
When you read and like sample pages, but feels it isn’t for you, do you always invite people to query something else?
Thanks
Rachel
3 years ago
What are some things you see in queries that immediately turn you away from a story? What aspects of queries tend to grab your attention?
Could you discuss the transition from getting an agent to getting a publishing deal? Difficulties, statistics, etc.
Karyne
3 years ago
If I’m querying a YA novel but writing an Adult novel, should I only query agents that represent both? Or still query agents that specifically represent YA?
Hello,
I just watched a Q&A about the benefits of self-publishing, but I still lean towards traditional publishing. From your view, how strong is the future of traditional print publishing? Do you focus on those pubs more than digital publishing or less?
Michelle
3 years ago
You’ve polished your MS, and it’s gone through critique partners to the stage where agents really like it, but don’t love it. How can you “fix” what’s not working if you can’t afford a freelance editor?
Cheers
Hi Uwe! Thanks for taking time out of your day to answer our questions.
I parted with my agent amicably in December and I’m back in the query trenches. How do I approach this with other agents? Do I put it in my query, or save the conversation for requests? My project was only sent out to three imprints; is that considered shopped, or could it still be viable? Do I mention the imprints that passed were interested in seeing my other projects in the future, or is this too much?
If a manuscript has a planned sequel should the second book be mentioned in the query? Are continuing novels/series more likely to be sold to pubs?
Rektok
3 years ago
What is the absolute limit on word count for a YA contemporary thriller (meaning if it is x amount of words you will NOT consider requesting no matter how much you like the query)? Thanks!!!
neicolec
3 years ago
Thanks for doing this. It’s great to see you live after following you for so long on Twitter.
There was a recent discussion on Twitter about YA with college-age protagonists. Given that NA seems to have devolved into purely romance, do you see any interest among publishers in YA with 18-20 year old protagonists?
Hannah Heath
3 years ago
Is it acceptable for authors to start querying for a book that is still going through developmental editing/rewrites? If yes, should they mention that the book is still a rough(ish) draft in their query letter?
Kim
3 years ago
What do you think of a writer withdrawing a query? I mean a retraction because a writer has received a few personalized agent rejections and wants to revise the manuscript before you’ve had a chance to read it. Would this deter you when the query is sent to you again?
Kim Lewington
3 years ago
If I have a manuscript that fits with your MSWL, should I include MSWL in the RE line when I send my query?
Jackie
3 years ago
I’m an expat Brit living in the US. My upper MG book is set in the UK. Should I look for an agent in the US or in the UK?
I want it to be entertaining to US audience as well as UK — so I have an American character as well as a Scot and an Indian boy.
Thanks, Uwe, for participating here!
Jackie Pascoe
Amy
3 years ago
Are there any trends you’ve seen too much of in your inbox recently? Is there anything you’re looking for that aren’t seeing enough of?
Barbara
3 years ago
What exactly does a strong voice mean? Or more to the point, was does lack of voice mean? Thanks very much.
Kathy
3 years ago
I’ve written a music-related early reader series. I have a pilot manuscript (5300 words) plus outlines/characters/plots for the rest. Would you please discuss this genre? Thank you.
I am told to aim for the 8-12 year old crowd for a MG novel, with the protagonist toward the upper age range. My protagonist is aged 10, but I could fairly easily up that age if it would help the marketability.
Dayna Dunbar
3 years ago
Hi Uwe,
I have a dual POV YA speculative adventure that has parallel story lines on Earth and another planet which eventually merge. Despite lots of input from some great editors, I’m having a very hard time getting a blurb on both storylines into a short enough synopsis for a tight query. How important is it to talk about the dual POV in the query? Can I focus on just one character on one of the planet’s (which is more of the driver to the plot) and let the agent find out it’s dual POV once (and if) they request the first ten pages?
Juliet
3 years ago
What factors make you stop reading after you’ve requested a full?
slipshaw
3 years ago
Is there any market for nonfiction picture books that the vocabulary, due to the desire to connect it to common core is geared more for third to fifth graders? Or is that more appropriate for the school library market?
My YA MC starts at age 13 in Chapter 1. By Chapter 6 she has turned 16. I’ve been asked by agents why not just start her at 16. I wanted to contrast the MC’s naivety in the earlier years versus the point of no return at 16 in which she has no choice but to take leadership actions. I myself have become weary of the “immediately a badass” type of characters, thus the structure. In your opinion, not worth it for me to stay firm on this and is this a losing battle on my part to fight for this type of structure?
Kim Lewington
3 years ago
Thank you for your time, Uwe.
Stephanie
3 years ago
Hi Uwe, what is the most common mistake/pitfall that you see in revisions that writers submit to you?
Thank you!
Hannah
3 years ago
If someone already has a book self-published, does that change or help your process of deciding if you will accept their submission?
Janine
3 years ago
Will a YA SFF book without a romantic subplot be harder to sell than a similar book with a romantic plot line? I generally write without a romantic plot line and focus more on friendship and family ties.
Nancy Rimar
3 years ago
I have six submission-ready picture books manuscripts. I have sent three manuscripts to many different agents (37 so far), one at a time over a year, and they’ve been rejected. Is it feasible to send these agents one of my other manuscripts, or should I just move on? Really don’t know what to do right now.
My YA MC starts at age 13 in Chapter 1. By Chapter 6 she has turned 16. I’ve been asked repeatedly by agents if it’s necessary to have her at ages 13-15 and why not just start her at 16. I wanted to contrast the MC’s naivety in the earlier years versus the point of no return at 16 in which she has no choice but to take leadership actions. I myself have become weary of the “immediately a badass” type of characters, thus the structure. In your opinion, not worth it for me to stay firm on this and is this a losing battle on my part to fight for this type of structure?
Maybe start at sixteen and show the naivety through memories. Or, though some people hate it, just simply do a prologue of something that changed her into who she is today (at sixteen).
When you get a R&R from an agent, what do you think are the next best steps to take as a writer?
Thank you so much for being a part of this conference and providing your insight!
In terms of trends, are there specific genres/story types/etc. that seem to be on rise and on the decline at this time? Thanks!
What can you learn from agents asking for fulls and partials, with a response they really like it but another client’s work is similar to your own? When every agent on the list is queried, is the only solution to put your work aside?
Thanks!
Hi,
If an agent rejects one story, is it OK to send a different one? If so, how long should the writer wait? I am a PB writer who has more than one manuscript, and not all of the work is similar in content or tone. Thanks, Leeann
What do you (and other agents) look for when you read the first 5-10 pages of a MS that are typically included in the query? (If the book gets off to a slow start, is it advised to change the opening scene? Or are you looking more for a general feel of writing style, tone, etc.?)
Thank you!
I’m previously published with a regional publisher and am released from any future contract/publication with them. I’m now querying agents. Should I bring this up in queries? If so, how?
After receiving an R&R, I want to make sure everything is perfect before sending back. But, would you say that there is a time frame that would be too long to wait to send back to the agent?
Is there anything that you’re sick of seeing? Is there any genre that’s out right now?
Thank you for being a part of this Q&A!
I’ve heard it said that characters should be defined by who they are, not just by their limitations, especially when it comes to disabilities or illnesses. How do I pitch a novel to an agent without making a mental illness sound like a mere plot devise?
What if your MS could be either YA or adult, are you able to query agents who only represent one age category, or someone who does both?
Thanks
Thank you so much for hosting this AMA! A few questions:
– During “the call”, what kind of editorial notes should agents provide? I’ve heard that most agents won’t provide details of edits until the writer signs?
– During “the call”, is it ok to ask “How many clients do you have?”
– For “the call”, is it ok to ask about the agent’s process for submitting to editors (ex: how many editors they submit to before moving on to a new project)?
What was the longest you’ve ever had a book on submission to editors before it sold? At what point do you decide you’ve done what you can and stop submitting?
Thanks for sharing your expertise with us!
I know agents don’t appreciate it when a query letter clearly isn’t intended for them. However due to the chances of rejection wouldn’t you recommend we query several agents at a time? If so, how you advise doing so with respect and efficiency?
What is your current wish list?
Hello. Growing up I’ve loved reading dystopian fiction. But, I never saw someone who looked like me, a black woman. So, I am trying to write that book now. A dystopian book about a black girl who has to dismantle systemic racism. With that said, it is becoming very timely, with Trump in office. So, how do I pitch it if Trump is impeached or after his term runs out versus now, in the time of Trump?
Thanks for your advice!
When you read and like sample pages, but feels it isn’t for you, do you always invite people to query something else?
Thanks
What are some things you see in queries that immediately turn you away from a story? What aspects of queries tend to grab your attention?
Could you discuss the transition from getting an agent to getting a publishing deal? Difficulties, statistics, etc.
If I’m querying a YA novel but writing an Adult novel, should I only query agents that represent both? Or still query agents that specifically represent YA?
Hello,
I just watched a Q&A about the benefits of self-publishing, but I still lean towards traditional publishing. From your view, how strong is the future of traditional print publishing? Do you focus on those pubs more than digital publishing or less?
You’ve polished your MS, and it’s gone through critique partners to the stage where agents really like it, but don’t love it. How can you “fix” what’s not working if you can’t afford a freelance editor?
Cheers
What is your submission wish list?
what is the best way to structure your query when you have multiple POVs?
YOU GUYS ARE LIVE!!!
My question was first and was skipped. Is there a chance I’m doing something wrong and it’s not showing? Thanks.
In your opinion, what are the essential elements that should be in the first paragraph of a query?
Do agents find it hard to work with authors who aren’t easily branded and want to work in multiple genres?
Hi! What things do you recommend authors consider when choosing agents to query first or when they get the call?
As an agent, what stands out to you the most in what you would consider to be an outstanding query letter?
Hi Uwe! Thanks for taking time out of your day to answer our questions.
I parted with my agent amicably in December and I’m back in the query trenches. How do I approach this with other agents? Do I put it in my query, or save the conversation for requests? My project was only sent out to three imprints; is that considered shopped, or could it still be viable? Do I mention the imprints that passed were interested in seeing my other projects in the future, or is this too much?
Thank you!
If a manuscript has a planned sequel should the second book be mentioned in the query? Are continuing novels/series more likely to be sold to pubs?
What is the absolute limit on word count for a YA contemporary thriller (meaning if it is x amount of words you will NOT consider requesting no matter how much you like the query)? Thanks!!!
Thanks for doing this. It’s great to see you live after following you for so long on Twitter.
There was a recent discussion on Twitter about YA with college-age protagonists. Given that NA seems to have devolved into purely romance, do you see any interest among publishers in YA with 18-20 year old protagonists?
Is it acceptable for authors to start querying for a book that is still going through developmental editing/rewrites? If yes, should they mention that the book is still a rough(ish) draft in their query letter?
What do you think of a writer withdrawing a query? I mean a retraction because a writer has received a few personalized agent rejections and wants to revise the manuscript before you’ve had a chance to read it. Would this deter you when the query is sent to you again?
If I have a manuscript that fits with your MSWL, should I include MSWL in the RE line when I send my query?
I’m an expat Brit living in the US. My upper MG book is set in the UK. Should I look for an agent in the US or in the UK?
I want it to be entertaining to US audience as well as UK — so I have an American character as well as a Scot and an Indian boy.
Thanks, Uwe, for participating here!
Jackie Pascoe
Are there any trends you’ve seen too much of in your inbox recently? Is there anything you’re looking for that aren’t seeing enough of?
What exactly does a strong voice mean? Or more to the point, was does lack of voice mean? Thanks very much.
I’ve written a music-related early reader series. I have a pilot manuscript (5300 words) plus outlines/characters/plots for the rest. Would you please discuss this genre? Thank you.
I am told to aim for the 8-12 year old crowd for a MG novel, with the protagonist toward the upper age range. My protagonist is aged 10, but I could fairly easily up that age if it would help the marketability.
Hi Uwe,
I have a dual POV YA speculative adventure that has parallel story lines on Earth and another planet which eventually merge. Despite lots of input from some great editors, I’m having a very hard time getting a blurb on both storylines into a short enough synopsis for a tight query. How important is it to talk about the dual POV in the query? Can I focus on just one character on one of the planet’s (which is more of the driver to the plot) and let the agent find out it’s dual POV once (and if) they request the first ten pages?
What factors make you stop reading after you’ve requested a full?
Is there any market for nonfiction picture books that the vocabulary, due to the desire to connect it to common core is geared more for third to fifth graders? Or is that more appropriate for the school library market?
Sorry, narrative non fiction.
My YA MC starts at age 13 in Chapter 1. By Chapter 6 she has turned 16. I’ve been asked by agents why not just start her at 16. I wanted to contrast the MC’s naivety in the earlier years versus the point of no return at 16 in which she has no choice but to take leadership actions. I myself have become weary of the “immediately a badass” type of characters, thus the structure. In your opinion, not worth it for me to stay firm on this and is this a losing battle on my part to fight for this type of structure?
Thank you for your time, Uwe.
Hi Uwe, what is the most common mistake/pitfall that you see in revisions that writers submit to you?
Thank you!
If someone already has a book self-published, does that change or help your process of deciding if you will accept their submission?
Will a YA SFF book without a romantic subplot be harder to sell than a similar book with a romantic plot line? I generally write without a romantic plot line and focus more on friendship and family ties.
I have six submission-ready picture books manuscripts. I have sent three manuscripts to many different agents (37 so far), one at a time over a year, and they’ve been rejected. Is it feasible to send these agents one of my other manuscripts, or should I just move on? Really don’t know what to do right now.