Thursday, November 19, 2015

Ask the Agent 11/23!

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I've posted so I thought I'd start with an "Ask the Agent" post!

On Monday 11/23, I will be accepting questions relating to what an Agent does, questions about the industry itself, questions about different genres, craft, the Author/Agent relationship, my agenting style, my agency, the querying process  etc.

Please do not use this space to ask me if I read or received your query. I have a page about my submissions policy on this blog and I also regularly update where I am with queries here as well (the column to the right on the main page).

Please also do not use this space as a place to pitch me!

Remember I am a children's agent so please keep your questions within the realm of children's books! Thanks :)

I will create a new post on Monday which will be open to your questions from 11 AM Eastern Time (ET) to 4 PM Eastern Time (ET) [8AM- 1PM Pacific Time (PT)].

I look forward to answering your questions!

-Christa

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18 comments:

  1. UnknownNovember 20, 2015 at 9:28 AM

    What makes a query letter stand out -- good or bad? What are you looking for in the query letter? Thanks.

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    1. Neverending StoriesNovember 23, 2015 at 2:27 PM

      I have an entire post about querying right here on my blog. Go to the top of the page and click on Agent Tips From Querying to Accepting an Offer.

      Delete
  2. UnknownNovember 20, 2015 at 9:28 AM

    What makes a query letter stand out -- good or bad? What are you looking for in the query letter? Thanks.

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  3. Vivian KirkfieldNovember 20, 2015 at 10:35 AM

    How lovely, Christa...I'll be sharing this post!

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  4. cantsingNovember 21, 2015 at 8:23 AM

    Is it OK for a 3rd person narrator to dip into being omniscient for a moment and reveal that one character "felt somehow new" after an interaction (That interaction is a midway step in for confidence-building that has been growing in that character and will continue to grow - through "showing"). The narrator is not dipping into the internal thoughts or ideas and thoughts of other characters, just this one. In this one spot. . . .

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    1. Neverending StoriesNovember 23, 2015 at 2:26 PM

      Hmm it's hard to say without seeing it! Sorry that's not more helpful. Is it necessary to change the narration though? Can you get this information across without doing that?

      Delete
  5. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 8:38 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 8:40 AM

    What trends are you seeing in queries at the moment, and what are some trends publishers are steering clear of because of current over-saturation and difficult marketability? Thanks!

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    1. Neverending StoriesNovember 23, 2015 at 2:25 PM

      Most agents and editors are steering clear of dystopian and paranormal. It's very difficult to sell right now. I'm seeing a lot of editors and agents looking for all types of middle grade, though YA certainly isn't going anywhere! Unique contemporary YA is highly sought after as are diverse books!

      Delete
    2. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 3:32 PM

      Thank you!

      Delete
  7. JEN GarrettNovember 23, 2015 at 9:21 AM

    Have you felt any "writerly jealousy" about a book or client another agent has picked up? Tell us about it.

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  8. Naomi HughesNovember 23, 2015 at 9:55 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. DanielaNovember 23, 2015 at 10:39 AM

    Hi Christa, Have you ever signed someone (or engaged them beyond their initial query) even if they didn't follow your submission guidelines perfectly or had a lackluster query, but the writing was great?

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    1. Neverending StoriesNovember 23, 2015 at 2:22 PM

      I can't think of a specific example of this off the top of my head, but the writing is the most important part for me. As long as the query is professional, not overly long, and gets the point across, and is in a genre I represent, I will make it to the writing and that's what I'd sign someone based on.

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  10. AnonymousNovember 23, 2015 at 12:50 PM

    I'm brand new to this world so this is extremely helpful to be able to ask these questions. Thank you! For author-illustrators, is it helpful to send a sketch dummy along with a picture book query or do agents want to evaluate the story first, then discuss illustration? If so, how much polish should the sketch dummy have? Just pencil sketches? Any color added?

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    1. Neverending StoriesNovember 23, 2015 at 2:20 PM

      For author illustrators I generally wouldn't advise sending a dummy and never ever send any originals of art or an original dummy. I find that many agents prefer to be queried with the text only and given a link to your website/portfolio so that they can get a feel for your artwork. Also, if you have scanning capabilities to send a dummy that's often preferred for requests, though I don't think a whole dummy is necessary. I think having a few sample illustrations ready is the way to go. Definitely one or two full colored illustrations can be helpful for agents to envision what the project could look like as a book. These are my preference and likely won't apply to all agents.

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  11. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 2:30 PM

    Ms. Heschke,

    I recently had a picture book critiqued by a group of Southern Breeze Members, along with Heather Montgomery of Scholastic. They had rave reviews and encouraged me to submit my work. However, before I do I want to ensure that my query letter stands out and is professional. Do you have any tips or advice that you would be willing to offer. As they said that what I was doing was of the highest interest and that it is not something that others are doing. Thank you for taking the time today to answer our questions. Have a beautifully blessed week. My husband is also and illustrator and you can see some of his work at www.theAtlantaIllustrator.com and my blog is LaTayWrites@blogspot.com

    Lesley Taylor

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    1. UnknownNovember 23, 2015 at 3:34 PM

      Thank you for the wonderful query information on your blog, upon searching I was able to find it :)

      Be Blessed,

      Lesley

      Any other advice you have would be a tremendous blessing.

      Delete

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