As a writer, I like seeing an agent's MSWL list because it help me choose who would be a better fit within that agency. The MS may not be a perfect fit, but you don't know unless you asked.
I just discovered this site. I'm impressed. The information is so helpful. I just wrote my first final draft of my book. Thank you for all your useful information.
Thank you so much for these videos! They are more than helpful, they have been indispensable to my education and future as a non-fiction novelist. Sending you guys all the gratitude feels!
I can’t believe the critical comments! I can’t get enough smiles and especially laughs - I love it here. It kept me and keeps me coming back before I started looking for an agent. I have a top 5 publisher waiting for agent representation for my ms. I don’t understand why agents aren’t interested... (got a consult to review query) I am interested in one of the BookEnds agents, but she’s closed. 😣🙂
When you request a full manuscript how long does it normally take (on average) to receive a response and if it's been awhile should the author send a follow up email or take no response as a no even after a full request
Hi there! Unfortunately, the time it takes is definitely very different for everyone, so an average won't be super informative or accurate. If they're requesting fulls, presumably they are pretty excited for it. If they haven't gotten back in several months, it definitely might be worth giving them a nudge and asking if they are still interested in it.
Some advice I've heard is that you could consider contacting the agent/agency if a different agency has expressed an interest in your work, as a kind of professional courtesy (without making it sound smug, of course)
That was fun to watch. And it was useful as well. I'm partial to chicken picture books too. I think chickens make hilarious characters because they are not considered cute, like bears or bunnies. I even wrote one picture book featuring a chicken and a frog. The editor I hired to edit it, liked it a lot but found the humour a little bit dark for a picture book. Since then I have written another picture book for adults. Since that is, like a totally new genre, I want to self-publish them either separately or as mini-anthology of 3 stories. I know one editor who likes chicken picture books as well and she doesn't mind dark humour so I may try with her too.
When you say blurb, what do you mean? Just your quick hook / pitch sentence? (It seems like one of those terms everyone is talking about something similar with slightly different language).
We think of the blurb as the description of your book in your query letter. We compare it most to the book's cover copy. You are correct though, the word can mean different things depending on how it's used.
1 - What, in your opinion, makes for a good blurb? To that effect, what are the most frequent failings of an otherwise-decent blurb? I mean, I've read the usual stuff -- too much backstory, not showing the stakes, etc. But I feel like every one of my attempts at a query blurb are failing at depicting my story because it simply doesn't condense to 150 words nicely, and I'm leaving (bad) questions behind borne out of confusion. 3 - How does a writer sell an agent on a book that isn't what's currently hot? I'm convinced there's a market for my writing, but I'm not writing YA and I'm not writing romance, so instantly I've got two strikes against me. And is it ever correct to explain in the query exactly why you think there *ought* to be a market for your work? 5 - How do you convey the voice of your narrative -- especially a speculative first-person story -- in a business letter? By the time you've distilled your writing down to the most essential parts, and decided how to present the parts of your novel that truly make it unique or alluring, it....no longer sounds like your novel. I mean, the content does, but the tone of the letter isn't your writing.
Hello! I have a question about when to label my manuscript as #OwnVoices. My contemporary YA features a homeless, obese, and schizophrenic Hispanic teenager. I'm plus-sized and Hispanic with a father who spent his life schizophrenic and homeless. Would that be considered #OwnVoices? My protagonist's ethnicity and size play a role in the manuscript but not nearly as much as her mental illness. Side note: When querying, would I use (#) or just say Own Voices? Thanks!
Ducks 🦆 and chickens 🐓?!! You folks make me laugh! But I like you! Where are you located? I’m working on my second book and I feel like I might need to reach out soon!
"So write it yourself. Don't let someone else write it." 😂 "Cause you love chickens." 😂 Ok, we need elaboration on this remark! Did you have a hand in Tracy's "Chicken Wants a Nap" then? Such a cute book!
@@BookEndsLiterary I just recieved my copy of Chicken Wants a Nap and am expecting Princesses Can Fix It to arrive soon! I'm very much looking forward to gifting them to my baby sister. Chicken Wants a Nap is a beautiful work and I imagine Princesses Can Fix It will be as well. 😊
I was just about to say this is the most depressing vid on you tube, but then I remembered that (I believe) in the US you don't send the first 50 pages with the query and synopsis, is this true? If true that would explain why first 50 isn't relevant as to whether they request full manuscript. If not true and UK agents would give the same list I am going to set fire to my bloody manuscript and pickle myself in chocolate liqueurs (hey, don't judge unless you've tried it).
If you edited out all the time spent on laughing, I could've watched the whole video before my battery went dead on my ipod. Some good info in between the laughing sequences.
Queried this agent, she only wanted 5 pages...which I didn't think was a reasonable demand. She did take the trouble to write me back a generic rejection letter.
Well, I did learn one thing from this video; Never break into the BookEnds studio. Good God, the growl of that dog is terrifying. And yes, yes, I know he's really a sweetheart*. He was probably just grumpy from missing his morning breakfast of the tortured souls of the damned. *Note: "He's really a sweetheart" is the third most common phrase heard by people right before they get their faces chewed off. Second is "He just really likes people," and first is "Sierra (or whatever is name of the nearest mountain range) heel!"
Sorry but you were looking at each other and laughing and I couldn't hear what you said. Maybe put the 10 reasons in a single sentence each below the video?
One reason I did not hear is good writing... or talent. There were definitely a lot of "edgy" reasons, genres and categories but no one talks about good writing or an ounce of originality any more. Maybe that's why so many books published these days are formulaic and boring to oblivion. Geniuses like Tolkien and Clarke, who basically reshaped the literary world with their originality, wouldn't dream of getting published in today's world. "Hey it's not a YA with a transgender, adopted black girl who's also a vampire"... today's publishing makes me sick. Can't wait for this sociopolitical BS trend to end so we could start focusing on actual talent. That would be fucking refreshing.
I think it should be a given that submitting your book for publication implies there is good writing and talent involved. If you’re not a good writer, your book obviously won’t get picked up. I think it would be almost silly for them to include something so blatantly obvious. If a story is truly amazing, it will stick with at least one agent who reads it. If not, maybe it’s time to go back to the drawing board, write a new novel, or wait until you are “ready” to write that book! I think it’s about persistence and timing as well.
Ten percent of the population is Gay or Lesbian, Around fifty percent are people of color. These percentages aren’t nearly reflected in books currently. Lots of catching up to do. Relax-plenty of white, cis people being published.
As a MAJOR Tolkien fan, I would read the black, transgender, adopted vampire story in a heartbeat. It sounds fun! But honestly, your point doesn’t mean much. There are many book that are revered classics that never would have been published in Tolkien’s day either. The Scarlet Letter, any Jane Austen book, Beowulf (Tolkien’s greatest inspiration), Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Moby Dick Any Shakespeare work, The Red Badge of Courage, Little Women, and more, would never have been published if they were written in the fourties’. The books reflect the times they were written in. That’s the way it’s always been. Lord of the Rings had a lot of social commentary too, it’s just the world has changed so it’s not as noticeable. In 80 years, your trans vampire idea won’t seem as sociopolitical either.
Your comment raises some interesting points about the current state of the publishing industry. It's true that the rise of self-publishing and various publishing models has greatly diversified the types of works available to readers. While this has undoubtedly opened doors for many authors, it has also led to a vast array of content with varying levels of craftsmanship. I do believe that amidst this diversity, the core elements of good writing and originality remain crucial. It's these elements that have historically set apart enduring works, like those of Tolkien and Clarke, who redefined genres with their unique visions and storytelling skills.
I've never had so much fun being educated! Love the way Jessica communicates with her hands and laughs through all the pertinent points she's making.
What a treat, to hear the POSITIVE side of the query process. Thank you for this!
totally agree!
I’ve been binge-watching this channel for a whole day help
As a writer, I like seeing an agent's MSWL list because it help me choose who would be a better fit within that agency. The MS may not be a perfect fit, but you don't know unless you asked.
Exactly! Take that shot.
I just discovered this site. I'm impressed. The information is so helpful. I just wrote my first final draft of my book. Thank you for all your useful information.
Straight forward and I liked the back and forth. I like how you deliver the information and love the laughter.
Thank you so much for these videos! They are more than helpful, they have been indispensable to my education and future as a non-fiction novelist. Sending you guys all the gratitude feels!
The 17 thumbs down on this video wrote alien cowboy romances
It makes me laugh when you both crack yourselves up :)
They seem to be enjoying themselves ....
I can’t believe the critical comments! I can’t get enough smiles and especially laughs - I love it here. It kept me and keeps me coming back before I started looking for an agent. I have a top 5 publisher waiting for agent representation for my ms. I don’t understand why agents aren’t interested... (got a consult to review query) I am interested in one of the BookEnds agents, but she’s closed. 😣🙂
Do you send any of that comfort candy with rejection letters? ;)
When you request a full manuscript how long does it normally take (on average) to receive a response and if it's been awhile should the author send a follow up email or take no response as a no even after a full request
Hi there! Unfortunately, the time it takes is definitely very different for everyone, so an average won't be super informative or accurate. If they're requesting fulls, presumably they are pretty excited for it. If they haven't gotten back in several months, it definitely might be worth giving them a nudge and asking if they are still interested in it.
Some advice I've heard is that you could consider contacting the agent/agency if a different agency has expressed an interest in your work, as a kind of professional courtesy (without making it sound smug, of course)
Alien cowboy romance? Sounds interesting!
Sounds like a sequel to the Cowboys vs Aliens movie!
@@k.n.fitzwater hahaha!
No No No lol
So much fun -- and great info. Thank you!
"Once you get one or two chicken books, you're not going to be hungry." Am I the only person that found this hysterical?
I'm over here with my fantasy mermaid book like 'Darn. It's not YA.' 😂
Have a female president mermaid who lives in a water white house.
Great insight into an agent's world.
This is great! But where dod I find agents who want to represent picture books for children? So many online just want YA
Yes, that's true. That's what I noticed too, but still, there are some who want picture books. That's all I write.
Literary market place may help
serious question: what is the etiquette for querying when you publish under a pen name (short stories). Do you use your real name or what?
You can query with your pen name. or you can query with something like: "James McGowan writing as J.M Martin" or what have you.
@@BookEndsLiterary OK, cool. Thanks for the prompt reply!
The dog barking was annoying but he sounds like a beautiful dog. Great video 4 Stars
That was fun to watch. And it was useful as well.
I'm partial to chicken picture books too. I think chickens make hilarious characters because they are not considered cute, like bears or bunnies. I even wrote one picture book featuring a chicken and a frog. The editor I hired to edit it, liked it a lot but found the humour a little bit dark for a picture book. Since then I have written another picture book for adults. Since that is, like a totally new genre, I want to self-publish them either separately or as mini-anthology of 3 stories. I know one editor who likes chicken picture books as well and she doesn't mind dark humour so I may try with her too.
MSWL - manuscript wish list.
I'd like to query my science-fiction saga of the three-legged chicken, but it's too damn fast, and none of the characters can ever catch it.
Thank you for these informative videos!
Glad you're finding them helpful!
What is an official referral?
Client referral, Editor/Publisher Referral, Referral from a colleague/other agent
Thanks for that!
When you say blurb, what do you mean? Just your quick hook / pitch sentence?
(It seems like one of those terms everyone is talking about something similar with slightly different language).
We think of the blurb as the description of your book in your query letter. We compare it most to the book's cover copy. You are correct though, the word can mean different things depending on how it's used.
@@BookEndsLiterary thank you!
Two thumbs way way up for the dog making it's presence known.
You had me at "WOOF! WOOF!"
What happens when I send a requested proposal. How long do I wait to hear from the agent?
Depends on the agent's submission guidelines, which you can find on their website! (Though sometimes, Agents fall behind, too.)
Nice light board! ;)
Wonder where we got it??
@@BookEndsLiterary I do :p
@@urorazbojnik5678 Ellery sent to us! Lol
1 - What, in your opinion, makes for a good blurb? To that effect, what are the most frequent failings of an otherwise-decent blurb? I mean, I've read the usual stuff -- too much backstory, not showing the stakes, etc. But I feel like every one of my attempts at a query blurb are failing at depicting my story because it simply doesn't condense to 150 words nicely, and I'm leaving (bad) questions behind borne out of confusion.
3 - How does a writer sell an agent on a book that isn't what's currently hot? I'm convinced there's a market for my writing, but I'm not writing YA and I'm not writing romance, so instantly I've got two strikes against me. And is it ever correct to explain in the query exactly why you think there *ought* to be a market for your work?
5 - How do you convey the voice of your narrative -- especially a speculative first-person story -- in a business letter? By the time you've distilled your writing down to the most essential parts, and decided how to present the parts of your novel that truly make it unique or alluring, it....no longer sounds like your novel. I mean, the content does, but the tone of the letter isn't your writing.
That's a lot of questions! We're going to put them in the hopper for possible videos.
I'm writing my first novel. Should I start looking for a publisher?
We suggest completing the manuscript, and beginning by looking for an agent. Check out our blog at www.bookendsliterary.com for more info on that!
I'd write at least 3. Then go back and fix your first. Then send a query or two.
I loved these videos!
"Makes me look more positive!" Hahaha, I was thinking the same thing.
Hello! I have a question about when to label my manuscript as #OwnVoices. My contemporary YA features a homeless, obese, and schizophrenic Hispanic teenager. I'm plus-sized and Hispanic with a father who spent his life schizophrenic and homeless. Would that be considered #OwnVoices? My protagonist's ethnicity and size play a role in the manuscript but not nearly as much as her mental illness. Side note: When querying, would I use (#) or just say Own Voices? Thanks!
I definitely think that would be labeled #ownvoices. And you can use the hashtag if you'd like! Good luck querying :)
Awesome! Thanks for answering :)
Hey! I can hear my wife at the beginning of the video. What’s she doing there?
bwahahhahahahaha
Not gonna lie... I'd be interested in an alien cowboy romance.
You guys crack me up.
Ducks 🦆 and chickens 🐓?!! You folks make me laugh! But I like you! Where are you located? I’m working on my second book and I feel like I might need to reach out soon!
Our offices are in NJ, but you can connect with us online!
BookEnds Literary Agency oh wonderful! I’m in New York! : )
Thanks so much! Added you to my contact list! Talk soon! : )
I'm loving the Wonder Woman cup.
"So write it yourself. Don't let someone else write it." 😂
"Cause you love chickens." 😂 Ok, we need elaboration on this remark! Did you have a hand in Tracy's "Chicken Wants a Nap" then? Such a cute book!
We did not but we LOVE Tracy's debut!
@@BookEndsLiterary I just recieved my copy of Chicken Wants a Nap and am expecting Princesses Can Fix It to arrive soon! I'm very much looking forward to gifting them to my baby sister. Chicken Wants a Nap is a beautiful work and I imagine Princesses Can Fix It will be as well. 😊
Good to know - skip the intro, get right to the blurb.
Dogs, chickens, and ducks. This is a happy place. :)
"We've heard from you." LOL
I was just about to say this is the most depressing vid on you tube, but then I remembered that (I believe) in the US you don't send the first 50 pages with the query and synopsis, is this true? If true that would explain why first 50 isn't relevant as to whether they request full manuscript. If not true and UK agents would give the same list I am going to set fire to my bloody manuscript and pickle myself in chocolate liqueurs (hey, don't judge unless you've tried it).
Lol, we do not send the first 50 pages with the query. Don't burn your MS! :)
If you edited out all the time spent on laughing, I could've watched the whole video before my battery went dead on my ipod. Some good info in between the laughing sequences.
Ok, but could you imagine how boring that would be?
BookEnds Literary Agency i watch tons of fascinating vids by intelligent interesting people who don’t sound like they’re about to lay an egg.
Dog heard a submission he really didn't like?
Queried this agent, she only wanted 5 pages...which I didn't think was a reasonable demand. She did take the trouble to write me back a generic rejection letter.
I think you can get a good impression of a writer’s style on the first page.
My God. What do you feed it, lawn furniture?
How did my dog get on your set? -Kent
Of course it would be the blurb--the second most discouraging part of writing. Jokes (sorta) aside, thanks, on the tip-side.
Uff. We know. But keep working on those-- get CP's just for your blurbs. Read a ton of blurbs on the back of bestselling books. You'll get it.
The lady's laugh ticks me off
Well, I did learn one thing from this video; Never break into the BookEnds studio. Good God, the growl of that dog is terrifying. And yes, yes, I know he's really a sweetheart*. He was probably just grumpy from missing his morning breakfast of the tortured souls of the damned.
*Note: "He's really a sweetheart" is the third most common phrase heard by people right before they get their faces chewed off. Second is "He just really likes people," and first is "Sierra (or whatever is name of the nearest mountain range) heel!"
Sounds like you guys have a reallt BIG kitty!
MSWL? Chicken books??
Sorry but you were looking at each other and laughing and I couldn't hear what you said. Maybe put the 10 reasons in a single sentence each below the video?
Why would you lay a single lapel mike on a table so far away from two people? We can't hear her.
We've changed our audio set-up to better support this. Thanks for your feedback.
M S W L?
Manuscript Wishlist
One reason I did not hear is good writing... or talent. There were definitely a lot of "edgy" reasons, genres and categories but no one talks about good writing or an ounce of originality any more. Maybe that's why so many books published these days are formulaic and boring to oblivion. Geniuses like Tolkien and Clarke, who basically reshaped the literary world with their originality, wouldn't dream of getting published in today's world. "Hey it's not a YA with a transgender, adopted black girl who's also a vampire"... today's publishing makes me sick. Can't wait for this sociopolitical BS trend to end so we could start focusing on actual talent. That would be fucking refreshing.
And remember, don't attempt to write that novel unless you're a YA transgender, adopted black girl...who's also a vampire.
I think it should be a given that submitting your book for publication implies there is good writing and talent involved. If you’re not a good writer, your book obviously won’t get picked up. I think it would be almost silly for them to include something so blatantly obvious. If a story is truly amazing, it will stick with at least one agent who reads it. If not, maybe it’s time to go back to the drawing board, write a new novel, or wait until you are “ready” to write that book! I think it’s about persistence and timing as well.
Ten percent of the population is Gay or Lesbian, Around fifty percent are people of color. These percentages aren’t nearly reflected in books currently. Lots of catching up to do. Relax-plenty of white, cis people being published.
As a MAJOR Tolkien fan, I would read the black, transgender, adopted vampire story in a heartbeat. It sounds fun!
But honestly, your point doesn’t mean much. There are many book that are revered classics that never would have been published in Tolkien’s day either. The Scarlet Letter, any Jane Austen book, Beowulf (Tolkien’s greatest inspiration), Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Moby Dick Any Shakespeare work, The Red Badge of Courage, Little Women, and more, would never have been published if they were written in the fourties’. The books reflect the times they were written in. That’s the way it’s always been.
Lord of the Rings had a lot of social commentary too, it’s just the world has changed so it’s not as noticeable. In 80 years, your trans vampire idea won’t seem as sociopolitical either.
Your comment raises some interesting points about the current state of the publishing industry. It's true that the rise of self-publishing and various publishing models has greatly diversified the types of works available to readers. While this has undoubtedly opened doors for many authors, it has also led to a vast array of content with varying levels of craftsmanship.
I do believe that amidst this diversity, the core elements of good writing and originality remain crucial. It's these elements that have historically set apart enduring works, like those of Tolkien and Clarke, who redefined genres with their unique visions and storytelling skills.
It's really not that funny, folks.
Hungry to fill a hole