Literary agents

The tightening of publishers' purse strings in response to the economic fallout of Covid-19 has added a new wrinkle to an age-old dilemma for agents: when is the best time to submit their clients' new manuscripts?

I received an offer of representation for my young adult novel. When I notified the other agents who had the full manuscript that I was withdrawing from consideration, I got an additional five offers! What would you advise I ask of the offering agents in this situation?

Sincerely,

Full Dance Card

We've all been there. We send a piece of ourselves out into the world and then wait to see what happens. And we try not to take it personally. But unless you've written a manual about the proper application of an electronic device, there's a part of you in your work and you want to see it do well. It's the literary equivalent of writing a note that says, "Do you like me?  Read more

Don't you wish someone could tell you how close you are to getting traditionally published? Don't you wish someone could say, "If you just keep at it for three more years, you're certain to make it!"  Read more

Earlier this year, the book publishing world was rocked by stories of unethical behavior by literary agents. On the one hand, this news was disheartening to hear. On the other hand, it opened up a candid discussion on social media about how different agents communicate with their clients and approach the submissions process.  Read more