Writing has been my passion since I was in high school. I have been writing professionally since 2015. I have found the videos to be very informative and helpful.
I love that these agents are not condescending. So many agencies online pack their instructions with patronising notes, or clutter their discussions online about how dilettantish everyone queries them. Does not inspire me to trust them with my life's work.
Great talk! Question: I queried about 18 months ago and was rejected. I have spent the last eighteen months COMPLETELY re-writing the story. May I re-submit? Or, is it one and done?
First time I’ve come across you guys but loving the content. Thank you and I look forward to your future posts as well as sifting through the older ones :) Kia
That was my question I posed a couple of months ago. Thanks for clearing it up, or rather, reassuring me that my query efforts are not in vain, vs. the face-to-face pitch. I don't go to conferences for many reasons, so I hope the next book I query to you this coming summer will result in you requesting more chapters. :)
I queried another agent on your team recently. I'm doing it all from my phone because, blindness, it's easier for me to see the screen. The query manager platform is a bit of a challenge, and I always have to fix the sample pages because it gets rid of all the paragraph divisions for some weird reason. I hope this won't be a turn off. Wish me luck, 'cause I'm gonna need it.
Thank you both, that was very helpful: especially your advice to also pitch directly to quality publishers that don't require agent's. I did exactly that, and luckily I got signed by the first publisher I queried to....... currently my debut book is in the production line. It's a none fiction book. What are dos and don'ts that an author can do in the meantime, while waiting, in order to maintain momentum, as well as create a buzz for an upcoming book?😊
Oh, by the way, don't worry: I take this song as the absolute opposite of a good query example! In fact I find it kind of interesting that this perfect example of the wrong way to query was written so long ago, in the "over-the-transom" days!
Could querying (plus simply sending sample pages of your work) strictly by E-mail be especially helpful if, say, you DON'T live in any major outlets like New York, Boston, L.A., etc.,? In addition, are there other equally convenient and effective tools (especially if you're not into Twitter or query-events like you said) along with E-mail you could use as well that will do the job correctly? Would you please let me know?
Hey so I sent James a query yesterday evening. Bookends was one of the first agencies I wished to query with, because I’m a fan of your RUclips channel. Anyway though my manuscript has been edited a couple of times I noticed there were a few minor errors in the first 5 page excerpt I sent in. I’ve since corrected the mistakes and though menial I’m now nervous. Can I resend those few pages or is it too late??
I don't have a website because currently, I am unpublished. Would it be better to get one even if I have no books to promote or sell? And what should I include in my website? I noticed on query forms, the agents always ask about websites. I intend to have one, but thought I would need to be promoting a book first. Any info would be really appreciated. Thanks.
I’m a Christian self help author. I have two books finished. Part 1 identify yourself- leads to in debt part 2 pealing back the layers of personal issues. Who should I send my synopsis to?
Do you automatically turn away from a pitch when it's an Indie author? I have two books of a trilogy published and I couldn't be more disheartened with this business. Those of us who can write a book, but have no skills on social media - or the computer for that fact - find themselves in an empty, dark room. My brain shuts down trying to absorb everything needed to query an agent. It's so overwhelming!
We have a couple of authors who originally self-pubbed and are now represented and/or getting traditionally published! One thing Jessica has said about social media is that fiction authors don't really need a social media platform, as long as they have a website that agents can look at when they're interested, so that they know you're real.
Some agencies do allow international queries. The thing is if an agent loves your book no matter where you live they will want you and your book. Good luck
A modern question: Would it be worth mentioning to an agent that your short stories and other relevant content frequently goes viral on social media? I know this isn't quite the same as having a large and constant platform, but some of us have a small group of engaged followers that circulate our work much better than people who've acquired large follower counts but only get a few likes/shares.
An agent (not from your agency) asked me for a partial and I sent it right away. I was so excited! Then...nothing. I nudged and still nothing. I guess it's good for me to know now rather than later. Sigh...back to the query submittals.
Y'all should do a pitch request on SavvyAuthors.com one time. It's easy for agents and writers to communicate and you don't have to be on there all the time. It's a three day event. I got an agent request from there.
From my experience, the best way to get a literary agent is be a famous author....like, Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, or George R.R. Martin, famous. Not jaded, just being realistic. Agents receive hundreds of unsolicited queries from unpublished authors every day. So, chances are, your work did not get an honest read. They glanced at your submission, made a knee jerk decision and moved on to the next query in the slush pile. It is the nature of the business. You just have to keep trying. Research, query, research, query. Wash, rinse, repeat. It is the only way.
We've signed nearly 100 new clients in 2019. None famous writers of the Stephen King, JK Rowling ilk. Most found through us spending time reading our queries and submissions. We'll have to respectfully disagree with this statement. Thanks for watching the videos!
@@BookEndsLiterary I appreciate your response, and I am certain your words are true. However, for every unknown author you signed, I am certain you passed over hundreds. This is not a condemnation, it is just a reality of the business, you can't accept them all. My point was simply, as an unknown author, realize you will most likely send out many queries, and receive many rejection letters, before you receive a 'yes' from an agent, or a publisher. I am agreeing with you, queries are the best way, I am just pointing out it will take more than one. Dedication and perseverance are the unknown author's best allies in achieving success.
@@BarkingCur true. I am sending direct to publishers. If i have success, I might get an agent after a few books are out. I also self-published one book, and will try a few others.
@@ClintLoweTube I am considering the self publish route as well, but I know it comes with its own set of perils. Best of luck to you! I hope you find a publisher soon!
I think we sometimes forget that famous authors were once unknowns. They also submitted and got rejected multiple times until someone finally gave them a chance and the rest is history. As you say, you have to keep trying. You don't have to be famous to get an agent. You just have to be persistent.
I've recently finished a manuscript for a young adult novel and am working on a query. When I write, I listen to random ost's and the music is what helps me create the scene as I write it. When we query and send a few page samples, would any of you guys be open to an unconventional approach of a musical readout (audio book style) to accompany the sample pages?- Thought I'd ask and just get an honest answer. Ty :)
Each BookEnds agent receives, reads, and responds to every query sent via QueryManager personally. Most queries (to most agents) receive form letter responses primarily for the sake of time. Sorry to hear you won't query again. Good luck to you.
I also queried you: I submitted my Children's Picture Book to you a couple of months ago but haven't heard back. I now have additional data from over 100 children independently surveyed showing that our book is liked by children more than Elf on the Shelf. This data can be found on my website: bestsellingpicturebook.com I would really appreciate a response. Thanks
You queried James with a picture book? He's responded to everything through this week. When you queried, was it through QueryManager? And did you receive a confirmation link?
I queried you guys. Got a nope. Writing another story. Hopefully a yep.
Try the book with 100 other agents, and there is a number of quality publishers that don't require an agent.
Writing has been my passion since I was in high school. I have been writing professionally since 2015. I have found the videos to be very informative and helpful.
As have I
I love that these agents are not condescending. So many agencies online pack their instructions with patronising notes, or clutter their discussions online about how dilettantish everyone queries them. Does not inspire me to trust them with my life's work.
Awesome news and as usual great video and great blog posts. You sure keep yourselves busy.
I truly am so grateful for how informative your videos are! Thanks!
Great page! I have 3 books published and I was contacted by The Robinson’s agency! I’m soo excited, I will subscribe to your channel.
Great talk! Question: I queried about 18 months ago and was rejected. I have spent the last eighteen months COMPLETELY re-writing the story. May I re-submit? Or, is it one and done?
Thanks! And absolutely resubmit.
First time I’ve come across you guys but loving the content. Thank you and I look forward to your future posts as well as sifting through the older ones :) Kia
So happy to hear that! Thanks for watching
Very heartening advice! Thank you.
That was my question I posed a couple of months ago. Thanks for clearing it up, or rather, reassuring me that my query efforts are not in vain, vs. the face-to-face pitch. I don't go to conferences for many reasons, so I hope the next book I query to you this coming summer will result in you requesting more chapters. :)
Happy to help!
Very illuminating Thanks!
Excellent advice, and very heartening. Thank you!
Useful and interesting. Thanks.
I queried another agent on your team recently. I'm doing it all from my phone because, blindness, it's easier for me to see the screen.
The query manager platform is a bit of a challenge, and I always have to fix the sample pages because it gets rid of all the paragraph divisions for some weird reason. I hope this won't be a turn off.
Wish me luck, 'cause I'm gonna need it.
Good luck!!
@@BookEndsLiterary thank you :)
Thank you both, that was very helpful: especially your advice to also pitch directly to quality publishers that don't require agent's.
I did exactly that, and luckily I got signed by the first publisher I queried to....... currently my debut book is in the production line. It's a none fiction book. What are dos and don'ts that an author can do in the meantime, while waiting, in order to maintain momentum, as well as create a buzz for an upcoming book?😊
I like you guys first thing in the morning. You're encouraging and you put me in a good mood.
R. Harlan Smith
Oh, by the way, don't worry: I take this song as the absolute opposite of a good query example! In fact I find it kind of interesting that this perfect example of the wrong way to query was written so long ago, in the "over-the-transom" days!
This is very helpful
I really do enjoy these videos. It's super helpful to get more insight on literary agents. Keep these videos coming.
Awesome
What is the best time of the year to query? Are there some months that are detrimental to your query?
There are some months where agents might be slower, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't query during them!
Could querying (plus simply sending sample pages of your work) strictly by E-mail be especially helpful if, say, you DON'T live in any major outlets like New York, Boston, L.A., etc.,? In addition, are there other equally convenient and effective tools (especially if you're not into Twitter or query-events like you said) along with E-mail you could use as well that will do the job correctly? Would you please let me know?
Hey so I sent James a query yesterday evening. Bookends was one of the first agencies I wished to query with, because I’m a fan of your RUclips channel. Anyway though my manuscript has been edited a couple of times I noticed there were a few minor errors in the first 5 page excerpt I sent in. I’ve since corrected the mistakes and though menial I’m now nervous. Can I resend those few pages or is it too late??
Hey Omar! James here. No worries. If I haven't already responded to you, I will very soon, and will not take those errors into account. Don't stress
I wrote a cookbook for a cancer patient and caregivers but I'm not sure where to look for an agent. Is there a list that accepts these types of books?
I don't have a website because currently, I am unpublished. Would it be better to get one even if I have no books to promote or sell? And what should I include in my website? I noticed on query forms, the agents always ask about websites. I intend to have one, but thought I would need to be promoting a book first. Any info would be really appreciated. Thanks.
I’m a Christian self help author. I have two books finished. Part 1 identify yourself- leads to in debt part 2 pealing back the layers of personal issues. Who should I send my synopsis to?
My story is Pokemon/Digimon partners with magic creatures. Any ideas for literary agents?
Great idea to also use #PitMad events to get a sense of what a particular agents like and find new agents.
Good to know. Living in Maine, it’s hard to get to the big conferences. Love the channel
At least you live on the same continent. :D
Do you automatically turn away from a pitch when it's an Indie author? I have two books of a trilogy published and I couldn't be more disheartened with this business. Those of us who can write a book, but have no skills on social media - or the computer for that fact - find themselves in an empty, dark room. My brain shuts down trying to absorb everything needed to query an agent. It's so overwhelming!
We have a couple of authors who originally self-pubbed and are now represented and/or getting traditionally published! One thing Jessica has said about social media is that fiction authors don't really need a social media platform, as long as they have a website that agents can look at when they're interested, so that they know you're real.
I am Malachi Eastling and I am going to be a successful published children's author! I will find my perfect literary agent!
I’m bout to query ya. And ima keep doing it until I get a yes. Dan Pena “Make em say yes!”
What you want is to EARN a call telling you, "I just LOVE your book!"
@@carlajenkins1990 I don’t know how to market for that. I’m doing EVERYTHING and ain’t nothing working
Do authors have to query agents where they live or can you query internationally? (I’m from the UK)
Some agencies do allow international queries. The thing is if an agent loves your book no matter where you live they will want you and your book. Good luck
I'm pitching my first client any pointers, do's or don't's?
Would consider a write who you have already rejected but they edit and revise their story and resubmit?
I have not queried, I am just asking
Developmental editor/copy editor available for your projects. Where can I email you? Thank you!
A modern question: Would it be worth mentioning to an agent that your short stories and other relevant content frequently goes viral on social media? I know this isn't quite the same as having a large and constant platform, but some of us have a small group of engaged followers that circulate our work much better than people who've acquired large follower counts but only get a few likes/shares.
It seems like it could be worth mentioning to an agent if I had a story the length of a novella get 200k shares or so on say, Facebook.
An agent (not from your agency) asked me for a partial and I sent it right away. I was so excited! Then...nothing. I nudged and still nothing. I guess it's good for me to know now rather than later. Sigh...back to the query submittals.
I should add that I nudged after 3 months of sending the partial.
How about " Inspirational spiritual nonfiction".
Jesse and James, but what if you like me AND my book is “there”?!?
Y'all should do a pitch request on SavvyAuthors.com one time. It's easy for agents and writers to communicate and you don't have to be on there all the time. It's a three day event. I got an agent request from there.
Thank you
Why you use the word clients and not authors?
From my experience, the best way to get a literary agent is be a famous author....like, Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, or George R.R. Martin, famous.
Not jaded, just being realistic. Agents receive hundreds of unsolicited queries from unpublished authors every day. So, chances are, your work did not get an honest read. They glanced at your submission, made a knee jerk decision and moved on to the next query in the slush pile. It is the nature of the business. You just have to keep trying. Research, query, research, query. Wash, rinse, repeat. It is the only way.
We've signed nearly 100 new clients in 2019. None famous writers of the Stephen King, JK Rowling ilk. Most found through us spending time reading our queries and submissions. We'll have to respectfully disagree with this statement. Thanks for watching the videos!
@@BookEndsLiterary I appreciate your response, and I am certain your words are true. However, for every unknown author you signed, I am certain you passed over hundreds. This is not a condemnation, it is just a reality of the business, you can't accept them all. My point was simply, as an unknown author, realize you will most likely send out many queries, and receive many rejection letters, before you receive a 'yes' from an agent, or a publisher. I am agreeing with you, queries are the best way, I am just pointing out it will take more than one. Dedication and perseverance are the unknown author's best allies in achieving success.
@@BarkingCur true. I am sending direct to publishers. If i have success, I might get an agent after a few books are out. I also self-published one book, and will try a few others.
@@ClintLoweTube I am considering the self publish route as well, but I know it comes with its own set of perils. Best of luck to you! I hope you find a publisher soon!
I think we sometimes forget that famous authors were once unknowns. They also submitted and got rejected multiple times until someone finally gave them a chance and the rest is history. As you say, you have to keep trying. You don't have to be famous to get an agent. You just have to be persistent.
I've recently finished a manuscript for a young adult novel and am working on a query. When I write, I listen to random ost's and the music is what helps me create the scene as I write it. When we query and send a few page samples, would any of you guys be open to an unconventional approach of a musical readout (audio book style) to accompany the sample pages?- Thought I'd ask and just get an honest answer. Ty :)
I queried you, and received a form reply. Sorry. Will never query you again. You never opened my email.
Each BookEnds agent receives, reads, and responds to every query sent via QueryManager personally. Most queries (to most agents) receive form letter responses primarily for the sake of time. Sorry to hear you won't query again. Good luck to you.
I also queried you: I submitted my Children's Picture Book to you a couple of months ago but haven't heard back. I now have additional data from over 100 children independently surveyed showing that our book is liked by children more than Elf on the Shelf. This data can be found on my website: bestsellingpicturebook.com I would really appreciate a response. Thanks
You queried James with a picture book? He's responded to everything through this week. When you queried, was it through QueryManager? And did you receive a confirmation link?
I queried
Tracy Marchini through QueryManager and sent a follow-up but have not got a reply
@@BookEndsLiterary I queried
Tracy Marchini through QueryManager and sent a follow-up but have not got a reply
I don't know who the one down vote came from: ignore it.
I'd rather do it the other way 'round. Why don't you query ME?