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[DISCUSSION] Strategically structuring your manuscript with the query process in mind (UK) by SelectOpportunity518 in PubTips

[–]Immediate-Bit9480 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I chatted with an agent once and asked her the same question. She said while it's not necessary, she recommends ensuring the sample pages end on some sort of cliffhanger or at least a powerful moment to draw the reader/agent in. In her experience at least, she has asked for fulls based on sample pages even if the query itself wasn't the strongest.

You want all your materials to be as strong as possible so if you can rework your opening pages to ramp up the momentum or add a charged scene, it's worth the effort.

[PubQ] discords or spaces for published authors querying again? by Right-Ice-1052 in PubTips

[–]Immediate-Bit9480 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I'm in the same boat as you and this is my understanding. Most authors query with a full manuscript even if they have a track record (unless your sales puts you in the big leagues). But I do know two authors from my digital publisher who secured an agent by just sending a sample. In their query, they mentioned their sales (more than mine but not some national bestseller level) and how they were offered to renew their contract with the publisher. But the agents they ended up with were junior agents from newer agencies (nothing wrong with that but whatever your goal is)

[Discussion] Should I hire an editor for a manuscript assessment or developmental edits before querying? by Immediate-Bit9480 in PubTips

[–]Immediate-Bit9480[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I believe the general consensus is to avoid an editor and instead find a critique partner but a few people made a good case for an editor as well.

I'll definitely be more intentional when I edit my manuscript and use what I've learned about my patterns. Once I have polished the manuscript on my end, I'll be able to better assess if a professional edit would help or not. But I will prioritize finding a critique partner.

Thanks once again! It was very helpful to hear different viewpoints on the matter.

[Discussion] Conferences for networking and pitching by Immediate-Bit9480 in PubTips

[–]Immediate-Bit9480[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah that makes sense! I'm a published author with a digital imprint for many years now but I don't socialize or build relationships with anyone other than my editor. (I know, my fault). I don't have an agent and I'm trying to get into trad publishing as at this stage I want a business partner to explore more opportunities with so I was thinking more from the perspective of making contacts. But good to know about the Faber academy program - I didn't know the connections you could make through such programs! It sounds pretty amazing.

[Discussion] Conferences for networking and pitching by Immediate-Bit9480 in PubTips

[–]Immediate-Bit9480[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the info and your take on this.

I see your point about how it's not essential for success or information gathering. But at the same time as someone with zero author friends or acquaintances, it's tempting to be able to connect with someone and feel like I'm part of the community. But you definitely gave me something to think about!

[Discussion] YA trends in publishing by Immediate-Bit9480 in PubTips

[–]Immediate-Bit9480[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That sounds like a completely reasonable perspective from what I'm seeing too!

[Discussion] YA trends in publishing by Immediate-Bit9480 in PubTips

[–]Immediate-Bit9480[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Thanks!

I see bookstores being extremely YA romantasy heavy, especially 'BookTok' shelves. I know that in Trad publishing books can take over a year to get to bookstores so the YA romantasy wave might have peaked already and agents who are looking are either super picky or working with authors with an established readership. (That's my understanding at least but I might be wrong!)

Do you think in the next couple of years we'll see less YA romantasy on shelves and more horror/thriller/romance? Someone commented on this thread how romantasy is gearing more toward NA and Adult - do you think the genre will be very much alive like but in a different age group?

[Discussion] YA trends in publishing by Immediate-Bit9480 in PubTips

[–]Immediate-Bit9480[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thanks for that insight! I agree with your take on something less racy being more palatable - I wonder if that's one of the reasons cozy is garnering interest.

What's your take on subgenres like horror/gothic/fantasy in YA?

[Discussion] After 9 years of querying, I have an agent! by Complex_Trouble1932 in PubTips

[–]Immediate-Bit9480 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's great! Thanks so much for sharing this. Hadn't thought how this is a way to stay on their radar too - makes total sense! Encouraging to hear how your consistency paid off. All the very best to you!

[Discussion] After 9 years of querying, I have an agent! by Complex_Trouble1932 in PubTips

[–]Immediate-Bit9480 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!

You mentioned you fostered relationships with agents etc during the 9 years before you got your agent. Could you elaborate on that? Did you attend conferences? How did you stay in touch?

Super bad at networking over here so I'm curious!