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Monday, February 8, 2016

I've Got a New THING For You!

It's called AGENT WISH LIST.

Here's how it works:

Every once in a while, I will post something that a particular agent is wishing for.

Like, maybe...

"A YA version of the Betsy-Tacy series, with zombies"

or...

"A time travel thriller set in the shadow of Vesuvius"

or...whatever shows up in my inbox.

Once I post the agent's wish, you will have a couple days to submit your query and first 250 words to me.  If I feel that your entry is strong enough to pass the agent's desk, I will post it here on the blog, where it will be open for public critique, INCLUDING THE AGENT.

If the agent likes it, he/she can ask to see more.  If the agent doesn't like it, he/she will be able to tell you WHY.  Which is a rare and beautiful thing, indeed.

And, yes, you will know who the agent is when I post the wish.

Sound good?  Post your questions below!

(And, yes, I've already got a couple of wishes waiting...)

31 comments:

  1. Hi! First 250 pages or first 250 words? :)

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    1. OMG I have made that mistake so many times! WORDS! I meant words. :)

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    2. 250 pages made my fingers slip from the keyboard. I think I can manage 250 words on most any subject. Glad to see even the accomplished can sometimes err.

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  2. This sounds brilliant from all kinds of angles. Thanks for helping the world of writers again!

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  3. Sounds great! Is there a way to find out a little ahead when it is about to happen? Subscribe to your blog? Or do you have an email list?
    Or is it just random? Thank you for doing this!

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  4. Yay! At first I thought it sounded like MSWL, but this is more interactive. Thanks for being awesome!

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  5. What an amazing opportunity! Too bad I have nothing complete right now except for some picture books. Better get busy!

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  6. This sounds like an awesome opportunity--thank you!

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  7. I'm anxious to see the list! What a fabulous idea.

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  8. Yeah!! Can't wait to see what it is!!

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  9. our submission must be a finished novel? OR can it be a work in progress?

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    1. Alice, the submission must be a finished novel. Agents are never interested in unfinished works (or even finished first drafts).

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  11. This sounds like a great idea. Helpful to both the agent, author, and anyone wanting to sub to that agent.

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  12. Wow, this is a great opportunity. Getting feedback on why an agent doesn't like something is silver -- got to save the term 'golden' for if the agent liked it!

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  13. Cool idea! So many form rejections, so little understanding....

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    1. If you don't feel the entry is strong enough, will you say why?

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    2. That is a good question! I am guessing, right now, that no, I will not have the time to do that. If, on the other hand, submissions are fairly low, I may be able to say why. But mostly I'm going to be reading with an eye to whether the particular agent might like it, and not whether I personally like it. "Strong" is subjective, but I can tell you right now that it's going to be all about the writing -- and voice. :)

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  14. Are your wishes only going to be for MG and higher, or will we maybe see some wishes for picture books and chapter books?

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    1. It all depends on agent response! There are a couple of agents on my list who do rep PBs and CBs, but if they don't send me any wishes, I can't post them.

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  15. Terrific...what a coup for the community.

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