My lit agent tea! 🍵 | How I Got My Agent + 5 Years Together

[@theelizaaguilar]

I just want to say that it's so heartwarming to see you gushing about your agent. It's an amazing feeling when you vibe with someone! I'm like this about my manager at my current job after leaving an exploitative workplace.

[@terrificwriting6214]

I’m hoping your happiness with your agent magically transfers through the screen to my luck with agents in the future! Loved hearing about this!

[@esthermarieandujar]

You gushing and having heart eyes for your agent is so great to see because is grounded in experience! I love hearing about your business relationship with her!

[@StephenAryan44]

Your story of the first book not being picked is something I've heard time and again. Many people think once they get an agent that's the end of the story. It took me a long time and a lot of books to get my agent. However, I was then lucky that the first book we took out on submission ended being picked up. What a relief! 😄

[@shelleestories]

This was really helpful. I see people announce getting new agents via Twitter then everything goes quiet until there’s a scandal. It was awesome to hear positive things on how the process should work.

[@tasmiatahia_write_dream_change]

I am so excited for this video. You always talk about how Elena is awesome, but have wanted know why she is awesome and what to look for in the agent-author relationship. Best of luck Alexa. x

[@booksvsmovies]

You're agent relationship sounds fantastic. I'm glad you and Elana click so well

[@lostgoth3980]

This was so heartwarming to watch Alexa! After that recent BIG agent scandal, It's been hard for me to trust even the most reputable agents. It's nice to know that agents like yours are still out there.

[@CharlieHorse4363]

Wait what agent scandal? Did I miss a video?

[@tb11212]

@@CharlieHorse4363 Google the agent who used to rep Angie Thomas. He did a bunch of shady stuff and left the industry. She was a high profile client and never knew but his “smaller” clients got screwed

[@CharlieHorse4363]

@@tb11212 gracious - thank you so much for telling me, I will!!

[@dorothyinman4632]

I stumbled across this when I took my dog for a walk, right after you posted it. I have been in a bit of a pursuing agents funk because of virtual learning with my kids and how exhausted it leaves me, but your videos always seem to know what I need to hear when I need to hear it. I appreciate your commentary on your agent. It is inspiring and encouraging. As a writer, I know how easy it would be for me to accept the first offer I get because I finally had someone who wanted to sign me, but you've said (and I've heard from others) - it's not good enough to get an agent, you have to get an agent that will be a right fit, personality wise, but also whether they are going to work hard for you. Thank you again for your insight into the industry.

[@BrittanyandBooks]

This has to be one of my favourite videos you've made ❤❤ i love your enthusiasm for your agent so much and this video is so helpful!

[@courtneymorrison705]

You're videos are incredibly helpful , informative, and inspiring. Thank you so much. NEVER. STOP. PLEASE.

[@JtheWind]

This is a perfect update! Glad you guys still like each other ☺

[@krisq9252]

Love your enthusiasm for your agent. Hoping to find an agent with whom I can have such a great relationship with.

[@haykay1626]

Hi Alexa! Would you be able to do a KZbin video with your agent. I found the tips about big revision very useful and I'm interested to see what other gems she has for us struggling writers lol

[@holdthebananas2525]

Every time I watch one of your videos, my mother-in-law's Alexa starts responding from the other room. Nice to hear about your agent journey again tho

[@deannascorner8112]

This was so endearing and heartwarming. I hope I find and love an agent like Elana when I’m ready for that step!

[@springrising1075]

hi alexa! i was wondering if you could do a video on querying agents from other countries? I’m British and the UK market for YA is smaller than the US one, and there are only about 15 ‘good’ agents from reputable British literary agencies that acquire YA compared to US agents, which makes the querying process a little more difficult. most of the articles I’ve found online are dated in the late 00s, which is not relevant for today’s market. Hope you’re well and taking good care of yourself! All the love to you.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

The US and UK publishing markets are pretty intertwined (selling rights to each other and whatnot), so I'd recommend querying some US agents and see how it shakes out. I actually didn't know the UK YA market was so small! I primarily work on thrillers and there's always a ton of overlap between US/UK.

[@annejia5382]

okay but Elana sounds like some of the sweetest and most supportive wedding planners out there 😂 right guys? 💓

[@MargaretPinard]

Such warm fuzzies here!! Heart eyes to the max. So happy for you, Alexa!

[@CharlieeWriter]

Ohh I didn’t realize the gaslighting thing with agents. Also it’s cool that your agency took over when your agent was on leave

[@Amy_Writes]

This was a really fun video! Thank you for sharing. It’s really helpful to hear the behind the scenes info.

[@EDDIELANE]

Hi Alexa! I just pitched my memoir to Carrie Pestritto! Fingers crossed :P

[@nevermore7373]

You got this!

[@hanasheik]

Congrats! Wishing you all the luck 💕

[@SensibleSoulHealing]

After hearing you talk about Elana makes me want to query her!🥰❤

[@BrekkeEl]

This is so encouraging! I hope that my future agent and I have such a good rapport.

[@d.d.kitchell3355]

I'm so glad you found a great agent after having to part ways with the other one!

[@shante3]

Question that’s a bit unrelated: If you’re writing under a pen name, should you have an email address that is your pen name or your real name for querying agents?

[@NarueUzumaki12]

I don’t have too much professional experience with this, but I have an author email under my pen name that I send everything query or really even writing related through. The agent will know your real name or the name you prefer to go by when you do your closing at the end of the query. (Example below) Sincerely, (Enter real name here) Writing as: (insert pen name) I hope this helps.

[@StephenAryan44]

It doesn't matter at that stage. As long as you explain you want to use a pen name, and the reason why, then you don't need to have that email. Later on, if you become a published author, then you might need one for enquiries.

[@shante3]

@@NarueUzumaki12 This is super helpful! Thank you so much! 😁

[@DebutPages]

Great update! Side question more related to querying...why do some agents request a synopsis as part of the query and others don’t? Did you ever feel less comfortable sending the synopsis before you had a request for a partial or full MS?

[@kate2899]

the title should be: A love letter to my Agent ❤

[@KarrGalaxyStudios]

Great Video! It gives a preview of the potential of a great agent author relationship to look forward to! It is actually overwhelming to me the sheer amount of information an author has to learn in this business to be able to understand how to sell a book. It is great to hear that your agent is not only helpful but a great partner in this process. A dream for most of us just starting out. Do you have any tips for new undiscovered authors who are in the process of writing their first book as to where they can find literary agent lists or recommendations when the time comes? I know it has been a tough couple of years in the publishing world, do you think the chances of breaking in and making a living off of writing are going down for new authors as the sheer amount of books and content is now reaching high levels of saturation? thanks again! subscribed!

[@mrplatink]

Sounds like a match made in heaven!

[@mattmallecoccio8378]

So, Alexa, I did something I think you suggested in a video that I didn't have to write my book chronologically if I was struggling with that. I wrote the end and I think I capped the story off at a good place even though I still have the rest of the middle to write.

[@Michelle0320-k7e]

I like how she talks about making a second book like it's the easiest thing ever 😂 listen, if my first didn't work out I would be done. I'm out. I ain't got multiple book ideas!

[@sarahbunny8662]

Thanks for sharing this again!!!

[@agnesslittlelife]

Hi Alexa! I don't recall if you have already done a video about talking about which publishing companies/where you can get literary agents are safe since I know there can be scams in some "publishing companies", but if you haven't done a video about that, I'd like to know if you know any safe publishing companies or places where you can get literary agents. :>

[@StephenAryan44]

The best place for legitimate agents and agencies is to start with the Writers and Artists Yearbook, which is also online. Also a lot of authors have links to their agents on social media and their websites, so if you follow writers within the genre you are writing that's another good place to look.

[@agnesslittlelife]

@@StephenAryan44 thank you so much!

[@StephenAryan44]

@@agnesslittlelife you're welcome. And remember, never, ever, ever pay an agent to read your submission. If they want money it's a scam.

[@mbilmey]

Anyone here seen Monthly Girls' Noazaki-kun? This is so his relationship with his editor.

[@brianleeyoung3785]

So happy for you Alexa. I got a question. Do you know much about reviews and awards and how they potential influence buyers? I know there is Publisher's Weekly but being so new to publishing I have no idea what other reviews exist. Thanks!

[@Krissxten]

22:35 mood 😆

[@KmakNation]

What are your tips on how to watch the trends in the market?

[@donovancorzo2627]

And that’s why I started my own publishing company and self published because traditional publishing takes way too long.

[@jesbrimer3096]

Got a question. In a nutshell I'm writing a mystery story with 2 timeliness. One in the 80s and the other is present day. Im struggling what tense to use. Should I use present tense in the current day and past tense in the 80s timeliness... or use one tense for both timelines? I can't find a video how to write timelines...unless I'm blind and overlooked one of your videos.

[@crazybookcanary8941]

As someone who reads these books a lot I'll give you some good advice, if your using past tense it takes away from the mystery of how these timelines connect because you have to explain a little more rather than letting the character and the plot guide the story. I find it's a lot more tense and satisfying when a reader discovers and experiences revelations with the characters reactions in present tense rather than have half of it explained away with past tense. when dealing with two different timelines that interconnect having past tense just takes away from the impact of the story your telling and any twists, turns, shocks, etc. It goes back to the number one rule of writing, show don't tell, you can still use past tense in your story just when using it too much overtakes the story. Hope this helps. and good luck!!!

[@jesbrimer3096]

@@crazybookcanary8941 thank you!

[@andeeharry]

happy 5 years... Frendaversary

[@elnorakelly16]

What do you mean when you say spring is a crucial submission time?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

One thing to keep in mind is that the US publishing industry basically shuts down from mid-December to mid-January (where there's a slew of queries from over the holidays), and summer is the industry's slow season, so spring is prime time.

[@rafaelfcf]

Is it REAAAAAAALLY TEA 🍵 if you're not going to say any secret or shady thing about the person?

[@nevermore7373]

Asking the important questions here, lol.

[@addisonroberts1858]

YES!

[@nessaidolslayer3426]

I know this is old, but I have a question and not sure where to send it. What if there is an agent that you really really want and you think you'd be a great fit for them, but this is the first time you've written a book, so obviously there's a chance your manuscript is not the best. Do you query others in the hope of getting advice to improve and save that person for later? Or do you trust your luck and query them first in the hope that they do like your writing style?

[@TheEccentricRaven]

Hi I know this comment was from a long time ago, but in case this is still relevant - If you doubt your book is ready to query, then you're likely not ready to query. Instead, seek out writers workshops, beta readers, and critique partners. You might Google and find writers workshops in your area. There are free online writers workshops. Don't pay anyone to edit or beta read. Try to get some feedback and improve your craft before you query.

[@gemma3648]

Maybe a silly question but should you get an agent near you? For example I am in Scotland is an agent in England a bad move?

[@AlexaDonne]

Location doesn't matter! My agent lives in Michigan and I have never met her :) (she started out in NYC) In terms of UK vs. US you can consider where you prefer to be published "first"--and especially if your work is niche/specific to UK/Commonwealth a UK agent may serve you better, but a UK/Commonwealth writer can totally sign with a US agent and get their big deal there.

[@gemma3648]

@@AlexaDonne thank you that’s good to know. I had heard you, Lindsay and Laniey talking about pitch war/match and was disappointed when I seen it was predominantly American. I thought that ruled that out so it’s nice to know it’s still an option. Thanks again

[@prashantkumar4217]

@@gemma3648 Hi. Location won't be a problem for you if your book has global appeal and more importantly an amazing one. What do you write about BTW?

[@gemma3648]

@@prashantkumar4217 This is the first time I have wrote anything and it’s a YA myster/thriller. Still drafting

[@prashantkumar4217]

@@gemma3648 Great! I'd love to be your critique partner if that's okay with you. What do you say? I'm from India BTW.

[@DrVVVinK]

"The next book you write is always the best book you right", not so true for Stephen King. He did have that downfall part after the accident. Then wow 11/22/63. And then it was like every other book

[@megankirrmann6624]

Congrats..... mine...less than 3 months.....no laughing at the newbie!

[@DrVVVinK]

Isn't New Leaf a religious book publishers?

[@AlexaDonne]

New Leaf Literary is one of the biggest literary agencies. They rep Leigh Bardugo, Victoria Aveyard, Holly Black, etc.

[@megankirrmann6624]

Have you been with your agent for five years?

[@bobbiebrownn]

What’s a IV???

[@totadol]

too much description of too many little details and dates of various event ... all made it hard to work out how those dates were related to get any point or insights of this video ... was quite exhausting tracking the details ahh

[@saiyuriinuzuka6400]

Who tf gave this vid a thumb down? I'm legit mad about that. Wtf

[@nienkegraven6900]

wow... this video has 444 likes and 4 dislikes at the moment... (march 20th 2021)

[@francescogorbechov4192]

Elsäßischditsch