Top 8 Turnoffs for Literary Agents (AVOID These When Querying!)

[@matthew4497]

1. Your query letter is generic [01:08] 2. You come across as presumptuous [03:42] 3. Your book has been self-published [04:35] 4. Your query letter looks unprofessional [05:40] 5. You use hyperboles or overstatements [07:19] 6. You expect a certain sized book deal [8:22] 7. Your opening pages are overtly sexual or violent [09:13] 8. Your book isn't a standard length [10:05] I realized that these are in the description after I made them. Oh well. Now you can find them in the comments.

[@janellerollins5893]

Hugs😊

[@jeffholman2234]

Im in the process of querying right now. Its so refreshing to watch a youtuber that genuinely wants to see othets get published. Most channels on this topic, even some agents, i feel by the end of their videos, do not like writers or people who love to write.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I wish you the best of luck with your querying!

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

There was a great deal of hatred for writers by agents. Agents wish they were better writers. So when they find good ones, they are strongly ambivalent in their feelings. They want to make money off of someone with a great ability, but they are angry that they do not have that ability. So their behavior becomes quite schizophrenic.

[@GuruOfwisdom]

I’m amazed James Clavell got published with shogun at 1250 pages, and taipan over 1400 pages. Maybe that was a different time, maybe shorter books are the preference these days. But when I was finishing shogun, I certainly didn’t want it to end.

[@Hayes611]

Very helpful recommendations. I typically search for interviews or panel discussions on the particular agent to get a sense of who they are and what they are really searching for. It provides (I think) a nice entry point for the query letter.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

This is a great addition!

[@ashleypaige1631]

Hi Alyssa, love your channel! I'd love to see a video about your personal experience working at an agency and how you decided which queries to pass on to the agents.

[@irenetanzman3976]

I find these videos helpful and encouraging. I self-published my first two novels. I’m working hard to get my third novel published mainstream. My book takes place in the 60s and 70s. I needed to do extensive research in order to line up the story correctly. It took me three years of working almost full time on it to get it ready. Now that I’m querying, I get rejection after rejection. Some of the rejections are nicer than the rejections I received for the first two books-but they are still rejections.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Good luck on your querying process!

[@danielkelley7548]

This is actually free information. Wow.

[@DesmoDreams]

Excellent as ever. In every one of your videos there's at least one thing you cover that I hadn't considered previously. Generally there's several! :)

[@danielmartin8913]

Helpful! The length issue is a big one, and the answer to the question isn't just a fiction/nonfiction issue but also a genre issue. My understanding is that speculative fiction has some more leeway in terms of acceptable length, up to 120k, whereas romance novels should fall in the 80k-100k range. The answers to these questions are rarely consistent for more than a couple years at a time, as the market is always shifting. I've seen talk recently that new speculative fiction novels can be closer to 140k. Best, DRM

[@AlyssaMatesic]

It's definitely true that certain genres like speculative and fantasy tend to be a bit longer, on average.

[@kpro7697]

Incredibly helpful video. Many of your videos are and I thank you!

[@evolutionofvision]

Thank you, Alyssa. I'm completing my debut novel of a four-part series and have set up the website, trailers, teasers, excerpts, and social media sites. I initially sent a first pass at literary agents without responses. Your videos are helping me better comprehend the publishing industry and attract attention. After the development editing and copywriting are completed by early next month, I'll give the query letter and submissions another go. Thank you.

[@apocalypso3427]

How did it go? Did you get any responses? Wishing you all the luck on your debut novel and your series!

[@evolutionofvision]

Still in process :) I've learned you need a completed book to really push the first phase. ;) Development edits don't attract attention. My development editor, with tough love, really pushed me to the next level. The copyediting is in process right now. Proofreading begins in two weeks. I'm currently typesetting and working on the interior design. To continue the social media thing, I've put together author snippets. My next phase is to work on the query letter while the proofreading is in process. I'm going to self-publish and see if that helps to attract agents. Thank you again for the reply and your wonderful videos.@@apocalypso3427

[@blackiemittens]

Many of the points are common sense, but good to see them here. Agent research, I have to say would be so much easier if what they represent, who they've sold and where and if they're open to queries at all---First and foremost. Sometimes it feels like games of hide and seek to find what genres agents are willing to look at.

[@creeton]

You're right. Though I found nothing more discouraging than to fully research the person and company I was submitting to. Taking the time to personalize what I was sending them and then still getting a generic rejection letter. I understand they get hundreds if not thousands of letters and it's overwhelming and so they can't send everyone they aren't interested in a full cover rejection detailing the "Bad fit" as I seen in the past. It's kind of why I just stopped submitting entirely.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

You're also right; querying is a hard process! I commend you for putting your full effort in so far, and hope that you continue querying again after you take your break!

[@jamesalaniz5148]

I've been binge Watchung these videos today at work; best info so far regarding publishing.

[@Vaerrh]

Hi Alyssa, you touched a bit on book formats (novel, novellas). Could you make a video on that topic please. For instance, what are the challenges of getting represented/published for a standalone short story? What about a bunch of similar short stories bundled together? Looking forward to your insights.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

That's a great idea! I will add it to my list!

[@drd_theSPORTSdoc]

Today, is Query letter day one research for me. It begins, I want a shot at the title, lol. I am a fighter looking for a manager and trainer in the world of books, movies and t.v. series to inspire and teach others to win the fight against fear and anger. Then to share the flame of inspiration until the whole world catches fire and is ruled by love again...* Great video Alyssa..,

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Best of luck!

[@drd_theSPORTSdoc]

@@AlyssaMatesic Luck, timing n divine order.... Thank you, love your videos...*

[@BigHeadBob]

I've been pitching all wrong!!! Monday, I targeted 8 California agents with my first self published book that has gone extremely well but at the end mentioning my second book is ready for publication. It also just said their name and no other personal details about them. Thank you for this info you rock. Liked and Subscribed :)

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Haha, glad this video helped!

[@sheldonjacobs817]

So awesome, borne educator (and this is from an educator and writer). Very helpful even for non-fiction writers - would appreciate some more coverage of the non-fiction genre - thanks!

[@bastraore3996]

Highly informative. Makes me rethink querying that 142,000 word fantasy debut novel … 🤔

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Haha, I'm sure you can query it! But make sure you've thought well on whether it needs to be 142,000 words long. Thanks for commenting :)

[@kirtiomart]

I really like the quality of your videos. They look very professional. I subscribed even before I finished watching the 1st video and I've been watching videos on writing a LOT... so good job. 😃👍

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thank you so much, the kind words mean a lot!

[@shaeokeefe6936]

Thanks so much for putting this material up. Extremely helpful. I appreciate your straightforward approach-as well as your optimism.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janetpalmore8363]

I have learned so much from your ideas. By far, the best advice and your delivery isn’t condescending (like some others I e seen). Thank you!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thank you so much, this means a lot! I really appreciate it. :)

[@geneedgerton4482]

I value your straight-forward, direct, friendly videos. Thank you so much!

[@amorak223]

Really glad I've found this channel. I'm finally going for it, trying to get traditionally published. Now I just need to finish my book =)

[@TonieAnterwp]

I sent out a few queries twenty-two years ago, and got an agent with my fourth query. Now, in 2024, when I'm a much better writer, I've sent out twenty-three queries and haven't gotten an agent yet. Go figure.

[@austinrhubarb]

I agree. I don't get this whole thing about having to suck up to the agent. From what I can tell, these days it us usually just an intern looking at the email, and within 30 seconds they'll say "Nah" and not even bother to respond to you. Where is the "human to human" if most can't even be bothered to spend 10 seconds sending a "No thanks" response. So we should be polite of course, and follow the admission guidelines, but why is anyone kidding ourselves that is anything but a mass emailing process of saying "here's a bit about my book. Get back to me if you are interested." This whole 'non generic' thing just feels like a needless step for stroking ego's.

[@PianoGirl091]

I'm so glad I discovered your channel! You are so very helpful, and I will be using all of the tips you've given when it comes time for me to start querying my novel. In truth, I don't have a lot of hope for success, but being traditionally published is my dream, so I'm going to give it my absolute best shot before I opt to self publish instead. Thanks again!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I'm so glad you're finding my channel helpful! Wishing you all the best with querying!

[@jeancorriveau8686]

I hired a company called Writer's Branding who claim to be experts at preparing query letters and book proposals. I saw the first draft, and it seems to respect all your advice, except that it is a generic letter to be sent to 60 literary agents (they told me that). I self-published my work previously. I'm not satisfied with this, for I wish some traditional validation from the publishing industry. It's not a novel. It's nonfiction.

[@danieljbockman]

I’m just beginning the Query process and your content is incredibly helpful. Unfortunately I self-publish the book I want to get traditionally published at a later time. Self-publishing is so easy and I just wanted a book produce. I’m a little disheartened by learning this, I just didn’t know it was a turn off. Do you have a suggestion how I can handle this in my query letter now I have already self published?

[@impressiveinstant9258]

Hi Alyssa! Thank you for all of your wonderful advice on your channel. I've been working on a novel about narcissistic abuse for five years now, and having written, revised, and edited various drafts and worked with beta readers who have critiqued my whole manuscript, I'm gearing up to move towards the querying stage. I wanted to make a comment because I would like some clarity on the seventh point you make concerning overly violent or sexual scenes. As my novel deals with narcissistic abuse, there is some violence in the opening scenes, whether it be physical or emotional, but it is ultimately relevant to the plot and the character arcs. I realise that beginning the novel in the middle of the abuse may jar the reader, or it may spur them to read on; it doesn't seem to have been an issue with the vast majority of the beta readers I have worked with so far. Do you feel that this point refers to when the sex or violence is gratuitous or when it's used to aid the atmosphere rather than being relevant to the plot? I'm not sure this point is applicable to my project. Once again, thanks for your incredible insight and advice; I'm sure I'll be using your channel a lot. :) Please take care of yourself (and sorry for the length of my comment!).

[@brandonchampney]

Hello, Alyssa, I enjoy your content. Quick question about my content being previously published. I have a website and a page on Facebook that I write about parts of what will be in the book. Will this count against me when I want to traditionally publish the book? Thanks

[@guiomardart]

This is good advice, thanks 👍

[@rowan7929]

Next week I should be able to query agents and again, thank you so much for helping me out writing a good one. What a difference it is to what I originally had. This should hopefully get some more positive responses, even if they reject my book. Your videos are very informative. Should have found you years ago.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Congratulations, and good luck with querying! I'm so glad my videos were helpful!

[@rowan7929]

@@AlyssaMatesic Thanks. Have begun searching for agents. The ones I want, have been queried. All I can do is wait. A painful wait.

[@jonolsen418]

Helpful indeed! My ms is with a literary agent currently and am waiting for response. Had an English prof as my editor. It is a political philosophy novel for these uncertain times in which we find ourselves.

[@JonathanLopez-rl2ji]

Thank you so much for the great Intel. I’ve written 21 chapters over 21,000 words of my first novel. Really looking forward to the process. Jonathan

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Best of luck!

[@blackhawksfan2525]

It sometimes seems like a flip of a coin, whether or not you're constructing the query letter correctly. For instance, you recommend placing the personalization at the top, to show the agent you're not just spamming the letter to dozens of agents. Makes sense. Hovever, I've seen elsewhere that you should dive right into the blurb, and add personalization at the end because you want to grab the agent's attention right off the bat, rather than taking the chance that they're in a hurry and don't make it to the end. Obviously these are two completely different methods. Honestly, it's the most frustrating part of querying, as ultimately the quality of the work ends up becoming secondary to the procedure of crafting the query letter itself.

[@SaraJaneTriglia]

Why do we have to personalize every query when they plan on sending a non personal form rejection? Querying and finding an agent open to your genre is time consuming. Also, I hear a lot of agents saying that if you don’t have a major connection to them they don’t want to hear a personalization.

[@sarahcorine1993]

I am loving these videos. Im taking so many notes. Thank you Alyssa. ❤

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I'm so glad! Thanks for commenting :)

[@rebeccadear9190]

Thank you so much this is VERY helpful!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I'm so glad!

[@ashleythomas6313]

Hi Alyssa! I'm so glad I found you! I've just started the querying process after... like 7-8 years of working on a novel. My urban fantasy manuscript is at 130,000 words, and this is my first novel. Do you think agents will balk at that word count? I've heard fantasy has more leeway in word count, but would love to know if there's a solid line I should shoot for?

[@Megasunami]

Mine is 150k and I will start quering this month. It's your work and if you think it needs the words, even after multiple edits, and none of them are unnecessary, then go for it. Rest is fate.

[@cherylannwrites]

Higher word counts are okay when you've proven your books sell. If you're a debut author, you need to stick within the genre standard word counts. 120k max for debut fantasy, maybe a few thousand more. This is because if you're too far over, the agent knows they will have lots of editing work to do with you to get the word count to an appropriate amount to take on submission. The hard fact is, acquiring editors at publishing houses are thinking about their commercial margins. It simply costs more money to print a longer book. They'll do that if they know the author has a solid fan base, but for debut authors, they have no guarantee they'll make the money back, so they will want to keep the word count as low as possible. The only agent I know of that's more flexible regarding word counts, is Jim McCarthy, but even he has a limit. Takeaway - It's got nothing to do with the quality of the writing or the story you're telling, it's all about the publisher's need to maximise profits and the agent's desire to give publishers what they're looking for. Good luck.

[@jameshansen7108]

So, is writing a query letter something akin to writing a high quality cover letter for a job? Just a slightly different format??

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Yes, it's essentially a cover letter but for an author seeking representation from an agent. You're not necessarily asking them for a "job," but for them to take you on as a client--so making sure that you're friendly but professional goes a long way!

[@dissectingdiy]

Is there a reason all the literary agents are all looking for one thing? Many times I’ve been trying to query and every single agent is looking for woman’s issues, or a theme in an around anything woman related. I don’t have a problem with it. It’s just 4 out of 5 agents? The last agent is looking for crime or drama? I’ve been through 20 or so literary agents and none of them are taking anything in regards to my subject matter. Despite using a book writers market that is the up to date version. I’m doing my research, I’m doing what is suggested and it’s become overwhelming to track down literary agents that specifically deal with say. Science fiction… Only to find they have 5 agents and none of them are looking for the genre that they said they cover.

[@megwriter3power-gg6ml]

Absolutely helpful. I’m currently writing a novel to query and hopefully share the other mysteries I’ve written and safely haven’t self-published because I know if I want an agent that’s not the thing to do at this moment 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@larkinlover]

Hi Alyssa, I'm loving your channel! You're so knowledgeable and I learn something valuable with each video. I have a some questions: 1) Is self-publishing a previous novel seen as a positive or negative when an author is querying? 2) I'm writing an epic fantasy novel, and I've seen that word count expectations in this genre are higher than most - would 120,000 words be okay for this genre then? 3) Since querying takes so long, is there any benefit to starting to process early (before my manuscript is finished) and sending out my first 50 pages? Or should I wait until it's completely finished?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Some agents may be biased against self-publishing (as they work in the traditional publishing industry after all), but my feeling is that most are probably neutral on it. For fantasy, you're right that the length is often longer - if you're reading similar books in the genre that fall around 120k words, that should be OK! You should wait to query until it's completely finished, because the next step would be for an agent to request the full manuscript, and you need to have it ready to send to them.

[@larkinlover]

@@AlyssaMatesic Brilliant! Thank you for your expertise!

[@theboz24]

Interesting comments and helpful. In other words, it's not about the book or the content, it's all about the literary agent's ego. I get it. Not unusual.

[@TheSlickmicks]

I subscribed to you only a while ago, and have found myself watching so many of them. My book was written nearly a decade ago. And here I am now in 2023 trying to find an agent again. Hopefully this time will be different.

[@timfisher5925]

Hi Alyssa, thanks for the upload very informative. I have subscribed and will check out your other uploads. I self published 8 books all cookery and specialising in pastry subjects. I am not going to do this any further as the print quality is nowhere near the quality I am looking for, also the print costs make this untenable for making decent money so I now want to go through a traditional publishing house. I have a high skill level and profile in my field but if I understand your point about self publishing what I should now do is declare i have self published these books and I should not try and use anything in these books i have already published but only use new material. Have I got that right? Kind regards Tim

[@RCPlanesCoptersTrucks]

Thanks, very helpful! My query letter is finished, beginning the daunting process of trying to research agents who've handled similar material...

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad you found the video helpful! Good luck in your querying journey!

[@RCPlanesCoptersTrucks]

@AlyssaMatesic My first query, by email, is going to the Don Conglan Agency, with my first chapter. Thanks again! I subbed as I have a very great deal to learn...

[@drshenoudaabdelmasseh2509]

Hi Alyssa, your videos are so enriching and to the point, so thank you for such great effort. I've a question regarding the third turnoff "self-publishing", as I've self-published a non-fiction book on amazon, and because I am a plastic surgeon you can tell that I had no experience marketing the book there and now I looking forward to publishing it the traditional way, and I need your advice for that, should I proceed?. Thanks for your time and your consideration.

[@dreacrudup]

Hello Alyssa! Thank you so much for sharing such great info and tips. I've only watched three videos so far, and you've already answered so many questions I've had. A question I have now is pertaining to a children's book I desire to have published. Both the manuscript and illustrations are done. I know you mentioned agents for traditional publishers preferring not to deal with books that have been self-published. Is it possible for me to still go the traditional route and not lose/have to change my illustrations? Or, will I have to give that up and use the publisher's choice of illustrations?

[@A-Nonnie-Mouse]

I can't imagine why you got a downvote. You are so unbelievably helpful! Thank you so much for this. I think some info is hard for some would-be authors to swallow.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thank you for your support, Jennifer! I appreciate it :)

[@taichime5405]

If only I would have found your channel sooner! Great info. .

[@AlyssaMatesic]

So glad you're finding it helpful! Thanks for commenting :)

[@philnewton2011]

Thanks. Very helpful video.

[@rosalindtatewriter]

Thank God I’m indie published (and keeping most of my royalties)

[@bettinabalazs3900]

Thank you Alyssa, this friday I'm going to meet a "might be" publisher, so I am super excited and thanks for the tips & trick (L) love and light

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Exciting! Good luck with your publisher meeting!

[@javierm_uk1588]

Great stuff. My outline and first quarter of the book hint I might run a bit short at around 60K words. I´ve heard that historical fiction is expected to be around the 80k mark. Would you recommend to go the extra mile and reach the 80k, or would something around , let´s say 70k, make an acceptable length for a debut author historical fiction title.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

70k is perfectly acceptable - the worst thing you can do is add unnecessary words just for the sake of it!

[@PurrthaKit]

I'm just beginning. Thank you.

[@douglaswickard3286]

Great work! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Stacy-r9u]

Hello Alyssa, I’ve watched several of your videos and I love them! My book is done and I’m looking into the querying process. I have a prologue, epilogue, appendix and glossary. Should I include these in my word count?

[@conorferring5406]

One of your first points is that agents don’t take people on if it’s obvious that the author sent the query without regard for the genre they wanted- but if the agent doesn’t rep that kind of story to begin with then weren’t they never going to reply to begin with? Like the action of generic blanket-querying didn’t spoil it, however it does provide the minimum respect an agent deserves to not be spammed with queries they are publicly not looking for, I totally agree that you’re wasting both your time and the agents by blanket-querying. With regards to the comment about agents being turned off by the wrong name- in my (worthless) opinion, agents should be aware that writers are sending out hundreds of queries. Theres going to be mistakes and that kind of stubbornness just seems unprofessionally fickle. I also feel that it’s absurd to expect a personalized blurb about every agent when there’s already a 90% chance of not being a match. Story should come above everything. The agent is going to know if they like this query very quickly and then either move on or read more. There's no reason to expect writers to waste time personalizing queries when they are likely going to pass on it statistically speaking anyways. If you like the query, then it's time to find out if I'm awful or rude or careless.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I think your perspective as a writer/non-agent is valid! Yes, agents are aware that author hopefuls are sending out hundreds of queries. However, listing the wrong agent's name provides an easy decision to toss the query, especially when there are twenty others in their submissions inbox 😅 I'd hate for that to happen to anyone, especially when they've worked hard on their manuscript, so this video is just a small reminder/checklist for anyone querying. Thanks for sharing!

[@bogman192]

Thanks so much for this video.

[@zylerzyzyx7333]

While I agree with you that each query should be personalized to the specific agent, I also find this hypocritical as every response from agents is copied and pasted, the same for every writer with a "mail-merge" that pastes in my name and the title of the manuscript. In several responses, I have received "Dear G" as I use my first initial and middle name. That means the reviewer did not even read the query to know that I go by my middle name for writing. I understand volume, I do. But when I spend a whole day or two researching and working on my query letter and materials and submitting it, I would like to know that - at the very minimum - my entire query letter was read. It's less than 400 words.

[@gamewriteeye769]

Hello, I discovered your channel through the blessing of the algorithm! 🎉 It's interesting to discover an insider channel like this that explains a bit more about the industry and how it works. That's good, as there isn't really a reason to sugarcoat or hide anything. It's how business works. So, I have a question, since I'm quite new to the writing and publishing world. I have looked into a lot of resources about where might be the best way to publish, how the industry operates with its different paths, whether it's the more fluffy side of self-publishing, watch out for vanity publishers, or go traditional (old-fashioned way). I want to know how the querying process works for books that are not only experimental in nature, but weave multiple genres into the story as it progresses, and start to blur the lines between being in spirit of a memoir but is written entirely as a novel. That is the nature of what I'm working with, and I'm not sure exactly what agent I would look for or find, given its broad scope. I'm still writing it, so it's the beginning of the journey! I'm just curious and looking into it now where I should go when I finish it.

[@grantstewart457]

Alyssa when you say “query letters” is this covered by sending a “query email”? That is, can our email double as our query letter? Or do we have to write a letter and attach it to the email?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Yes, the body of the email can be the query itself! Some agents accept paper submissions, though, so that's where the distinction for query 'letters' comes from. Thanks for commenting :)

[@CurstSaden]

I often wrote things like "I noticed you are seeking adventure novels..." in my query letter...so glad to know not to do that!

[@ldwenzel1]

Hi Alyssa, Thanks for your comments on personalizing a query letter. I have written a thriller. Of course, the first thing I look for are agents that have thrillers on their wish list. However, many agents in their profiles say "thrillers" but little or nothing else about that genre. I always look for additional comments and many agents say anything more but many don't, so I have nothing to respond to. Thus I am limited to just saying "I'm querying you because of your interest in thrillers." Do these agents understand this? I feel I do a good job presenting my thriller but it feels like I'm kind of "fishing." Is this an okay way of going forward?

[@foggyfiction9917]

I never would've thought about how the email might change if it's heading to a different provider. And I'm so thankful you gave that info on the word counts. My first two drafts fell around 55,000 words, and they're so far hovering around that still during revisions with what I've cut and added. I'm feeling a little better about it, though there's still many more edits and revisions to come.

[@IrinaFlowers]

Interesting. I didn't even know that a query letter goes through an additional filter before it gets to a literary agent. Is it fair, thought, to judge about the book by the query letter?

[@karine191]

Alyssa your KZbin channel is very informative and helpful! I’m French and writing a book in English (not a novel) Is it an issue to seek an American literary agent when you’re foreign? Do you know some literary agents working with France? Would it be better to seek a Canadian one because of their double language/culture? (My book is oriented to the English speaking world in general but I have a preference for the US) Thank you and keep the good work, you’re doing so well✨

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thanks for the kind words! I'd say go ahead and try agents based in the US, UK, and Canada. It may be that UK agents are more likely to take European clients, but no reason not to try some in North America as well.

[@kaitemarie5404]

Just sent out my query and I love it even more after watching this.

[@anthonysartori]

Super informative!

[@elizabethstump4077]

I have written my book. Presently it's with a beta I worked with for a lot of fan fiction. I then plan to pay for an editor to work on it out of pocket. When sending a querying letter, should I mention that I've worked with a specific editor and it's professionally edited already?

[@tomos-gr3uv]

Thank you so much 😊!!

[@Space_Writer]

this has been helpful. I've been writing a lot of short stories that fall right around 1000 words, and my first book that was supposed to be a short story ended up being a novela. It naturally fell around the 50K word count. But I don't think I'd have trouble expanding an area that would give me the extra 10-15k words.

[@shinbooks]

Very helpful. I noticed some of my mistakes after seeing this video.

[@TheSendakite]

Thank you for your insight.

[@garryhamilton8245]

Hi Alyssa, thanks for all the info. I have a question which is maybe not typical for you but i hope worth considering. Is there an adult market ( adult as opposed to juvenile ) for a novella with illustrations - not a graphic novel, but a serious themed fiction piece with realistic illustrations as opposed to super hero fantasies. Thanks for the response. Garry

[@keithcarey6312]

This is more of a generic question. I'm querying publishers rather than going through an agent, especially since my novel would only appeal to a certain audience. Is this the right approach?

[@bluefenixalchemy7]

Thank you so much for this video as well as the offer to assist in answering any questions. I am writing a non fiction book about working as a civilian Informant for the ATF on a high profile case. I've had some great publicity, through a couple interviews with journalists as well as publicity during the trial. I am interested in who you'd recommend for this project. I've written 100's of pages, I'm in process of editing my first proposal. I'm open to suggestions or advice on how to proceed forward. Thank you for taking time to read this. R Williams

[@ColorsofHopeCraftsASMR]

You said we shouldn’t use hyperboles or overstatements. I’ve done some research, and I know the children’s book series I’m writing is both needed and wanted by parents and teachers. It’s a series about a child growing up with Hydrocephalus. We (my co-author and I) are attempting to answer parents questions through the eyes of this child. Is it overstatement or hyperbole to say that I’ve done research and I know it’s a series that people want out there?

[@mattiOTX]

I have violence in the beginning pages because part of the theme of the story is violence. I think im rather decent in description when it comes to violence. There is a sweet spot of enough to understand the violence but not to the point of grimdark glorification. It also is important for the growth of the main characters.

[@ritareinecker7990]

Just found your channel and subscribed immediately! Great information! I have a question: I self-published my memoir and had a wonderful Kirkus Review and one from a best-selling author. I'm unhappy with that publishing (services) house's marketing... it got me nowhere. I would like to re-launch it with query letters to agents (same title, different subtitle). I did some editing in the new version. Will I be doomed from the start?

[@doncotti_certi4ever]

Thank you for the advice 😊

[@VaJHUNTER69]

Hi Alyssa, are you saying that one should not attach the manuscript in the initial email?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

If the agent requests the manuscript to be attached, then you definitely should. However, most will ask for the first chapter or first 10 pages to be pasted at the bottom of the query email. Just follow their specific instructions!

[@karisgalloway8946]

Hey Alyssa! This is one of the most useful channels out there for publishing. Thank you!! Do you know anything about Wattpad / if having your full manuscript on there is a turn off for an agent? I would take it down afterwards, but don’t know if I should take it down before I query. Thank you for your time!

[@joannabenitez3718]

Love this! If the first chapter of a novel is published in a contest, is the entire novel considered published? Could you still query the project, or would it be an automatic rejection?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Great question! If it's just the first chapter, then no. You could still query this project, and I'd mention the contest win in the query letter!

[@toddmaggio2032]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@Space_Writer]

As far as turning off an agent with pre-published work, how do agents view pre-released stories featured on Amazon's Kindle Vella? I'm using the platform to get a following as well as to get feedback from readers. Since it can be removed/unpublished 30 days after the final episode of the series, would it still count as a fresh piece of unpublished work? I'm wondering if knowing that it has got some traction (through Vella) would be compelling evidence that it is sellable? or if its considered used material?

[@LeMichaelJordansPoleRiders]

Hi Alyssa, I love your channel! This is very helpful for aspiring authors and those that are struggling to market their book. I do have one question though. Specifically on number 3. If my books have already been self-published. So does that mean they are automatically disqualified from being acquired by a traditional publisher if I show it to a literary agent? What's the workaround on this? Your response would mean a lot to me. More power to you and your channel.

[@saxbend]

Do you have a video on how to research agents and determine what attributes makes an agent a good fit for you and your book, and how to discover the necessary information from their agency's website and other sources?

[@TheWideGateToFreedom]

This is the first time I've heard that previously self-published works will be denied. Is this very common? Wouldn't a book with a successful Kickstarter, good sales, and great ratings be attractive?

[@momo_genX]

What about if you have self-published a bunch of smaller works and wanted to trad publish a collection? Will that still be a turn off to agents? It is not like you can't pull the work from Amazon an then make a deal on the rights.

[@knghtmajic]

I'm currently at 114,000 words, and I'm just getting to the final act. Should I shorten the novel?

[@Cmdr1962]

Can you list some sources for research? I use Writers Market and the agents' social media. I find most of these list the agents' life experience like a CV. Worse, they use terms like "I love characters who stick with me and plots that blow my mind." Um... Does anyone dislike those things? How do I find less generic, more professional/personal information about an agent?

[@tomst.pierre3771]

I've written a novel that is (unfortunately) totally unique: a Rom-Com between a priest and a woman who owns a Catering Hall (think Fran Drescher). When agents ask for "similar books," I have no answer. How can I overcome that? As soon as I given the plot, I'm assuming my query gets deleted.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

A good technique in this case is to use the format "my book is X meets Y." So think of two books/films/TV shows that, when meshed together, produce something in line with yours!

[@tomst.pierre3771]

@@AlyssaMatesic Interesting. Thanks.

[@nickdaruler]

Hello, you spoke about violence being a turnoff. In my opening, I talked about how a kid hit another kid (bully) with a stick. I started there then went back. He had been dealing with a lot of trauma and took it out on a bully. Are there levels to opening like this? Should I consider changing it?

[@brianhershon2531]

Just so informative

[@staciahoke9365]

First of all, thank you for your videos! I only just started watching you today, but I’m 7ish videos deep and it’s already been a major help😅what about word count for YA Fantasy specifically? I’ve done a lot of research on this and have found answers extremely opposite from one another. One source even said a 100k word count minimum. My finished manuscript currently sits at 77k and I have a few scenes I’d like to add, but from what I’ve found online, that’s on the very short end of the spectrum.

[@ΚωνσταντίνοςΣταθερός]

Hey Alyssa! What about if it is a children’s tale. Shouldn’t be shorter than 60.000 words?

[@sheilaburns-owens9344]

My manuscript is a memoir that includes traveling it is 86,888 words - 260 pages - 21 chapters. It has several components to it. Does it sound like it is too long?

[@makingbooktalk3082]

Thanks for the tips! I have a question about agents not wanting self published books. If an author self published a book but then rewrote it completely and and tries to query it, do you think an agent would be interested in it then? Especially with a new author pen name or book title?

[@friendofmind7859]

Hi Alyssa, hope all is well with you, what is the best approach to publishing Christian books?