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Hi Jenn. First thanks for this blog. Idk how to keep going in pub though. I’m an illustrator of ten years, worked w/all the big pubs with my illo agency who I left last year to make the leap to author my own stuff. I have several great relationships with editors and a portfolio that (should??) tick all the boxes. I have a few imho decent book ideas and dummies too. My quest to get an agent has been so blah. Mostly “this is great work but not quite right for me” and radio silence. It’s a hard job as an agent and ridiculous level of work so I’m not mad about that. Everyone is hanging on by a thread in this industry and I have respect for them all esp in this day and age. I just…thought I’d have an agent by now? Now I see all the bad news in pub and it makes me even more depressed. I’ll always keep chugging along. But. like everyone else, I do like the validation that my work mean something and I want to see something come of my hard work but it’s like an uphill battle and I’m stuck in the mud at the bottom. I’m not trying to be boo hoo but I really thought this would be easier. Every job is hard but add in a level of AI threat, subjectiveness, awful economy, insane competition and it’ll beat you up. I guess this is just a vent but thank you so much for your work and here’s to hoping things improve someday. (Ask the Agent)▲ 0
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Do you remember those books that the kids could turn the page and it would have a different character head, different middle of body and then different legs where kids could play mix and match creating hybrid characters through illustrations? If so, what is that type of book formatting called? Like interactive read aloud with flip and find? My brain doesn’t work on Mondays. Thanks! (Ask the Agent)▲ 0
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I’m reaching out with a publishing question. Do you represent coloring books specifically? If yes, I’d love to know what you typically look for (e.g., sample pages, paper/format details, and whether you prefer children’s activity vs. adult coloring). If you’re open to it, could you please share your submission preferences or the best way to send a query? Thank you so much! (Ask the Agent)▲ 0
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Hello! Can you please explain how having 2 agents works in different contexts? Like agent and junior agent/agent assistant, agent and agent at same agency, agent from one continent and the other agent from a different one? Do authors with 2 literary agents have more commission taken out? (Ask the Agent)▲ 0
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Hi Jenn! Sorry if you hate this question but what are the average timelines you’re seeing for having a book on sub before it sells? I know some books sell fast and others not so much but I’m curious if you personally have an average length of time these days. I’m also aware it depends and there’s so many factors to consider but my curiosity would love to know even a ballpark number! Sincerely, a long time reader and enjoyer of your blog :) (Ask the Agent)▲ 0
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Hi Jenn! I’m curious if you have any insight as to whether an author sharing some of their story elements online before querying hurts their chance of getting an agent or publisher? Not necessarily the whole story with spoilers, maybe drawings, character sheets, little comics or worldbuilding elements, stuff like that. Would a publisher like that because it’s a gauge for interest, or would that make them more likely to turn the story down because it’s not- I don’t want to say the word ‘virgin’, but a virgin book. Or would it not matter because people recycle work and change their minds all the time. I was just wondering if you’ve ever come across this sort of thing happening. I say this as I’m sitting on a pile of original characters who I want to casually yap about, but also want to be able to get their stories published and am assuming the worst just to be safe. It’d be really nice if you could clear this up for me. Thank you! (Ask the Agent)▲ 0
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I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but I just found out about MORE editor layoffs, when I’m still emotionally processing the LAST ones, and I’m just… I feel so stuck? I’m just an author, but it feels so brutal. For EVERYONE. You’re not my therapist, Jenn, but I’m just wondering if there’s something we can do? (Ask the Agent)▲ 0