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Agent Chat #2: Ammi-Joan Paquette

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Agent Chat #2: Ammi-Joan Paquette Empty Agent Chat #2: Ammi-Joan Paquette

Post  Maggie Fri Apr 22, 2011 8:18 pm

Log of Agent Chat #2 with Ammi-Joan Paquette. Big thanks to Joan for being so helpful and amazing!

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Lizzy sent out 5 invitations 17:50
Authoress joined the chat 17:53
Lizzy: *waves* 17:53
Authoress: 17:54
Taryn joined the chat 17:54
Taryn: Hi 17:54
Lizzy: Hey Taryn. 17:55
Taryn: I just got back edits on my MS like two mins ago...they're distracting. 17:55
Lizzy: Nice! Is "distracting" a good or a bad thing? 17:56
Taryn: Just . . . I almost forgot about the chat in favorof reading them. So bad? But good? Lol. 17:56
Lizzy sent out an invitation 17:56
Lizzy: Good, and almost bad... 17:56
Sarah joined the chat 17:57
Shahira joined the chat 17:57
Lizzy: Hey Sarah! 17:57
Taryn: Hey guys 17:57
Lizzy: Hey Shahira. 17:57
Shahira: Hey guys. :] 17:57
Sarah: Hi everyone! 17:57
Sarah: Soo, whats up? 17:58
Taryn: Edits edits edits! (I want that editing fairy) 17:58
Lizzy: Eagerly waiting Joan's arrival. 17:58
Taryn: Oh, that too 17:58
Lizzy: (me too, Taryn! about the fairy) 17:58
Sarah: Haha, me too! 17:58
Joan joined the chat 17:59
Sarah: Hi! 17:59
Joan: Hi everybody! 17:59
Taryn: Welcome 17:59
Authoress: Hi Joan! 17:59
Authoress: Hi everyone! 17:59
Joan: Boy, seems like ages since I've been in a chatroom...! 18:00
Lizzy: Joan = Ammi-Joan Paquette, our guest agent tonight! Feel free to applause. 18:00
Taryn: *applause* 18:00
Authoress: (is applause a verb? ) 18:00
Sarah: *applause* 18:00
Authoress: *applause* 18:00
Taryn: give or take a "d" 18:00
Lizzy: 18:00
Sarah: Haha *claps* 18:00
Shahira: *clapping* 18:00
Lizzy: Hehe, Sarah. 18:00
Joan: *takes a bow* (quite ungracefully, all things considered) 18:00
Taryn: It's okay, we can't see it 18:00
Lizzy: So, whenever you're ready to start taking questions, Joan. This is how the system works: When you have a question, type "!". I will add your name to a queue. When I call your name, you may go ahead and ask your question. 18:01
Joan: Sounds great 18:01
Sarah: ! 18:01
Taryn: ! 18:01
Lizzy: Go ahead Sarah. You're first. 18:01
Sarah: What genres do you see becoming popular soon? 18:01
Joan: Oh wow, that's a good question 18:01
Lizzy: (And if you think of a question while others are being answered, feel free to post that ! and get in line. I'm writing it all down. ) 18:02
Joan: I don't know how accurately I could talk about what's GOING to be hot... 18:02
Joan: I feel like there is a lot of demand for mysteries, thrillers, and other non-paranormal, non-dystopian projects 18:02
Joan: So I'm guessing these are going to continue to grow 18:02
Sarah: Thank you 18:02
Lizzy: Interesting! 18:02
Taryn: Definitely agree with mysteries+thrillers. They're what I'm looking for as a reader! 18:03
Joan: But my take is always to find the story you want to tell, write from the heart, and then the trends will come to you, yanno? 18:03
Lizzy: Oooh, I love that take! 18:03
Sarah: Me too! 18:03
Taryn: (omg, my county is under a tornado warning right now. If I cut out, that's why) 18:03
Lizzy: Oh dear! Be safe. 18:03
Authoress: o.o 18:03
Joan: Oh no, Taryn! Stay safe! 18:03
Sarah: What they said! 18:03
Shahira: Hope everything's okay there, Taryn! 18:04
Lizzy: LOL Sarah 18:04
Taryn: Thanks It's only raining atm... 18:04
Lizzy: If you're ready, you can go ahead and ask your question, Taryn. 18:04
Sarah: ! 18:04
Taryn: Oh! So on rejections/requests for revision on fulls, if it good/appreciated to reply? Don't reply to rej's on queries, I know, but are fulls/partials different? 18:05
Lizzy: Heh, good question. ^^ 18:05
Taryn: I keep wondering if I'm being rude... 18:05
Joan: Hmm, I think it depends on the individual person. I don't think it's mandatory, but when I've read a full or partial and sent notes, it is nice to get a response back 18:05
Joan: Just to have an idea of what you thought of the comments, etc. 18:06
Taryn: Okay, thanks! But not if it's a form rej? 18:06
Joan: I don't think it would ever be out of place to do something like that where personal notes were sent 18:06
Taryn: Perfect, thanks 18:06
Joan: No, I'd say a standard question/sample pages rejection or a form wouldn't warrant a reply -- cuz then it could overwhelm the inbox 18:06
Taryn: Poor agent inboxes... 18:07
Authoress: ( I once got a form rejection in which the agent explicited stated that no response was necessary.) 18:07
Joan: Ha 18:07
Taryn: Yeah, I've seen that. But only on query rejections. 18:07
Lizzy: Hmm. 18:07
Lizzy: Whenever you're ready, go ahead Sarah. 18:08
Sarah: What are publishers looking for in a book nowadays? Like certain things they deem necessary to sell it? 18:08
Lizzy: Good one! 18:08
Shahira: ! 18:08
Joan: Excellent writing, first and always. 18:08
Constance joined the chat 18:08
Lizzy: Hey Constance! 18:09
Sarah: Hi Constance! 18:09
Taryn: (hi Constance!) 18:09
Joan: Also: commercial, hooky, or otherwise original premise. Strong voice. Resonant characters. 18:09
Shahira: Hey Constance. :] 18:09
Taryn: ! 18:09
Joan: hooky = cool hook 18:09
Constance: Hello everyone! 18:09
Sarah: Thank you 18:09
Joan: I think now as always editors really want to be transported and find a world they can fully live in -- again, it comes back to telling the best story you can, in the best way -- the story only you can write 18:09
Lizzy: Interesting. 18:10
Lizzy: Good world building? 18:10
Joan: Yes 18:10
Sarah: Thanks! 18:10
Joan: Whether that world is real or imagined--making it come alive 18:10
Lizzy: Cool! 18:11
Lizzy: Ok, next. Shahira! 18:11
Shahira: Is there a preference on what POV the novel should be written in? Like first person or third person? Apr 22
Sarah: Oooh good question! 18:12
Joan: I'd say it depends on the story 18:12
Taryn: (I have a follow up to this q) 18:12
Lizzy: Interesting! 18:12
Lizzy: (gotcha Taryn) 18:12
Shahira: Maybe you could tell us what POV you like reading? 18:12
Joan: Sometimes if you're not sure you might want to try a few chapters in both, to see which one feels right 18:12
Lizzy: *nods* 18:13
Shahira: Good idea. :] 18:13
Joan: I tend to find that stories that work better in first are ones where you really want to be inside the character's head, know what's going on in their internal life 18:13
Constance left this message : 18:13
! (Related to this one too
)
Joan: Plot-driven stories or more action-based things can work better in 3rd 18:13
Lizzy: Gotcha Constance 18:13
Joan: As to what POV I like reading--I like both at different times 18:13
Joan: and for different stories 18:13
Taryn: I've hard that, unless your character has a ridiculously strong voice/extremely unique outlook, you want to be in 3rd. So, that's true? 18:14
Shahira: Oh okay, I see. 18:14
Lizzy: (is that your follow up, Taryn?) 18:14
Taryn: yes 18:14
Lizzy: That's interesting, Taryn. I'd never heard that or thought about it! 18:14
Joan: The best POV will disappear into the story and just feel right (though that's not very helpful, I know) 18:14
Shahira: I haven't either! But that does make sense. 18:14
Lizzy: No, it is helpful. 18:15
Joan: Hmm (Taryn) 18:15
Lizzy: It makes sense. 18:15
Joan: I don't think I would say that 18:15
Joan: I recently read a ms which had been in 3rd, and was put into 1st 18:15
Joan: For me, it didn't work -- it was a more external story, and the author pretty much just transposed what used to be 3rd into 1st 18:15
Joan: There was no special voice or window into the character's thoughts 18:15
Lizzy: Hmm 18:16
Taryn: Yeah, I tried that with an MS recently (other way), but it didn't work 18:16
Joan: So maybe in some ways that makes sense--if you're going in first you do need a much stronger voice--but I don't think it has to be utterly unique 18:16
Joan: Just distinct, strong, and necessary to the story 18:16
Lizzy: Constance? 18:16
Shahira: Okay cool. That helps a lot. Thank you. :] 18:16
Constance: How do you feel about books that have 1st and 3rd in the same book, be it two different characters or the same person in a different setting? 18:17
Taryn: ooo, yes! 18:17
Joan: Actually, I think that can work really well if it's done right 18:17
Lizzy: Oh yeah! Good one 18:17
Joan: Personally, I have a difficult time with rotating POV in 1st 18:17
Shahira: Good one Constance! 18:17
Sarah: I've seen that before, good question! 18:17
Joan: People try to change it up by using headers with the character's names--but that is tough for me because as a reader I tend to gloss over the headers--usually don't even see them 18:18
Joan: So I spend a lot of time being confused about who I'm reading about 18:18
Shahira: True. I've done that. 18:18
Joan: You can change up the voice, but again, it's that elusive first paragraph or so where there can be a bit of a floundering moment 18:18
Lizzy: *nods* Yeah! Me too 18:18
Joan: To me, changing up between first and third gives a way to know right away which POV you're in 18:18
Taryn: But you do think a main 1st POV with a couple secondary 3rd can work? 18:19
Taryn: Ok. 18:19
Joan: And usually it works best when there is one person in 1st--maybe the main or prominent character--and then one or several who are in 3rd 18:19
Lizzy: Yeah, that makes total sense. 18:19
Joan: Headers will still say who is speaking, but it's a quick-cheat bridge to tell us whose head we're in (or not in) 18:19
Constance: What about if it's still the same person, but you switch the POVs? 18:19
Joan: No, I wouldn't do that 18:19
Joan: Would be confusing, I'd think... 18:19
Joan: Unless there was some reason, like a shifting time perception or something...? 18:20
Lizzy: What if it's the same person but you write memories or flashbacks in 3rd? 18:20
Joan: Oh yes, a case like that would work 18:20
Constance: Shifting from human to animal, actually. 18:20
Joan: In other words--some way where you want to set those excerpts apart 18:20
Joan: Well, here I am making all sorts of exceptions 18:20
Taryn: In Kelley Armstong's The Summoning, the first chapter is 3rd, and the rest of the book is 1st, but there's like a 10 year difference 18:20
Joan: Constance, I think that could work too -- because it's presumably highlighting the difference btw character as human and character as animal 18:20
Joan: So yes, if it's done for a reason then sure 18:21
Constance: Okay. Thanks! 18:21
Joan: Truthfully, I'd say there is very little that you *can't* ever do 18:21
Lizzy: Ok, Taryn, you had another question? 18:21
Joan: It's all a matter of when, and how, and whether it's done well 18:21
Joan: (IMO, anyway!) 18:21
Constance: I agree 18:21
Taryn: yes! So, say a writer is looking at the Christian market and the general market. How many agents have contacts in both? 18:22
Taryn: (for different projects) 18:22
Constance: Oh, good question. 18:22
Joan: Hmm, I think that would have to be a question for individual agents - I'm not sure I could speak to that specifically 18:22
Joan: But you could probably get a sense by looking at what books they have sold 18:22
Taryn: Okay, thanks. 18:22
Joan: If they have sold in the Christian market and the general market, then you have your answer 18:23
Lizzy: ! (*grabs one*) 18:23
Constance: ! 18:23
Joan: You can also search Publishers Marketplace to see what editors they are selling to, etc 18:23
Sarah: Lol Lizzy! 18:23
Taryn: *off to research deeper* 18:23
Joan: (not sure I have anything else on that one, tho my answer sort of cuts off... 18:24
Taryn: It's all good! Figured it was a grab in the dark. 18:24
Lizzy: I'll ask mine quick. We talked a little about this before, I'm just expanding on it... In general, do you like a story to have a unique story line or is it OK if it's "been told before" so long as the world building/voice/character​s are all special and unique enough? 18:24
Lizzy: (does that make sense?) 18:24
Joan: Sure 18:24
Joan: Ideally, it will have both -- but the reality is that there is very little that is utterly new to the world 18:25
Joan: I don't think a story must have a unique hook or story line -- but I do think there should be a point where it brings something new to the table 18:25
Lizzy: *nods* That's what I get stuck with, but I'm always pressuring myself to think of the-never-before-thought-of-story, which is virtually impossible.. ? 18:25
Joan: whether story, character, hook, feel, emotion, etc. 18:25
Joan: Right 18:25
Lizzy: Okay, that makes sense. 18:25
Joan: But it might be an old story done in a totally fresh way 18:25
Joan: One of my clients has a Hamlet retelling coming out in July 18:25
Shahira: Lizzy, I do the same thing. 18:25
Joan: very "done" story-- 18:26
Lizzy: Really? Okay. Thank you! 18:26
Constance: Ooooh, that sounds good! 18:26
Lizzy: Yeah, haha 18:26
Lizzy: LOL Shahira 18:26
Lizzy: It's no fun :/ 18:26
Joan: but a completely different angle and it feels so new and fresh: contemporary celebrity angle, with a kick-a** Ophelia who doesn't die. New? No. But very very fresh. 18:26
Lizzy: It actually sounds really good! Haha 18:26
Joan: (Ooops! Kick "butt" *shifting uneasily*) 18:27
Lizzy: That answers my question then. 18:27
Lizzy: LOL! It's ok. xD 18:27
Taryn: haha 18:27
Sarah: Haha, it's fine 18:27
Lizzy: Whenever you're ready, Constance. 18:27
Sarah: We're all old enough 18:27
Joan: It is, Lizzy! (But I'm biased, obviously) (Title is Falling for Hamlet, by Michelle Ray) 18:27
Lizzy: *mental note to get it when it comes out* 18:27
Sarah: Ooh, I'll have to get that when it come out! 18:27
Taryn: ! 18:28
Shahira: I'm writing that title down lol. 18:28
Lizzy: *assumes Constance is typing* 18:29
Constance: If you're signed with an agent that doesn't rep mystery(or any other genre), and you want to write mystery, what do you do? Do you not write it...? 18:29
Lizzy: That's an awesome question! Haha, I've wondered the same! (different genres) 18:29
Sarah: (adding onto question) Do you have to get another agent? 18:29
Joan: This is a conversation you should have before signing with your agent: what happens when you write outside the agent's rep genre 18:29
Joan: Or--what if there is a ms that you are very passionate about, and the agent just isn't feeling it for whatever reason 18:29
Lizzy: Hmm. 18:30
Joan: With our agency, if there is something we don't rep - for example, adult projects - then the authors are free to either get another agent to handle that, or else sub it on their own 18:30
Joan: Likewise if there is a project I'm just not feeling for whatever reason, but the client is super-passionate and set on it 18:30
Lizzy: What if you do one or two novels with your agent that all fit in to their rep genre, but then you get a new, brilliant idea that's outside their box. What do you do then? 18:30
Constance: When you say get another agent, do you mean they leave your agency? 18:31
Lizzy: Ohh, really? 18:31
Joan: I mean, really the point of having an agent is to make decisions on the big picture, but not everything fits neatly into those boxes sometimes 18:31
Joan: For Lizzy: 18:31
Taryn: (Like Dan Krokos whose thrillers go through Janet Reid and YA goes through Suzie Townsend?) 18:31
Joan: I feel like usually those "I don't rep this" rules tend to be flexible 18:31
Lizzy: Really? 18:32
Joan: Many children's/YA agents don't actively rep picture books 18:32
Joan: BUT if one of their existing clients writes one, and they feel they can sell it, they will 18:32
Lizzy: Interesting! 18:32
Joan: I don't know that this is the case across the board, but I do think there is leeway to talk with your agent about this 18:32
Lizzy: I was just wondering if you already are a smashing hit, if your agent would bend a few rules because they already know you're good. 18:32
Lizzy: Okay. Makes sense! 18:33
Joan: But yes, if an agent doesn't rep YA at all, then you would just have a second agent 18:33
Lizzy: Huh. That seems confusing! But it makes sense. 18:33
Joan: and Constance, as to your question, it would be additional--the agency contract would specify which works the agent represents = all children's/YA vs. all adult 18:33
Joan: So in summary, it depends on the agent 18:34
Constance: Oh, okay. I didn't know one could have more than one agent. Maybe Authoress is Jodie after all. 18:34
Joan: But of course, there are agents who rep both, so some people might prefer to have one agent handle everything 18:34
Joan: Depends on the individual person 18:34
Lizzy: Haha, I didn't know that either, Constance. 18:34
Sarah: LOL Constance! 18:34
Joan: One of my authors has an adult agent for her non-children's fiction 18:34
Taryn: LOL 18:34
Joan: That is, an agent who reps adult stuff (I am an adult agent too ) 18:34
Constance: I've been wondering about that one for a while. Thanks 18:35
Taryn: haha, whole new meaning to "double agent" 18:35
Sarah: Lol 18:35
Joan: Hee 18:35
Shahira: lol 18:35
Lizzy: Haha, cool! 18:35
Lizzy: Okay, whenever you're ready, Taryn, go ahead and ask. xD 18:35
Lizzy: *thinks about the concept of two agents* 18:36
Lizzy: Haha 18:36
Taryn: Okay, I'd love, love, love to agent. I'm wondering how many internships are available as remote opportunities? (I'm a college student) 18:36
Joan: Hmm, good question 18:36
Joan: I think these types of things fluctuate according to the need and people's changing schedules 18:37
Constance: ! 18:37
Joan: I would put out feelers with those agencies who have remote readers or interns, and let them know of your interest 18:37
Lizzy: Wow, interesting question! 18:37
Joan: I don't know who all has those types of situations going on, but I feel like there are various ones who are actively looking from time to time 18:38
Taryn: Getting to New York is so difficult, esp for a poor college girl in Washington state... How do you find thse? I've looked at bookjobs, but they're all in NY. 18:38
Joan: Hm, I'm truthfully not sure 18:39
Joan: I don't think you have to be onsite necessarily--and if you're moving to NY, you're probably going to want more than an unpaid internship! 18:40
Taryn: Okay, thanks *off to stalk agencies* 18:40
Lizzy: LOL Taryn! 18:40
Lizzy: Go ahead Constance. 18:40
Taryn: (teehee, you're just jealous of my stalking abilities, Lizzy) 18:40
Lizzy: Your stalking abilities and I are good friends. 18:41
Sarah: Lol 18:41
Taryn: Trueeeee...*pokes Authoress* 18:41
Sarah: Haha 18:41
Lizzy: *hides* 18:41
Lizzy: Or wait, can I even hide? 18:41
Sarah: Lol 18:41
Constance: If you do want to work for an agency, but you don't want to move to the big city, can you do it via internet, if you were just, I dunno, slush-pile reader? 18:41
Taryn: (yeah, that's what I meant by remote opportunities) 18:42
Joan: Testing 18:43
Joan: Okay folks -- give me a second - my computer weirded out so I just need to catch up on the screen real quick - sorry for the silence! 18:44
Lizzy: Testing? 18:44
Sarah: No problem 18:44
Lizzy: No problem. 18:44
Lizzy: LOL Sarah! 18:44
Sarah: Haha, it confused me too Lizzy 18:44
Constance: That's fine. 18:44
Taryn: You two are like Jodi and Authoress 18:44
Taryn: (Sarah and Lizzy) 18:44
Shahira joined the chat 18:44
Lizzy: LOL! That's a compliment, isn't it? 18:44
Joan: Constance, I think it can happen with some agencies - it just depends on the policies in place 18:44
Sarah: I think it was, Lizzy 18:45
Taryn: Just that you're the "same person" 18:45
Joan: But I do think that mss reading is typically not something you always have to be "on site" for 18:45
Joan: If that answers your question 18:45
Lizzy: *looks at Sarah* we're pretty good at this chatting-as-two-people things! 18:45
Constance: It does. Also, can you *just* be a slush reader? Do you have to move up to agent? 18:46
Sarah: Haha, what she said 18:46
Lizzy: *thing 18:46
Sarah: We have skill haha 18:46
Lizzy: I have been adding extra S's to everything today. I kept almost saying "Thanks you" on Twitter! :/ 18:46
Joan: No, I don't think it's a given that you have to move up to agent at all 18:47
Lizzy: LOL! 18:47
Sarah: LOL, Lizzy, I've been forgetting to put S's on all day haha 18:47
Constance: Okay, just wondering. Gracias. 18:47
Joan: Slush reading is a useful skill to have! 18:47
Lizzy: *thinks slush reading sounds pretty awful* Haha 18:47
Taryn: *nods* *itches to get an internship* 18:47
Taryn: Well, to each her own 18:47
Sarah: I think slush reading would be the fun part 18:48
Lizzy: Hehe, for sure! 18:48
Constance: *agrees with Sarah* 18:48
Lizzy: ! 18:48
Lizzy: Oops, I'm outnumbered! 18:48
Sarah: It would kinda be like reading all those SA entries on MSFV 18:48
Sarah: LOL, Lizzy 18:48
Taryn: That's what the form reject is for. With SA, there's personal feeback involved. *shudder* 18:49
Lizzy: My question is, at what point do you generally stop reading someone's work? Like, if you request a full or a partial and you really want to know where the story's going but the world building, for example, isn't really so great, when do you decide to stop reading? 18:49
Sarah: LOL, Taryn! 18:49
Lizzy: If that makes sense. I'm just wondering where you stop and decide "This isn't working" even if you really want it to. 18:49
Joan: Typically I stop reading when I realize it isn't going to be right for my list 18:49
Lizzy: Right. Totally! 18:50
Joan: It might even be really good, but if it's not something I'm going to be able to represent for whatever reason, then I usually stop reading 18:50
Sarah: Good question Lizzy! 18:50
Joan: There are a few cases where I keep on reading anyway, but that's few and far between 18:50
Taryn: ! follow up 18:50
Lizzy: Is that ever hard to stop reading? Just from being a reader standpoint? 18:50
Lizzy: Go ahead, Taryn. 18:50
Joan: I've had a few projects where I knew it wasn't for me but I kept reading till the end anyway 18:50
Joan: It hooked me in and I read right to the end 18:50
Lizzy: Huh. Those poor authors! Haha. 18:51
Joan: But usually there are soooo many things in the slush pile I don't read on 18:51
Lizzy: But it makes sense. 18:51
Sarah: *hopes that's my project one day in the far away future* 18:51
Lizzy: Thank you! 18:51
Taryn: If you think it's "really good" and representable, but not right for you, would you stress that? Sometimes it's a line in a form R, and it seems impersonal, so it's hardto tell if an agent means it 18:51
Joan: Yes, but they are better served with someone who is the right cnnection all the way around -- if I love it but can't sell it, or am otherwise not right for it, then I'm doing them a disservice by takign it on 18:51
Lizzy: Oooh, yeah. 18:51
Joan: Also, sometimes (still on the earlier question) life intervenes and creates a natural break, and then if it's not compelling me to come back and pick it up, then I know I don't love it enough 18:52
Joan: Taryn, oh yes I would stess that for sure 18:52
Lizzy: Hmm, totally! 18:52
Joan: I do think that agents say what they mean, so if I said something was really strong and I liked it then I did (I can only speak for myself, obviously) 18:52
Taryn: Ok, good. I've had a couple partials with that line that make me think it's JUST a line. Now I'm very excited! lol 18:53
Joan: stress* 18:53
Joan: Oh no, I would be encouraged by that for sure 18:53
Taryn: Good. Thanks! 18:53
Lizzy: Hmm. 18:54
Constance: ! 18:54
Lizzy: Go for it Constance. 18:55
Taryn: (omg, where did the time go?) 18:55
Sarah: I know, right! I just noticed 18:55
Lizzy: It always does that! 18:55
Lizzy: *shakes head* 18:55
Constance: Is there anything that turns you away from a story, despite everything else about it being wonderful? 18:56
Shahira: Lol Lizzy. 18:56
Lizzy: I'm trying to think of any questions I can so I don't beat myself up later for forgetting something, LOL! 18:56
Constance: Lol, Lizzy! 18:56
Joan: Hm, I don't know that there's any one thing that would be a deal-breaker for me 18:56
Sarah: Same here Lizzy! 18:56
Lizzy: ! 18:56
Joan: Maybe if the author was rude or very pushy or belligerent in the query letter, or had a really obnoxious online presence -- someone I wouldn't want to work with, even if the story itself was great 18:57
Sarah: The agent would probably mention it and ask for revisions, right? 18:57
Taryn: (lol. Revise your personality! bad timing, there!) 18:57
Lizzy: Wow. Yeah, that makes sense! 18:57
Joan: Or another thing would be if one of my existing authors had a project that was very similar in content or tone, and it would be an overlap 18:57
Lizzy: LOL Taryn! 18:57
Sarah: LOL, Taryn! 18:58
Joan: That aside, if there was just one element that wasn't working for me I'd probably mention it with a revised-resubmit offer 18:58
Constance: Okay. 18:58
Lizzy: So I've heard you're a writer yourself as well. I was wondering when you know/think a project is ready to begin querying. Is there a point you just feel it in your gut? Or is it when your readers are saying it's good? 18:58
Taryn: (Also, Paradox sounds amazing, speaking of Writer-Joan!) 18:59
Sarah: Oooh, I didn't know that! That's awesome! 18:59
Joan: I do think there is a point where you just feel you've taken it as far as you can, and have gotten feedback and just revised the heck out of it 18:59
Lizzy: *nods* *gets nervous* 19:00
Shahira: ! 19:00
Joan: Some people are quick-senders and some people are slow-senders, so knowing whether you are personally inclined to wait too long or send too quick can guard against your natural tendencies which could work against you 19:00
Lizzy: I tend to be perfectionist. It's hard for me to know when something's ready to send out in to the big world. 19:00
Joan: Right, so maybe getting an external opinion or encouragement -- or if it's just been long enough 19:00
Lizzy: (I have yet to. :/) 19:00
Joan: But I know it's hard to take the plunge! 19:00
Taryn: I'm WAY too quick. Like, I've already sent out a partial on a first draft I finished two weeks ago. oops 19:00
Lizzy: *nods* It is! 19:01
Joan: (And thank you Taryn, for the kind words about Paradox ) 19:01
Lizzy: Go ahead Shahira. 19:01
Constance: *goes to look up Paradox* 19:01
Joan: I do think people tend to fall into one camp or another -- knowing your inclination means you can safeguard it one way or the other Apr 22
Sarah: I could never do that Taryn, my first drafts are scary! 19:01
Sarah: What Constance said 19:02
Lizzy: LOL Sarah! Same here. 19:02
Taryn: Yeah. Shouldn't have. But the agent req'd a full, so...*shrug* It was a special contest-y circumstance, though. 19:03
Sarah: Can asking what that is be my next question? 19:03
Lizzy: No way Taryn! LOL 19:03
Shahira: This question is super cliche but what's can you give us some advice? Maybe advice on how to better our writing or to be succellful published authors? 19:03
Sarah: That's awesome Taryn!!! I'm super jealous of your first draft awesomeness 19:03
Lizzy: Not cliche Shahira. It's good! 19:03
Shahira: Oops, ignore the 'what's' 19:03
Sarah: What Lizzy said! 19:04
Lizzy: We have about 10 minutes left. Just a heads up. 19:05
Sarah: Aww, these go by so fast 19:05
Lizzy: *nods* 19:05
Shahira: I agree, Sarah. :[ 19:05
Constance: I have to go now, actually. Thanks for answering my questions, Miss Joan! *waves to everyone* Bye y'all! 19:05
Sarah: Bye Constance! 19:05
Lizzy: Glad you made it! See ya later, Constance. 19:05
Joan: Well, as to general advice--I think the best thing you can do is write from your heart. Write what you love, what you're passionate about 19:05
Shahira: Bye Constance! 19:05
Taryn: Byee! 19:06
Joan: Bye Constance! Great having you here 19:06
Constance: *Yay Lizzy for Southerness * 19:06
Lizzy: Good advice. 19:06
Lizzy: Nooooo! Was that southern? 19:06
Joan: It's easy to get caught up in trends and fads 19:06
Taryn: Constance said y'all 19:06
Joan: But if you stick with what really matters, what you feel strongly about, then you're creating something lasting and meaningful, and I think that's the most important of all 19:07
Shahira: I think that's what I do. 19:07
Shahira: I get caught up in the fads &all that. 19:07
Sarah: I say y'all all the time, I rarely type I though 19:07
Lizzy: LOL! Oh dear, I didn't even see it. *should have seen it!!* 19:07
Sarah: Good advice, thank you! 19:07
Lizzy: Yeah, it's really easy to get caught up in fads. 19:07
Lizzy: Thank you for that! 19:07
Joan: Fads come and go; and they are sometimes very quickly gone - so that can be tricky in the time it takes to get the ms polished and out 19:07
Shahira: I also over think everything while I'm writing. :/ In my mind, I keep thinking about how I'll ever get published. 19:07
Authoress: (people who spell y'all wrong should have their fingers removed) 19:07
Lizzy: Yeah. Wow. 19:07
Taryn: I hated vampires, but loved dystopians. Depends if a trend is what you love, right? 19:08
Lizzy: I know what you mean, Shahira. 19:08
Taryn: (oh, hi, Authoress!) 19:08
Joan: Yes, and it's hard not to, for sure. But ultimately it has to be about you and the page, and whether it goes anywhere or it just ends up being growth and development as a writer... who can say? I do believe that if you live your passion strongly enough, it will find an outlet. 19:08
Authoress: (oh, hi, beta reader of awesome!) 19:08
Sarah: LOL Authoress, I didn't spell it wrong did I *hides fingers* 19:09
Lizzy: Any last questions? We're gonna wrap this up. 19:09
Shahira: I hope so. :] Thanks Joan! 19:09
Authoress: nope sarah, you nailed it 19:09
Sarah: Yay! 19:09
Lizzy: Wow, that's awesome advice Joan. Thank you for that! 19:09
Authoress: Joan -- aren't these teens THE BEST? 19:09
Joan: My pleasure! It's been great being here 19:09
Taryn: *blushes* I have no more q's...I don't think 19:09
Joan: the BEST for sure 19:09
Joan: So glad to meet y'all 19:09
Authoress: LOL 19:09
Sarah: Thank you so much for taking time and answering our questions! 19:09
Taryn: Haha! you too! 19:09
Sarah: LOL 19:10
Shahira: Thanks for chatting with us tonight! 19:10
Lizzy: It was awesome meeting you too! And yes, what Sarah said. 19:10
Joan: Have a good night 19:10
Taryn: Thanks so much 19:10
Lizzy: Thank you so much! You too! 19:10
Sarah: Thank you, you too!! 19:10
Sarah: By everyone! 19:11
Lizzy: Woohoo! Yay for agent chats! 19:11
Authoress: Thanks Joan! 19:11
Taryn: Soooo can we query her? Lol. 19:11
Lizzy: Bye Sarah! 19:11
Lizzy: LOL Taryn! 19:11
Shahira: Bye Sarah. :] 19:11
Sarah: LOL, Taryn! 19:11
Authoress: Ok, now the rest of you GO ENTER THE CONTEST!!!! 19:11
----------
Maggie
Maggie
Level 5
Level 5

Posts : 1802
Join date : 2011-01-29
Age : 29

http://writeonteens.blogspot.com

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