But if I don’t really like the writing, there’s no point in my taking on the project. Besides, you want an agent who really enjoys your style and even if I think the project is highly marketable, I have to like every element to really get behind it.ĥ: Lack of professionalism. A query or submission is supposed to be a professional document. When something crosses my desk with an ultimatum or some other inappropriate approach, I will just say no, regardless of the project’s possible merit. Do your research and you will save us both precious time.Ĥ: I didn’t connect with the writing. It’s an old-hat saying and yes, rather vague. Agents will always list the genres they represent either in their bios or somewhere on their agency’s website. The project has a great premise, the first third is polished, and the ending is exciting. However, the middle portion doesn’t live up to the promise of the beginning-it’s just filler. If the middle sags in pacing and emotional impact, no one is going to keep reading to find out what happens.ģ: I don’t represent this type of work. » INK AND BONE by Rachel Caine was a Beehive Book Award Nominee for Young Adult fiction.ġ: The project wasn’t unique. Not that I’m looking for an alien space odyssey set on a ranch, but I would like the premise to contain some elements that can set it apart from others in the genre. This will allow it to stand out not just for me but for the potential publisher as well as the reader.Ģ: The middle sagged.

Jemisin, LUCK IN THE SHADOWS by Lynn Flewelling, and SLAVE TO SENSATION by Nalini Singh were listed on the 100 Must-Read Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels By Female Authors by Bookriot. » FLESH AND SPIRIT by Carol Berg, THE KILLING MOON by N.K.

» A HIGHLAND KNIGHT'S DESIRE by Amy Jarecki is a finalist for the National Reader's Choice Awards.

Jerkbait by Mia Siegert