“A book can’t hurt your feelings”

Suzanne Collins:HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Rick Riordan:HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Veronica Roth:HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Cassandra Clare:HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

John Green:HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

James Dashner:HAHAHAHAHAHA

J.K. Rowling:HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Spoiler Alert: She’s not like other girls. She has tattoos and a friend who hurled himself off a cliff.

1. What does an agent do? Do I need an agent?

An agent is an author’s advocate, career partner, editor, negotiator, advisor and champion. But that doesn’t mean that every author needs an agent.  I will say that at the very least, every author should have some kind of advocate who is well-versed in the publishing industry, whether it be an agent or a publishing attorney.  But a lawyer’s job is much narrower: they advocate and negotiate, but they can’t give career advice, edit your manuscript or work on your publicity and marketing plans.  So it really just depends on what you need. 

2. Is there any way to increase your chances of having your query selected from the slush pile?

Yes, by writing a good query!  There are tons of resources online that can show you how to do that.  

3. What happens after the query is selected from the slush pile?

After a query is selected, I ask for the full manuscript.  And after I read the full manuscript, I decide whether or not I want to have a call with the author and see if we’re a good fit to work together. 

4. Have you ever passed on a ms. that went on to do well? If so, what went into this decision?

Absolutely!  I’ve passed on plenty of projects that went on to sell and some to sell very well.  Many factors go into that kind of decision, and the biggest one is: I don’t offer representation to a manuscript.  I offer representation to an author.  Sometimes I’ll love a manuscript, but as soon as I get to know the author, I realize very quickly that we don’t share the same career goals and vision for their work.  And in times like those, I don’t offer representation.  There are also a number of times when I read a manuscript and think it’s great, but I just don’t personally love it enough to champion it through the good times and the bad times.  So I pass, and watch it go on to sell with the right agent for that author.  There are a lot of reasons, and I have never personally passed on something that I regret.  

5. What are the top three common mistakes authors make? 

In queries, the biggest mistake I see is that they don’t talk enough about the project. They talk more about themselves and why their book is great, but not enough about the story itself.  It happens all the time. 

In revisions, underestimating how much time they’ll need to edit a book.  Particularly early on in their careers. They don’t want to displease anyone, so I’ve seen many authors set deadlines that they can’t keep. Even if something is going to take longer, just be realistic and honest upfront.  It helps everyone else plan around you!

After publication, they read the online reviews of their book.  Big mistake, and one that almost everyone makes.  I am a firm believer that constructive criticism is a crucial element in honing one’s craft.  But there’s no way to filter the constructive from the downright silly or mean things said online.  And every author I’ve ever worked with is not prepared for how painful that experience can be.  It’s creatively stifling, and very difficult to get over.  DO NOT LOOK!

6. How is querying for a picturebook different from a MG or YA title?

When you’re querying as an illustrator, you’ll include links to your portfolio and may include a full “dummy” of the picture book for review. You’ll still need a pitch though!

7. What is your favorite part of your job? The least favorite?

My favorite part of my job is when I get to read a new manuscript that I am enjoying.  It is one of the best feelings!  Even better if I have time to ruminate afterward for a while. Think on it. 

My least favorite part of the job is when I have to part ways with a client. 

8. What is a fun fact that few people know about you?

Popcorn is my absolute favorite snack.  Particularly movie theater popcorn. 

Authors have RUINED me

Four: no TRIS I am NOT using you for SEX goddammit I LOVE YOU

Tris: *doesnt say i love you back*

Four:

Tris: *doesnt say i love you for a really long time*

Four:

Four: is SHE using ME for sex

fanvergentshadowhunter29:

Tobias: So what are the three stages of life

Cara:Birth

Tris: What the hell is this and I’m tired.

Christina:Death

jeffthehistorian:

Tobias: Are you my dad’s belt?

Tris: No?

Tobias: ’Cuz you just hit different ;)

Tris:

Tris: No—

fanvergentshadowhunter29:

Kidnapper: We have your friend

Tobias: Uhh, which one?

Kidnapper: Blonde, feisty…curses with a passion…

Tobias: Oh my god, you have TRIS. don’t harm anyone!

Kidnapper: Yes we will if you don’t give us-

Tobias: Shut up, I’m talking to tris. TRIS DON’T HARM ANYONE, AND NO- DON’T HARM YOURSELF TOO.

Tobias: Now listen kidnapper…good luck handling her.

Kidnapper: *visible concern*

Beatrice Prior ; Divergent

turn up brightness lol

DIVERGENT CHARACTERS AS VINES

Tris: hey everybody today my brother pushed me so I’m starting a kick-starter to put him down *shows a photo of caleb titled “die please”*benefits of killing him would be i would get pushed way less

Tris: how do you know what’s good for me?

Tobias: THATS MY OPINION

Eric and Four:*exist*

Fandom: *singing* two brossss chilling in a hot tub five feet apart cause they’re not gay

Tobias *to tris*: why the fuck you lying? why you always lyinggggg OH MY GOD STOP FUCKING LYING

Tris: *pours cereal*

Caleb: do you know what’s in those? having enough of those will probably kill you

Tris:really?

Caleb:yes-

Tris: *pours cereal aggressively*

Tobias Eaton ; Divergent

“not all men” you’re right tobias eaton would never!

the attack simulation aka tris’s girlbossification

introducing the dystopian way of saying “gay rights”

it just occurred to me that the three main dystopian girls (tris, katniss and america) are variants of the blonde brunette redhead trio

me rn because I actually found a FOURIS BOOK EDIT WITH FANART AND GOOD EDITING AND ALL THAT SHIT and let me tell you the sobbing was a surprise I thought I was having a heart attack

I need the “fear god alone” story. Please. Veronica?

Four: You’re Divergent.

Tris, internally: play dumb.

Tris: what’s Divergent?

Tris, internally: not that dumb!

four and shauna

lmao remember when caleb went to tobias’s room and gave him the “big brother” talk but then ended up fleeing from the room because tobias and tris were uncontrollably flirting and eventually making out

im gonna bark im gonna bark im gonna do it im gonna fuc

Allegiant (2013)