Steven Malk of Writers House, agent for such talents as Jon Sciezska, Lane Smith, Marla Frazee, Sonya Sones, Jennifer Donnelly, and many others, is offering up his time for a Q&A. Steven represents a wide range of authors and illustrators from picture book to young adult. For past interviews and more information on what he represents, please click here.
The Q&A will go live on Thursday at 6:00 PM EDT but first, we need your questions!
Limit one or two questions per person, please. To have your question(s) considered for the Q&A, please refrain from asking situation-specific questions (i.e. questions specific to you that others will not likely benefit from) and questions that are easily answered by our friend Google.
Once you’ve figured out what you’d like to ask, please e-mail us at writeoncon(at)gmail(dot)com. Put “Question for Q&A” or similar in the subject line and include the name or pseudonym you’d like posted with your question. Questions left in the comment section will be considered but won’t receive priority. The deadline to send a question is Wednesday at 10:00 AM EDT.
Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!
I have a question for Steve. This is a fantastic way for new author’s can connect with you. I have a picture book, with an old theme with a new twist. How would I present that to you?
Pardon me, but this is probably why I’m not published yet because my lame question is…what are those cute dolls next to Steve? Actually, I will email my real question. Thanks for the opportunity.
I e-mailed my questions. Sounds like it’ll be an awesome Q&A.
Leigh, I do believe that is part of his bobblehead doll collection. : )
Steven:
First, thanks so much for sharing your time! Next, my question is: While querying an agent, would a PB biography be an appropriate choic of manuscript? (Assuming the agent reps PBs.) Also. if the agent states in his/her acquisitions request list: looking for character-driven PB, would that include PB biographies? Thanks for your help!
Hi Steven, thanks for answering questions! This has been coming up with writer friends recently, and I’d love another agent’s perspective.
If you had a client who wrote in two fairly different genres (like YA horror and adult lit fic or YA sci/fi and chick lit) would you advise them to write under pen names rather than publish all books under the same name, or does it really matter?
Steven,
When an agent requests a two-week or 30-day exclusive, how much time should a writer wait before following up if the time period for the exclusive has expired. Is it okay to also send requested manuscripts to other agents or should a writer check back and let the first agent know that there is other interest?
My question for Steven: Are you looking to fill a particular niche right now? For example, YA paranormal, YA contemporary, MG fill-in-the-blank. Thanks!
Missed the deadline. (Insert frustrated Jerry Seinfeld-voice here: “NEWMAN!”)
Looking forward to the Q and A session later. ;>