Writing YA: Advice from literary agent Jennifer DeChiara on Twitter

Last week, agent Jennifer DeChiara opened the virtual floor to writers, taking questions on Twitter about everything from her flossing habits (once a year, like clockwork) to agent nudging. She represents a variety of genres, including kidlit and YA. Missed the conversation? Get the highlights below, and follow Jennifer on Twitter @4writers, and check out the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency online for resources and more.

Thanks to the Twitterverse for such great questions!

The Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency is a New York City-based full-service literary agency founded in 2001 and named one of the top 25 literary agencies in the country by Writer’s Digest.

The agency represents children’s literature for all ages – picture books and middle-grade and young adult novels – but also represents high-quality adult fiction and non-fiction in a wide range of genres. The categories we are most enthusiastic about agenting are literary and commercial fiction; mysteries, thrillers, celebrity biographies; humor; psychology and self-help; parenting; health and fitness; women’s issues; men’s issues; pop culture; film and television; social issues and contemporary affairs.

JDLA is proud to be one of the few literary agencies to represent illustrators, as well as screenwriters for both television and film, including Emmy-winning writers and a Peabody Award-winning illustrator.

Note: I’ve reformatted some of the text into regular English for readers not used to Tweet/733+ speak.

Responses, Rejections, & Agent Nudging

Is no response from an agent always a no? Should I re-query?

I respond to all queries, unless they’re not sent to me by name (Dear Agent) or no name at; no response just means I never saw it.

Yes, I would [re-query], but make sure that you’re querying the way that particular agent requested (email, snail mail, smoke signal).

How many submissions do you see a month? Have you taken on many new clients this year?

About 20,000 each month; I honestly couldn’t tell you how many new clients I’ve taken on this past year – at least six, I’d say.

Please remember that I get so many projects thrown at me that I can only choose the ones I’m the most passionate about.

Is it okay to status query? I’ve read agents don’t like it.

Hard to answer in 140 characters! Check agent’s policies. I don’t mind being nudged, but not 2 wks after submitting something.

If an agent takes a long time to respond, does it mean they’re just not that into me? If it does, I’d rather just get a “no”.

Of course; but don’t assume that no response means no, especially if you email a query. They might not have even seen it.

Honestly, agents are so busy that 3 months is like 3 days; I have a business to run, clients to take care of, before reading new mss.

Should I avoid querying during the summer? Are agents still reading then?

Not at all; agents and editors still work during the summer, although things might move more slowly.

Do you read your own slush? Or do you have interns?

We used to have an entire room filled with boxes of slush and submissions. Now we only accept email queries it’s better, I guess, but it’s still overwhelming. We receive hundreds of e-queries each day, not to mention requested work, clients’ mss, etc.. I’ve tried it by having assistants read for me, but it never works. I prefer to read everything myself, which is why it takes me so long.

Writing, Voice, & Genre

Is it okay to say a book is multiple genres in a query?

That’s a red flag to me: if there are too many, it’s usually a sign that the ms needs to be reworked and refocused.

Is chick-lit outdated? Is there still a market for it?

Yes, it’s [the term] outdated, but I admit I still use it. :-)

Names might change, but women’s commercial fiction will stay the same. Substance might change slightly to reflect economy. Some say that women talking about their designer duds might not have an audience these days, but I think people need an escape, especially now.

Lots of agents and editors advise against prologues, but a lot of best-sellers and classics have them. Do you love them or hate them?

Some writers use them as a crutch, to give the reader information that they don’t know how to incorporate in their book. In my experience, I’ve found them to be unnecessary; I prefer jumping directly into the action anyway.

Agents and editors are always talking about voice. How can I develop my voice?

Every writer has his own beautiful voice, although it may need some finetuning. But most lose it by trying to be something they’re not, trying to copy other writers, not having confidence that they are unique and wonderful in their own right.

Market, Promotion, & What Agents Are Looking For

Are you interested in authors who write more than one genre/age range? Would you prefer an author who sticks with just one genre for a while?

Doesn’t really matter to me.

But when [the] 1st book gets published, the next few books should be in that genre; fans will be looking for more, writer needs to be established.

Is it okay to pitch a series?

[It’s] sort of a no-no; [the] first book must have numbers to do a series. Agents can envision a series from a grocery list; you don’t have to tell us.

Is it easier to get an agent if you already have a novel out?

Not necessarily, if the sales aren’t great. A debut novelist has more of a chance because of this, in my opinion.

What’s the best way to use social networking to promote your book?

Too much to say in 140 characters! Tons of books on the subject. Befriend many, offer help, don’t just try to sell your book.

Is it more important to write a story you love, or one the market loves?

Keep an eye on the market, but write what you’re passionate about, write from your heart. That’s where your best work will come from, IMO.

Advice For Writers

If there were one thing you could tell writers, something not up on blogs and other websites all the time, what would it be?

Believe in your talent and never give up. Don’t listen to naysayers. Take advice, digest it, but do what you think is best. Even if you never get published, no one can take away your joy in writing, which is why you should be doing it anyway.

Thanks to all the Twitter folk who posted such great questions!

@YolaRamunno @Crzywritergrl @jlhuspek @franklyj @JenSwanBooks @andieryan @theocgirl1 @thxthatwasfun @AshElizabeth01 @sarahjclark