Thank you! I had never heard of Air table before. And you, Jessica, had given me a lovely rejection email 2 years ago. I'm writing a novel about a killer rabbit and would definitely send it to BookEnds. Love you guys.
I know this is an older video but after watching many of your videos I will most definitely send my query in to you all. I love the energy your team displays in the videos. Thank you. I will be querying in 2024.
You know... I was very much aware that they were Jessica and James, but it wasn't until reading this comment just now that I realized they could be Team Rocket 😂😂😂❤💕
Jessica's laugh is everything. And, Air Table? SAY WHAT? Never heard of it before. Am heading over to check it out right now. I've used Excel since I first began querying over a decade ago, and I've never been crazy about it. Like James said, it's kind of clunky. And, tx, again, for another fab vid. ;-)
Oh, this is perfect! I just sent out my first round of queries this morning. I had to double-check the comments on my manuscript but it was clear. Thank you so much again for still posting these videos, you are amazing!
Thank you for answering the question on what the "first 50 pages means!" I've only heard BookEnds talk about that in an older video, so I appreciate hearing that that is still a valid and important guideline to follow.
You guys aren't just sensible and straightforward agents, you are both very funny and delightful people in-general, which makes the experience of studying-and possibly one day querying-your agency much less intimidating and potentially make any transition from watching, to maybe one day querying (depending on what sort of material I'm working on) you, perhaps easier to handle. I am going to at least try to keep up on your videos as much as I possibly can, because honestly, I think they're quite swell and give tons of useful, reliable-plus just genuinely hilarious-information that may one day be of value to me. Take good care and have an excellent day. Oh, P.S.: If you can remember, what is one of the questions a potential writer has ever asked you? What sorts of questions tend to be your favorite to be asked-if you have one? I imagine that's tough for you to say; quite sure there's lots! What is one of the questions you encourage writers-young and old alike-to ask at any time? I take the time to ask because I am just genuinely curious, and thought it'd be fun-plus even useful, somehow-to pick your brain about.
Great stuff. I've just completed my first novel and I'm 75% finished with 4 more novels. I'm catching fire and needing to know what the next steps should be.
Do you have a template you're willing to share with us for "Query Tracking"? It would be incredibly helpful to hit the ground running on Airtable. And a big thanks for all the great videos.
Thanks for the videos! Regarding the titling of the manuscript, here you say don't call it "draft" but also in another video you said you will laugh at us for calling it "final". What is a safe way to designate the version? If I send you v12, or v.querying will that be frowned on?
Hi! So glad you've enjoyed our videos, and good question. I know in a previous video Jessica and James say they kind of chuckle when they see the word "Final" in the file name, but it's not because they're laughing at the author - it's because they (and probably the author) know that there will still be several more guided revisions. However, I think the main takeaway is that whatever the file is named, it should be a manuscript that you feel is as "final" as you are able to make it without an agent's insight (polished, read by critique partners, etc.). When they see the word "draft" in the file name, regardless of the state of the MS, it draws up concerns that the author is not sending along a fully formed MS. In that way, they would much rather see the word "final" over the word "draft" in the file name. But I think to skip the concerns over file naming etiquette, you could keep a copy of the final manuscript on your computer with whatever name you want for your own reference ("v12" or "final draft" or whatever), and then have an exact replica copy of the MS with a simple file name (the title of the book + your last name, for example) that you can send around to agents. That will remove the worry of them seeing whatever naming conventions you use to track drafts. Ultimately, though, the file name will almost never be the end-all be-all of whether they want to read your book or not so I wouldn't worry too much!
Do you have any resources for writing a good synopsis for multi-POV stories, especially stories with dual timelines or parallel plots? I am trying to decide if it would be better to try and weave in everything at once, or if it should be separated by storyline (Example: Character A's story, Character B's Story, Character C's story VS. Linear break down of what all three are doing at a given time during those big moments). It has been like pulling teeth to find info for synopses/queries/blurbs for multi POV stories. If you have a video for any of the above already that I missed in my search, please let me know. Thank you for all of your hard work to make publishing more accessible.
OMG I use Airtable at my previous job and never thought about using it for querying. I’m using a Google Sheets template and it’s too clunky and too much coding for simply words instead of data
Pasting into the Query Tracker submission form is difficult, and much of the formatting gets lost or butchered. Is this a problem for agents? If corrections are made after the fact in the form, do they come through on your end? Or, does it end up being a jumbled mess? Thank you! I enjoy your insights and banter ❤️
I was kind of befuddled as to how you bounce between a 2 page synopsis and a manuscript. I base my synopsis off the 8 point story arc and the query off of that, typically. I would love to see a video on what the synopsis is to you, how it's used as a tool to help your decision on a proposed project.
Ack! Now I am wondering if the comments were hidden on my manuscript. :( Having submitted, it's a wee bit late now, but thank you for pointing out how to get rid of critique, edit comments.
Hi.thanks for these. Videos.they are really helpful.i have a question.after querying if an agent asks for full manuscript,do you have the option of asking for some time like a month or two to get your manuscript fully ready?
Hi! You can certainly take however much time you would like to submit after a full request-however, we encourage you to make sure that your manuscript is fully ready so that when you get requests you can send it while the agent is still at the peak of excitement for your story!
I was writing a somewhat ranting comment about these tips being too basic and obvious (I mean, who doesn't have an outline/ synopsis of their work ready to go or the final draft of their manuscript formatted properly?) but then I remembered how many times I've read comments about "an agent is asking for my outline and I don't have it" in forums!
Can I ask, how does it work with literary agents and money? Do I pay upfront? I live in England...it may be different, but I was told that if I’m asked for money first, I should avoid that agent. Is that right, or were they talking about publishers? Thanks xx
An agent should only get paid when you do. They take a commission based on the rights sold for the project (this will be listed in your contract). You should NEVER pay an agent upfront, and that doesn't change by country!
As far as the SYNOPSIS goes, is it advisable to write two versions? (A shorter and longer version, for instance) I've seen a lot of variation in terms of recommendations for the length, anywhere from 250 to 1000 words. That seems like a huge gray area to me. And from your guys' experience, how long do agents generally want a synopsis to be?
Disclaimer: I have not started querying yet and am only published academically, not in the literary world. I've had the same question as you because some agents/agencies (e.g. Jane Friedman) say one page, singled-spaced, no more than 3 - 4 characters' names, A-plot only. But then I've seen agents/agencies like BookEnds (or a friend of mine whose third book was just published) say longer and/or seem to follow the chapter-by-chapter format to create it. As such, I have two versions ready to go and plan on putting in my query letter when a "brief" synopsis is part of the submission process that a longer version is available. We'll see how that goes, but I'd rather have both ready to go and never need them than have an agent request a longer or shorter version and not have it ready to send immediately. Good luck!
@@KierstenMarcil I've done the same thing, a short and a long version. Seems to be no consistency from agency to agency, so keeping two versions ready seems wise.
This may be a stupid question, but when I'm trying to edit my ms, I get so engrossed in the book, that I sometimes forget I'm editing. Does that happen to you as well, or not?😂
Hi Jessica, the writer that sent you a "draft" probably has a mentality that when you read it, you'll be impressed that his draft is already THAT GOOD! Wow, he's better than Stephen King and all the rest, ha-ha!
The Synopsis - but just how long should it be? I have consulted so many sources and have yet to find any consistency. And should the Synopsis also be in double-space?
Is there a standard format for presenting a picture book submission package when requested by an agent? Do you include a blurb for each of them or just attach the manuscripts without any additional context? Or just paste all of them in body of an email? Thanks!
Question - I looked at AirTable, but couldn't seem to find what you were talking about. Is it under the Template heading, and if so, which category? Nothing I saw looked like it matched what you described. Help....
Great channel 🌻 I have a question...if you are rubbish with technology, is it possible to approach an agent the old fashioned way? I’m writing like a lunatic suddenly at 60. Came out of nowhere, writing second book with at least another 3 floating around in my mind...who knew?! I am, however absolutely stuffed when it comes to computers etc., and due an ongoing condition...stupidity....I can’t seem to retain anything useful. It is driving me bonkers! I am stumped trying to find an agent and I just have this feeling that the window in my mind that has opened, won’t be open forever. It would be very sad to me if my books didn’t at least get looked at, even if they are rejected, just because I couldn’t navigate this ‘brave new world’....see what I did there :). So if there is an alternative route to follow I would really appreciate you pointing me in the right direction. Thanks....an English fan 🦦
Unfortunately, mostly all agents are closed to snail mail queries, so there won't be any alternative way to submit. Perhaps there is someone who can help you navigate the nefarious world of querying AND email?
@@Kittiesdawn If you have the spare money, I'd just put out a local ad for a high school student and hire them for an hour a week to help you through emails etc.
I’m so excited to rewatch all of your videos once I’m ready to query! Thank you for putting this content out there for us!
Thank you! I had never heard of Air table before. And you, Jessica, had given me a lovely rejection email 2 years ago. I'm writing a novel about a killer rabbit and would definitely send it to BookEnds. Love you guys.
I know this is an older video but after watching many of your videos I will most definitely send my query in to you all. I love the energy your team displays in the videos. Thank you. I will be querying in 2024.
Thank you! Now that I have experience as an author, I'm getting closer to querying agents for my next book! This helped me so much!
Thank you for the specific information-especially the Airtable suggestion!
This came at the PERFECT time for me as I'm gearing up for querying. Thanks Jessica & James!
You know... I was very much aware that they were Jessica and James, but it wasn't until reading this comment just now that I realized they could be Team Rocket 😂😂😂❤💕
Me too. Good luck, Katlyn!
nclttp you too!!
Thank you for this!
Jessica's laugh is everything. And, Air Table? SAY WHAT? Never heard of it before. Am heading over to check it out right now. I've used Excel since I first began querying over a decade ago, and I've never been crazy about it. Like James said, it's kind of clunky. And, tx, again, for another fab vid. ;-)
We hope you love it!
I really appreciate that you take the time to share this information in such an upbeat and accessible way! Thank You!
Oh, this is perfect! I just sent out my first round of queries this morning. I had to double-check the comments on my manuscript but it was clear. Thank you so much again for still posting these videos, you are amazing!
Had not realized chapters should begin on a new page in the manuscript. Thank you for this informative video!
Love your videos! So informative and love the great energy that both of you emanate. Most helpful. I am in the querying process now.
Thank you! And good luck! :)
@@BookEndsLiterary Thank you.
This was exactly the video I needed to watch today! Thank you so much James and Jessica!
Thank you for this!! I cannot wait to query you! You guys make the process seem fun!
Thank you for answering the question on what the "first 50 pages means!" I've only heard BookEnds talk about that in an older video, so I appreciate hearing that that is still a valid and important guideline to follow.
Thank you Jessica and James for all the info .
You are awesome together. The chemistry you have is light yet very informative. Do you ever speak at Literary Comferences? If so, when and where?
Glad you enjoy our videos! BookEnds hasn't been going to conferences lately; we used to, but we're not sure if/when we will again!
You guys aren't just sensible and straightforward agents, you are both very funny and delightful people in-general, which makes the experience of studying-and possibly one day querying-your agency much less intimidating and potentially make any transition from watching, to maybe one day querying (depending on what sort of material I'm working on) you, perhaps easier to handle.
I am going to at least try to keep up on your videos as much as I possibly can, because honestly, I think they're quite swell and give tons of useful, reliable-plus just genuinely hilarious-information that may one day be of value to me.
Take good care and have an excellent day.
Oh, P.S.: If you can remember, what is one of the questions a potential writer has ever asked you? What sorts of questions tend to be your favorite to be asked-if you have one? I imagine that's tough for you to say; quite sure there's lots!
What is one of the questions you encourage writers-young and old alike-to ask at any time?
I take the time to ask because I am just genuinely curious, and thought it'd be fun-plus even useful, somehow-to pick your brain about.
Great stuff. I've just completed my first novel and I'm 75% finished with 4 more novels. I'm catching fire and needing to know what the next steps should be.
This was very useful, thank you both!
Wow. All I can say is, being an academic will have definitely prepared me for this leg of the journey 😅
Great video. I would love a video on White Room Syndrome tips. I always struggle with this during first draft.
My plan is to query Version #13. (My Version 13 is the result of alterations suggested by a professional editor.)
Do you have a template you're willing to share with us for "Query Tracking"? It would be incredibly helpful to hit the ground running on Airtable. And a big thanks for all the great videos.
Great video. Thanks for the tips but what is that Air Table? Never heard of it...
It's a website for hosting spreadsheets that are sortable! It's got a lot of nifty features and we use it a lot at the agency to store information
@@BookEndsLiterary Cool. Is it expensive?
Thanks for the videos! Regarding the titling of the manuscript, here you say don't call it "draft" but also in another video you said you will laugh at us for calling it "final". What is a safe way to designate the version? If I send you v12, or v.querying will that be frowned on?
Hi! So glad you've enjoyed our videos, and good question. I know in a previous video Jessica and James say they kind of chuckle when they see the word "Final" in the file name, but it's not because they're laughing at the author - it's because they (and probably the author) know that there will still be several more guided revisions. However, I think the main takeaway is that whatever the file is named, it should be a manuscript that you feel is as "final" as you are able to make it without an agent's insight (polished, read by critique partners, etc.). When they see the word "draft" in the file name, regardless of the state of the MS, it draws up concerns that the author is not sending along a fully formed MS. In that way, they would much rather see the word "final" over the word "draft" in the file name.
But I think to skip the concerns over file naming etiquette, you could keep a copy of the final manuscript on your computer with whatever name you want for your own reference ("v12" or "final draft" or whatever), and then have an exact replica copy of the MS with a simple file name (the title of the book + your last name, for example) that you can send around to agents. That will remove the worry of them seeing whatever naming conventions you use to track drafts. Ultimately, though, the file name will almost never be the end-all be-all of whether they want to read your book or not so I wouldn't worry too much!
@@BookEndsLiterary Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question!
I would die for QueryTracker, Excel feels like homework tbh XD
Appreciate all the help! How does Air Table compare with Query Tracker?
I sometimes use 13 point font, just to go easy on the reader.
Do you have any resources for writing a good synopsis for multi-POV stories, especially stories with dual timelines or parallel plots?
I am trying to decide if it would be better to try and weave in everything at once, or if it should be separated by storyline (Example: Character A's story, Character B's Story, Character C's story VS. Linear break down of what all three are doing at a given time during those big moments). It has been like pulling teeth to find info for synopses/queries/blurbs for multi POV stories.
If you have a video for any of the above already that I missed in my search, please let me know.
Thank you for all of your hard work to make publishing more accessible.
Great question! We might have to address this in a video, I'm not sure that we've ever covered this before
OMG I use Airtable at my previous job and never thought about using it for querying. I’m using a Google Sheets template and it’s too clunky and too much coding for simply words instead of data
Pasting into the Query Tracker submission form is difficult, and much of the formatting gets lost or butchered. Is this a problem for agents? If corrections are made after the fact in the form, do they come through on your end? Or, does it end up being a jumbled mess? Thank you! I enjoy your insights and banter ❤️
I sent mine in without any edits. :D
I was kind of befuddled as to how you bounce between a 2 page synopsis and a manuscript. I base my synopsis off the 8 point story arc and the query off of that, typically. I would love to see a video on what the synopsis is to you, how it's used as a tool to help your decision on a proposed project.
We have several videos on the channel about synopses.
Ack! Now I am wondering if the comments were hidden on my manuscript. :( Having submitted, it's a wee bit late now, but thank you for pointing out how to get rid of critique, edit comments.
Hi.thanks for these. Videos.they are really helpful.i have a question.after querying if an agent asks for full manuscript,do you have the option of asking for some time like a month or two to get your manuscript fully ready?
Hi! You can certainly take however much time you would like to submit after a full request-however, we encourage you to make sure that your manuscript is fully ready so that when you get requests you can send it while the agent is still at the peak of excitement for your story!
I was writing a somewhat ranting comment about these tips being too basic and obvious (I mean, who doesn't have an outline/ synopsis of their work ready to go or the final draft of their manuscript formatted properly?) but then I remembered how many times I've read comments about "an agent is asking for my outline and I don't have it" in forums!
Do you have any videos on what to include in a follow up?
We'll get to work on one!
Can I ask, how does it work with literary agents and money? Do I pay upfront? I live in England...it may be different, but I was told that if I’m asked for money first, I should avoid that agent. Is that right, or were they talking about publishers? Thanks xx
An agent should only get paid when you do. They take a commission based on the rights sold for the project (this will be listed in your contract). You should NEVER pay an agent upfront, and that doesn't change by country!
Also: If the agent/editor prescribes a particular font, format, layout, etc., FOLLOW IT!
As far as the SYNOPSIS goes, is it advisable to write two versions? (A shorter and longer version, for instance) I've seen a lot of variation in terms of recommendations for the length, anywhere from 250 to 1000 words. That seems like a huge gray area to me. And from your guys' experience, how long do agents generally want a synopsis to be?
2-3 (MAX) pages single spaced is what we'd suggest!
Disclaimer: I have not started querying yet and am only published academically, not in the literary world. I've had the same question as you because some agents/agencies (e.g. Jane Friedman) say one page, singled-spaced, no more than 3 - 4 characters' names, A-plot only. But then I've seen agents/agencies like BookEnds (or a friend of mine whose third book was just published) say longer and/or seem to follow the chapter-by-chapter format to create it. As such, I have two versions ready to go and plan on putting in my query letter when a "brief" synopsis is part of the submission process that a longer version is available. We'll see how that goes, but I'd rather have both ready to go and never need them than have an agent request a longer or shorter version and not have it ready to send immediately. Good luck!
@@KierstenMarcil I've done the same thing, a short and a long version. Seems to be no consistency from agency to agency, so keeping two versions ready seems wise.
This may be a stupid question, but when I'm trying to edit my ms, I get so engrossed in the book, that I sometimes forget I'm editing. Does that happen to you as well, or not?😂
Hi Jessica, the writer that sent you a "draft" probably has a mentality that when you read it, you'll be impressed that his draft is already THAT GOOD! Wow, he's better than Stephen King and all the rest, ha-ha!
The Synopsis - but just how long should it be? I have consulted so many sources and have yet to find any consistency. And should the Synopsis also be in double-space?
Is there a standard format for presenting a picture book submission package when requested by an agent? Do you include a blurb for each of them or just attach the manuscripts without any additional context? Or just paste all of them in body of an email? Thanks!
Question - I looked at AirTable, but couldn't seem to find what you were talking about. Is it under the Template heading, and if so, which category? Nothing I saw looked like it matched what you described. Help....
If you start a template from scratch, you can create it however you want!
My problem is, my Alpha readers don't know how to comment on what I've written.
Any suggestions?
Great channel 🌻 I have a question...if you are rubbish with technology, is it possible to approach an agent the old fashioned way? I’m writing like a lunatic suddenly at 60. Came out of nowhere, writing second book with at least another 3 floating around in my mind...who knew?! I am, however absolutely stuffed when it comes to computers etc., and due an ongoing condition...stupidity....I can’t seem to retain anything useful. It is driving me bonkers! I am stumped trying to find an agent and I just have this feeling that the window in my mind that has opened, won’t be open forever. It would be very sad to me if my books didn’t at least get looked at, even if they are rejected, just because I couldn’t navigate this ‘brave new world’....see what I did there :). So if there is an alternative route to follow I would really appreciate you pointing me in the right direction. Thanks....an English fan 🦦
Unfortunately, mostly all agents are closed to snail mail queries, so there won't be any alternative way to submit. Perhaps there is someone who can help you navigate the nefarious world of querying AND email?
BookEnds Literary Agency ...unfortunately not, but thank you for your reply. What a shame.....😔
@@Kittiesdawn If you have the spare money, I'd just put out a local ad for a high school student and hire them for an hour a week to help you through emails etc.
Why should the book be easier for you to read than it is for a customer that buys the book?
Please shade more light on non-fiction proposal