Taking my second bite at this apple...because I am a masochist!
ETA (Oct. 18, 2016): I withdrew my query to accept an offer of rep elsewhere.
ETA (Oct. 18, 2016): I withdrew my query to accept an offer of rep elsewhere.
Last edited:
Anyone knows anything at all about Whitley Abell at this agency? She appears to be brand new to agenting, and I can't find a single relevant thing about her on Google. I mean, she does pop up in searches, but mostly, anything with her name on it is some slight variation from her profile page on the Inklings website.
Also, I gather she's so new, even her Inklings page says she's not taking queries just yet, even though she's been requesting them through a Twitter pitch party today...
Anyway, I'm all for supporting new agents and whatnot--we've all got to start somewhere, right? And, assuming said new agents are working under the wing of their more experienced, senior colleagues, that's all fine and dandy... Still, it would be nice to know something about someone before approaching them, whether or not they've requested the query via a conference, Twitter or whatever....
So... Anyone know anything about Ms. Abell???
Thanks in advance!
I saw their #OwnVoices Initiative on their website and they openly request fulls on every #OwnVoices manuscript/writer. They say that it only counts as #OwnVoices if the writer and character share at least one aspect of a marginalised identity, and that if we're not sure if it fits we should shoot them a message. That's what I did, asking if it still counts as #OwnVoices for them if I'm gay but my MC is ace/aro. They replied by telling me that I should share at least one aspect of a marginalised identity with my character.
Our response time varies for queries, but the general response time is within 3 months for queries, and 4 months for manuscripts.
If you have not received an answer for your query after 3 months, it will be considered a rejection (either a request for manuscript or rejection). We'd like to take the time to respond to each and every query, but doing so creates longer and longer wait times.
For full manuscript requests, if you have not heard from the requesting agent by the end of four months, please follow up.
Hi captaincrow,
Someone forwarded me a screenshot of your comment so I wanted to come on and clarify the #OV Initiative for you, since that feedback you got didn't seem terribly clear.
I think that since both you and your MC are in the LGBTQ spectrum, and would likely be facing at least some similar issues in dealing with society in general, then yes, I would accept your manuscript into the #OVI.
The OVI is set up so that you are still querying looking for representation, but you do so with a full manuscript, and even if you are passed over for representation, you receive a full report on the issues we felt were holding the manuscript back. This is in hopes of giving marginalized voices a higher chance at success in breaking down that traditional publishing house door.
Of course, it is still querying looking for representation, so if you're not interested in being represented by the agency, it would be worth considering not submitting your project for consideration.
I hope this helps, and whatever you decide I wish you all the best with your journey, and thank you for bringing a voice to a very much marginalized segment of our society.
~Michelle
Their website is suspended. Anyone have any news about the agency? Are they in trouble or just having website issues?
Which agent has moved?
Per Publisher's Lunch today, Naomi Davis and Amanda Jain have moved to Bookends.Which agent has moved?