Assuming the query and the writing itself is good quality, how much do current events making headlines negatively affect what an agent might consider representing if a novel has similar themes? I'm not talking about something "ripped from the headlines" but, just as an example, I have a writer friend who was about to start querying a novel set in the 1960's Iran just as tensions with that country went up. He decided not to query just yet fearing agents would be put off. What about thrillers involving disease epidemics or historically accurate novels that contain issues sensitive to the #MeToo movement?
On one hand, I know this is a glacially slow-moving business, so what makes headlines today might be literally "old news" by the time a manuscript just signed by an agent hits a book store shelf. But on the other, is this a valid concern?
Just curious to hear any thoughts.
On one hand, I know this is a glacially slow-moving business, so what makes headlines today might be literally "old news" by the time a manuscript just signed by an agent hits a book store shelf. But on the other, is this a valid concern?
Just curious to hear any thoughts.
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