Dear Editor…

My agent and I recently came to a parting of the ways. If that comes up in response to queries—say, the new agent wants to submit to the same markets the old agent submitted to—how should I handle that?

Sincerely,
Anon.

Dear Editor…

How on earth do I become an illustrator?

Sincerely,
Troubled in Texas

Dear Editor…

After I’ve written an agent regarding a status inquiry on a full request, if that agent gives a timely, chatty response about how far into my manuscript she is, how should I respond—or do I wait patiently until they are done reading to respond?

Sincerely,
Wendy

Dear Editor…

I know illustration notes should only be used when absolutely necessary in picture book manuscripts, but I do have a few manuscripts that need them. I’ve recently seen them noted as footnotes rather than italicized text between brackets. What do you think of this?

Sincerely,
Wendy

Dear Editor…

Is there any point in submitting a concept book such as ABC, colors, numbers if you are not an illustrator. I have a great idea but I am concerned that editors/agents will think my contribution to the end product was not significant enough. What are your thoughts on this?

Sincerely,
Laurie

Dear Editor…

I’m worried about stepping on toes. I have an editor, and have published a number of books. She’s not quite “getting” my latest project, though. I have her revision suggestions, but I don’t agree with them at all. She hasn’t acquired the book, so I want to try submitting it elsewhere. Do I tell her? Will she be angry with me? What’s the protocol?

Sincerely,
Trying to Tread Carefully

Dear Editor…

What does it mean if an agent says your MG historical novel, due to the concept, needs to be more literary? Is that referring to the choice of language and sentence structure?

Sincerely,
P.

Dear Editor…

What do you think about selling a middle grade mystery on Kindle Singles? I’m not sure how one finds buyers after putting it on there. Also would an agent consider looking at it if it was on Kindle Singles?

Thanks,
M.G. Mystery Writer

Dear Editor…

Is there a standard format for submitting a novel in verse? If I submitted the usual ten pages, double-spaced, then less than ten poems will be sent in. Can I single-space the poems with double spacing between poems and have it look professional?

Sincerely,
Joan

Dear Editor…

I’m writing my fiction under a pseudonym. Do I submit the query letter to agents with my real name or pen name?

Sincerely,
I’d Sign My Real Name But Then I’d Have to Kill You