Dear Editor…

I want to query an agent I queried two years ago, and I’m not sure who to address it to. She liked that first manuscript and asked if I could wait a few weeks to meet with her to revise it. In the end, we did not meet and she rejected it because she didn’t think she could sell it. Now I want to query her on a new project. However, the agency’s guidelines are to send queries to their general email. Since she probably remembers me (my name is unusual), can I send it to her email and the agency’s general email, and address the query to her? Or should I just send a general query so it doesn’t look like I am purposely not following their guidelines?

Thank you!
Anonymous

Dear Editor…

Super Agent requested my middle grade novel on an exclusive basis, but did not specify a time frame, so I offered it for six weeks. Six weeks have passed with no response, and I’d like to begin sending my novel elsewhere. Should I ask them if they need more time, notify them that I am now querying elsewhere, or keep silent and do as I please?

Thanks,
J.

Dear Editor…

Do I need to have illustrations finished for a picture book before I try to sell it? How does that work?

Sincerely,
Heather

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,
W.

Dear Editor…

For several months I had planned to enter a YA novel contest with a small Indie publisher. The window to do this is from May 1 to June 30. Recently I was asked to submit a full of this same novel to a requesting agent that I thought was a no response. The contest is for unagented authors. How do I handle this if don’t hear from agent before the deadline?

Sincerely,
Unagented But Hopeful

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