Michelle Hauck

Every agent is going to be different. I'd say for me over 100K I'd want to get that count down if I took it on.

Query when their open is correct. Though some agencies may require agents to be open and maybe they would rather you wait...

But it's part of the job and most agents choose when to open.

But that really only works for strong sales and review numbers. So small sales/self pub can possibly hold you back.

Not sure there is a consensus. Romantasy and romance self-publishers are getting print deals and holding onto their digital rights if they have strong enough sales. Some self-pubs are going trad for next books and showing they have an audience already.

That's fine. I'm good with just getting straight to the query too. Every agent is different.

I don't read the synopsis unless I'm trying to decide whether to stick with a full request. But when I do I'm usually looking for character arc and/or a sense that the current trajectory will change at the quarter, half-way mark, and three quarter mark. That things happen.

I don't rep picture books directly, only if a current client has them, so I don't know the usual rule here. I'd guess each agent is different on that.

That's not an area I track as I don't rep them, but I've seen lots of sales in deal notices lately. Of course those could have been sold months ago.

I guess you have to focus on you and not get sucked into comparing your journey with other writers. Celebrate small successes and joys. I sort of get it. Last week was full of editor passes for my clients and the yes responses are often far apart.

I'm reading queries for the next few hours. Anyone have #askagent questions about querying, writing, or publishing? Happy to answer questions for a bit.

Query update: I've read 237 queries of the 775 received and I'm still reading from queries sent November 3rd. I have five fulls and 3 maybes. Long way to go!

Big pass.

It's so fun seeing my clients' @mjgwrite.bsky.social and @stephaniebearce.bsky.social 's books on this Indiana Read Aloud List! And shout out to @Michelle4Laughs.bsky.social for her client @writeawhile.bsky.social 's book too!

@stormliterary.bsky.social

A federal court just struck down the unlawfully gerrymandered Texas congressional map.

House Democrats will not let Republican extremists rig the midterm elections.

We will continue to fight back hard.

And the American people are winning.

If a Famous Author Calls, Hang Up: Anatomy of an Impersonation Scam - Writer Beware You open your email program one morning. The usual work stuff. Some spam (annoying that it got past your filters!). A couple of newsletters (maybe later). You sip your coffee, scroll down. Wait. What’...

I've now heard from 3 authors targeted on X by a scammer impersonating Lois McMaster Bujold. Bujold impersonator refers author to "Eleanor Wood at Spectrum Literary", also an impersonation. Goal: to sell editing svcs. Scam is impersonating multiple authors & agents writerbeware.blog/2025/11/14/i...

Olympic trials. On USA network and maybe Peacock.

a squirrel is standing on a curling stone in front of a banner that says france3alpes Alt: a squirrel is standing on a curling stone in front of a banner that says france3alpes

Curling is on this weekend!

Again.

I need to give traitors a try when I run out of Love Island. I'm on Love Island Games now and then I haven't watch the Austrian season yet. 😊

I just bought a sweater de-fuzz thing and whenever I need a break from editing I buzz the fuzz off my sweaters! Sense of accomplishment engaged!

I've watched so much Love Island. It's embarrassing but it's that or sports for my stress.

Ours is going from $460 to $2160 for two people and the deductibles went up too. But at least it paid for preventative care. The private insurance we'll have to get won't or prescriptions.

From $460 a month to $2100. We can't pay that and that was the cheapest plan.

Same.

You left us to hang. Sign ups for the ACA end December 15th. I can't sign up for something that might cost $2100 a month.

I received over 800 queries in five days and am now closed to queries until I go through all of them. I've read 100 already!

Our health care premium is rising 360%. You sold us out! The house will never vote for the ACA. You stabbed us in the back after 39 days.

Chiweenie in his green winter sweater

Sweater weather.

Trump administration orders states to pause paying full SNAP benefits A memo issued by the Agriculture Dept. warns states that if they fail to comply with the new orders, they will face consequences.

Breaking news: The Trump administration over the weekend ordered states to stop distributing full food assistance benefits for November to the 42 million low-income Americans risking food insecurity.

Trump Live Updates: Airport and SNAP Benefit Disruptions Amid Shutdown

Breaking News: The Trump administration told states to undo any steps to provide full food stamp benefits to low-income families, threatening financial penalties if the states do not comply. It was unclear how that would affect the program.