just want to gently remind & encourage all of the pitchwars folks you have every right to research the BEEJESUS out of any agent that requests, and you are *not* obligated to submit to anyone. & when you have that offer call? ask every hard question. all of them. it's important.

we put writers at a disadvantage by overly romanticizing agents; it's treated as a dream relationship. but at the end of the day, you're signing a contract with a business partner. obviously you guys want to get along! you want to gush over your books! but. BUT.

that shouldn't come at the expense of transparency or confidence. you have every right to ask about books they couldn't sell, public hiccups, how they respond to conflict, etc. & any good agent will WANT you to ask this! it benefits both of you when you're on the same page.

if someone who requested is someone who you already know wouldn't be a good fit? then it's okay to just...not send. there's no sense in wasting their time, or yours. writers hold power; the system is designed to make you forget that.

the first time i queried, i was afraid to ask hard questions. to be seen as difficult or nosy. so many of my friends have felt the same. for agent 2? i asked EVERYTHING. poor jim was prob like girl if you don't stfu. but! he answered! & *how* he answered was why i felt ok signing

i asked hard questions in all of my offer calls -- & was surprised that agents i *thought* would be a good fit weren't bc they didn't respond in a way that aligned w my vision for my career and my values. and that's okay! bc everyone needs someone different!

agents are great -- but it's a business partnership; hopefully, a longterm one. your agent is window your work is funneled through and the face that represents you to editors. it's okay to vet that person. it's okay to be picky. any decent agent would expect, and want, the same.

enjoy the requests, revel in the fact that you've made it this far. but! don't see it as end-all-be all. you can sub to whoever or whoever you don't want. and you can, and absolutely SHOULD, still cold query! bc you literally never know.

and if anyone isn't sure about an agent, my dm's are always open; if i don't know them, i'll tell you, but if i know anything i'm happy to share my experiences & the experiences of my friends so y'all can make a more informed decision

now go drink some water

this thread is filled with typos bc i am half asleep but the point still stands forgive me