Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can browse the agent database, use the free tools (find-agent, comp-titles), and create a basic profile without paying. The free plan gets you 1 project and 3 AI analyses per month. Paid plans start at $19/mo (Writer) for more projects and analyses, or one-time Single Project credits.

Upload your manuscript or first chapter. Our AI reads it and gives you: a market readiness score, agent matches ranked by fit against their wishlists, a personalized query letter draft, comp titles, and editorial feedback on voice, pacing, and structure.

For agents who've claimed their profile on Above the Slush, yes — click “Send” on the agent card and your query goes straight to their inbox. For agents not on the platform, we open a pre-filled email in your mail client with a query letter tailored to that specific agent's preferences.

Tailored. We generate a base query for your manuscript, then customize each version to that specific agent's wishlist, recent deals, and stated preferences. You can edit before sending.

Only if you want the AI analysis, agent matches, or query letter drafting. Browsing the directory and free tools requires no upload. Your manuscript is stored securely and never shared or used to train AI models.

Agent open/closed status is refreshed weekly (some daily). Wishlist and preference data is enriched via AI from public sources (agency websites, interviews, MSWL, Publishers Marketplace). Verified agents display an ✓ badge.

Agents who've claimed their profile can edit their own preferences directly. For unclaimed agents, we're constantly re-scraping public sources. Report a bad entry via support@abovetheslush.com.

For agents on our platform: yes, one click sends. For off-platform agents: no — we pre-fill an email in your own mail client with the tailored letter and you send it yourself. This protects deliverability (agents don't want emails from third-party services flooding their inbox).

Yes. Cancel from your dashboard settings. You keep access through the end of your current billing period. No refunds for partial months.

Yes, if you're a solo agent. You get the AI-ranked query inbox, custom submission portal, wishlist configuration, and one-click responses — all free, forever. If you want to add team members (associates, interns, readers), you upgrade to Pro at $49/mo which includes 1 team seat. Additional seats are $29/mo each.

Anywhere. Your submission portal is yours to share on your website, email signature, QueryTracker, MSWL, or social. You can also paste queries you received via email into your inbox to have them scored. Query source (email, web form, direct) shows on every card.

We score each incoming query against your specific wishlist and preferences: genre fit, word count fit, subject matter, thematic alignment, market positioning. You get a READ NOW / WORTH A LOOK / SKIM / PROBABLY PASS / NOT A FIT recommendation with reasoning.

Yes. Configure your wishlist, dealbreakers, word count range, and current-focus areas. The AI uses all of it. You can also toggle open/closed status or set “referrals only.”

Yes, on the Pro plan. They get their own login, see only submissions you've assigned to them, and can leave YES/NO/MAYBE recommendations. You see their verdict before responding to the author.

Use the “Pitch to Editor” button on any submission card. Log the editor's name, email, and notes. Track status: Pitched → Interested → Offer → Passed. You can pitch via email (log it) or, if the editor is on our platform, send directly through our system.

Yes. Claim your profile (via /dashboard/claim) and you can edit your bio, wishlist, currently-open genres, and dealbreakers. Changes appear on the public agent listings within minutes.

No. We're a SaaS tool, not an agency. Your deals are your deals. We charge only the monthly subscription fee.

Editors at publishing houses (or independent imprints) who acquire manuscripts from agents or, in some cases, direct submissions. Not for freelance editors — see our Editors & Readers directory for that.

We're built specifically for the pitch → manuscript decision workflow. Every incoming pitch is AI-scored against your acquisition wishlist before you read it. Once you request the full manuscript, our AI provides a full editorial evaluation — hook, voice, pacing, comps, and an acquisition-potential verdict.

$399/month, first 30 days free (no credit card required to start). Includes 1 team seat. Additional team seats (associate editors, editorial assistants, readers) are $99/month each. Cancel anytime.

Yes. Invite team members by email — they get their own login but share the same inbox. Assign submissions to specific people, get their YES/NO/MAYBE recommendations, and see internal notes on each pitch.

Both. Configure your submission portal to accept: agent pitches only, direct author queries only, or both. You can also filter incoming submissions by source, genre, or word count.

When you click “Request Full Manuscript,” the author uploads (or the AI reads the pages they already submitted). You get an editorial report: hook strength, voice assessment, pacing analysis, comp title suggestions, market positioning, and acquisition recommendation with reasoning.

You'll be charged $399/month starting on day 31. Cancel any time before day 30 and pay nothing. We'll email you a reminder 3 days before the trial ends.

You can import submissions from email (paste), Word docs, or PDF. Full API integration is on the roadmap — email support@abovetheslush.com if you need a specific integration.