Kiana Nguyen

Just because: I don’t believe writers should have to stress about personalizing their query for every agent if it’s not something absurdly specific as “I know your favorite emo bad is Cute Is What We Aim For and that’s the vibe of my book.” #querytip

I keep seeing writers stress over having a hook in their queries, and I’m here to tell you that they’re not worth the stress! As in, having one doesn’t make or break your query :) #querytip

UPDATE #Querytip: When sending an offer notice ALWAYS change the subject to reflect and include query and pasted sample pages (according to the agency’s/agent’s policy) so that they have the materials directly to review.

#querytip Writers, please please please please please please include offer notices in the ORIGINAL query or submission email! Otherwise, we can’t connect the update to your project and you can end up getting responses later to the query you sent months after retaining rep.

Random reminder to always always always update your query (offer of rep notice, withdrawal, significant revision, etc) in the original query thread. If not, the email-update could get buried/seen too late, or agents don’t have the right info to locate original query. #querytip

#Querytip: Do not DM agents asking if they'd be interested in reading your book. That's what queries are for. Do your research on what they're interested in and looking for and focus on your query letter. #amquerying #amwriting

Writers, if you’re writing “Now that I’ve hooked your interest,” in your query, you’re doing it wrong. #querytip Better to avoid being presumptuous!

#Querytip: I hate to sound snobby, but email addresses should never be “lickmytoes,” or of this variety. They don’t have to be a version of your name, but they do have to at least be appropriate. Also, avoid email addys that are your project’s title!

#Querytip: Double space that baby so it’s easier to read :))

#Querytip: It’s not enough to say something is mysterious, you have to explain HOW it’s mysterious.

Ez. Laurie’s mysterious aunt moves back in vs. Laurie’s aunt moves back in, and brings with her a locked trunk and a predilection for screaming thrice at midnight.

#querytip: Be as specific as possible with details.

It’s not enough to say your character wants the best in the world. You have to outline what their idea of “better” is. Connect is w/your MC.

Ex. Henry wants a better life vs. Henry wants to be able to buy his first house.

#Querytip: Writers!! Put your name in your queries!!!

#QueryTip: 5/10 queries can be rejected based purely on not folllwing guidelines from non-compliant subject lines to unsolicited attachments. Make sure you’re following carefully and giving yourself the best chance!

#QueryTip: TV and film comps are not super helpful in pitching your book by themselves. Think of the markets as separate entities - you care about READERS, so book comps are what you prioritize in a query. Though, in some cases, they’re not absolutely necessary.

#Querytip: If you send nudge emails, send them in the original query thread otherwise it’s difficult to find.

There are few things that make me more wary than seeing the phrase "planned trilogy/series" in a query. #querytip

Personal #querytip: I am not the person for YA about closeted queer teens or POC suffering racist environments. It is much too painful for me to actively work with.

#QueryTip: I don’t recommend comping to future pub titles. 1. You probably haven’t read it and cannot accurately comp to it. 2. Any given agent probably doesn’t have access to the title to accurately assess the comp.

#QueryTip: You'd be surprised how many writers forget to put their name in their query. Please put it SOMEWHERE, in your bio paragraph, your salutation, etc etc!

#QueryTip: Do not send Google doc invitation to check out your work.