Jennifer March Soloway

Literary Agent

Andrea Brown Literary Agency

Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip If you get a request for a full or more PBs, before you hit send, make sure your manuscripts all include:

(1) Your contact info (name, email, phone);
(2) Title;
(3) Page numbers; and
(4) Nice-to-Have: Pitch + your bio on the cover page for easy reference

Best of luck!

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#querytip for #pitchwriting Read your pitch to a friend Ask them to describe the story. If they can, you're gold. If not, rewrite, and check it again until they can. #amquerying

P.S. Ask what's not necessary in the pitch, then cut it. They can read the book for the details!

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip When sending a revision per R&R request, name your file:
[TITLE], by [AUTHOR]_Rev. [MONTH] [YEAR].
(Plus include your title, author name, contact information, pitch + page numbers in the manuscript.)

If the title has changed, explain in the cover letter.
#amquerying

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

Sara Schonfeld @SaraSchon

Yes, agents sometimes send me redlined drafts and non-final versions, titled “USE THIS ONE” or numbered gibberish. It’s not going to make or break a submission, and agents can help, but it’s good to build strong habits for naming files for your own peace of mind!

#QueryTip When sending a full manuscript per an agent's request, name your file:
[TITLE], by [AUTHOR]_[MONTH] [YEAR]
...or some iteration with same info. (Make sure to include your title, author name, contact information, pitch + page numbers in the manuscript.)

1/2

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips
Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

Jennifer March Soloway @marchsoloway

#QueryTip When sending a revision, please mention it's a revision in the query letter. (I'll know you sent the project before, thanks to QM, but the reminder is helpful.) Start the new draft with a dynamic opening scene + declarative first line to hook the reader. #amrevising

My best #QueryTip: If a project isn't getting traction, take a break, assess what might be confusing or flat, revise, then try again. Query new agents plus those you've tried before. Find the right fit.

I have clients who sent revisions after I initially passed. Revision is ✨

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip for Author Bios

Don't be afraid to be yourself.
If you are new, don't worry. A debut is desirable.
Everyone is looking for the next best thing.
It could be you!

Best of luck, #amquerying!

5/5

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip for Author Bios

Whatever you include in your bio, be truthful. Don’t embellish or stretch the truth. (Agents will know. They will check.)

It's okay to simply say: "I am a writer based in [location]. [TITLE] is my first novel."

4/5

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip for Author Bios

Add a clever, memorable last line about yourself that ties you to your story.

Ex. "Like [CHARACTER], I fought in a Golden Gloves championship against a boxer who would later go pro. I lasted a minute and 36 seconds before she broke my nose."

3/5

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip for Author Bios

If you have education that is pertinent to your writing, include it. If not, don’t (and don’t worry).

If you have experience that is pertinent to your writing, include it. If not, don’t (and don’t worry).

2/5

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip What to include in an author bio when querying a #fiction project:

A few sentences about you
A last sentence that connects you to your project
All written in a way that showcases your writing

Here are some quick tips to get you started... 🧵

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip Log Line Example

Two teen girls on a college tour road trip get stranded in a haunted motel room that is trying to kill them

A GUIDE TO THE DARK, by @MeriamMetoui (YA)

8/9

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip Log Line Example

Two polar opposite sisters must come together to tell an epic bedtime story that will calm their crying baby sister, so they can finally all get some sleep.

THE STORY SPINNERS, by @CassFederman (MG GN)

7/9

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip Log Line Example

A brief look at underwear throughout the ages, exploring strange underwear materials, uses, and trends—as modeled by chickens.

A HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR WITH PROFESSOR CHICKEN, by @HannahWHolt, illustrated by @KorwinBriggs (NF PB)

6/9

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip How a Log Line Will Serve You

For your deal announcement. (Hooray!)
As a description in your book contract (Also hooray!)
At cocktail parties + other events
When you finally land that coveted TV interview. Or PW. Or NY Times. Or NPR. (A thousand times hooray!)

5/9

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip Why Write a Log Line?

It’s important to be able to pitch your story in a single sentence

Hint: If you can’t, then the project might be overly complicated, abstract, or not fully formed. (aka your draft is too early for prime time)

4/9

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip: Log Line Formula

When [the inciting incident happens], [the protagonist] must [achieve the objective], or risk [the stakes], before [ticking clock].

2/9

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#QueryTip: Consider creating a log line, using the main elements of your story:

The protagonist
The inciting incident
The objective/goal of the story
Stakes

Here's a formula to get you started, plus reasons why a log line will serve you long into the future...🧵

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

Reminder: These formulas are only starting points. Revise in your own words to showcase both your story and your writing. Use what works and change the rest to best champion your project. Best of luck, #amquerying!

4/4

Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
Literary Agent
Jennifer#4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all things story | ✨Revision is magical!✨
182 MSWL
45 AskAgent
105 Tips

#Querytip Market Positioning Statement Formula

This [adjective], [category] is a [positive adjective] [genre] with the [element] of [COMP] and [element] of [COMP], in a [style] perfect for fans of [COMP].

3/4