Stacey Graham

#querytip: You can't sell the bacon if they can't smell the sizzle. Spend time perfecting the hook so the agent knows what the stakes (HA! meat humor) are and how your characters are going to get out of this pickle.

Okay, I may be hungry.

#querytip A query is not back cover copy. Lay it all out for your prospective agent so we know what the stakes are, who gets hurt, who doesn't come home, who falls in love. Now isn't the time to be mysterious.

Quick #querytip: When sending requested materials, save the file name similar to LastName_DOCUMENTNAME_Full so I can find it in my files. Names like 10pgs.doc may get shuffled in the mix and overlooked if I can't find your last name on my ereader. Kthxbai

#querytip: When sending a requested full or partial, please name the file something easily identifiable such as TITLE/lastname/full/date, and resist sending it as mycopyFINALv3.
It's too easy to get lost in the shuffle with no title or name on my ereader.
Don't be shuffled.

#querytip: Volunteering in bios

Having a quick and concise query is key but we also like to see what else you're up to when you're not at the keyboard to make a personal connection. Where do you volunteer?

#querytip: If you write under a pseudonym, query agents using your real name in the signature—it's a business partnership, not a whodunit.

#querytip: You can't sell the bacon if they can't smell the sizzle. Spend time perfecting the hook so the agent knows what the stakes (HA! meat humor) are and how your characters are going to get out of this pickle.

Okay, I may be hungry.

Most of my requested partials and fulls go onto my e-reader for later. #querytip: label files with last name/title/partial (or full) so I can find your project in the mix. "3chap.docx" gets overlooked easily because I don't know who sent it and I'll move to the next.

#querytip Resist the urge to have your subject line look like spam (thank you, no, I am not in need of male enhancement).

Also, don't call me "gentlemen" in your salutation.

Wait, maybe this book really *is* for male enhancement.

#querytip: 250 words isn't a lot of space so here's the quick and dirty on things to include:

Word count (check sources to make sure yours is in the ballpark for your genre)
Genre
Main characters
What's at stake
Twist
Your writing bio

Go get 'em, tiger!

#querytip: Yes, I like short queries but two sentences isn't a lot for me to go on to request chapters. Live a little--expand it to three sentences. ;)

And if your bio is longer than your pitch, it's time to revise.

#querytip Not getting responses from agents? Not following sub guidelines may be the culprit. Details matter in business so double check! :)

Unrequested attachments will be deleted unread by many agents so please follow submission guidelines. #querytip

#Querytip Be prepared with materials before you query: book proposal, manuscript (partial & full), formatted file names instead of "first3".

#querytip If you're channeling your inner Rowling & only use your initials, please don't be surprised when we address you as "Dear J.K."

Just Hit Send: 5 Tips On Writing A Heckuva Good Query Letter agentstaceygraham.wordpress.com/2017/03/16/jus… #amquerying #querytip

Quick #querytip: Please label your document with the title and your last name. I load many subs on my Kindle & can't tell 5 "novel1"s apart.

Wondering what to put in the subject line when you write an agent? I like this format: "QUERY: <genre>/<title>/<name>" #amquerying #querytip

My sweet spot for spot-on queries? 250 words. The 11,000 word query I just received is a tiny bit over that mark. #pass #querytip

Not picky, but a howdy would be nice. :)
A salutation shows you're making a conscious decision about that agent at that time. #querytip