Kim Lionetti

#Querytip: Avoid making 75% of your query about the themes in your book. It’s hard to stand out if you focus on that and not the story. I should be able to glean those themes/issues based on how you describe the plot. I've never been hooked by a theme, only by a story idea.

I reviewed 35 queries yesterday/today.
Category breakdown by QueryManager:
9 women’s fic
9 commercial fic
8 contemp romance
3 historical fic
2 romantic comedy
1 general romance
1 multicultural fic
1 upmarket fic
1 gothic fic
All passes. Here's why...
#querytip

#querytip #pubtip: Recently, the most common reason I've rejected submissions is due to info-dumping early in the book. Remember you need to hook your reader first. More information can be parceled out later. Also, just be sure to write tightly. Use words economically.

Inbox status: I've responded to all queries sent before today, and all submissions sent before Jan 1, 2020. #amagenting #querytip

#querytip If your query blurb is overly long, it will seem that your book doesn't have a clear focus/or you don't have a clear idea of how to market it. If your query blurb is too short or focuses only on character, then it can appear that the story, itself, is weak.

#querytip Taking time to craft your query blurb is important. Agents base their decision both on what your book is about AND your ability to describe it. We want to see that you a) know the hook of your book b) can show there's a clear plot line and c) use your words wisely.

The elements that pushed me to request these 5 were: setting, magical realism element, pop culture references that resonated with me. #querytip #amagenting

#querystats Of the 26 queries I rejected about...
30% were because querier didn't understand their audience/genre
30% were because I didn't see enough story/plot
20% were because the idea didn't sound marketable
20% were because didn't feel different enough #amagenting #querytip

#QueryTip: Many queries I'm seeing spend lots of time highlighting how the book fits themes on my #MSWL. Great! BUT I also need to see you have a strong plot, or it's a reject for me. Those themes are at the top of my wishlist, but only when attached to a great story. #amagenting

#querytip The #DIS #disability #DV subs I'm receiving are nailing authenticity & voice, but focusing on the condition at expense of plot 1/3

#querytip That's backstory (hopefully). Focus on what happens after breakup. That's what will make your book different from other 75%. 2/2

#querytip 75% of womens fic queries I receive start off w/ hubby cheats, they divorce, wife rediscovers/empowers herself. It's tired. 1/2

Titles: I won't reject based on a bad title, but sometimes I'll request from a so-so query based on a really good, intriguing one. #querytip

Don't generalize characters'"dangerous encounters", life-changing events" & "shocking tragedies." Be specific. That's the meat. #querytip

Don't use bulleted points in your query or divide your blurb into parts (even if your book has parts.) #querytip

New trend I'm noticing in queries: bulleted/numbered lists to describe plot points. I don't like it. #newpetpeeve #querytip