Jacquie Flynn

#QueryTip DON'T start your query with a series of philosophical questions. Just get to the story.

#QueryTip Don't: Last query had MC w/same full name as another agent. Is author changing name to match agent & messed up. Don't do this

Even good queries get many No's. Don't take it personally.
That's hard 2 do, but this is a business even tho UR book is UR baby #QueryTip

Rec'd thread. Very common #amquerying problem. Agents make decision on 1st pages b/c we know biz not b/c we're mean. We're not! #querytip

#QueryTip DON'T say UR ms. needs editing/polish. If you need an editor hire one or work with critique partners. Agents aren't free editors

#QueryTip DON'T use your work email for querying. Even if it's your own business. Things change and you might miss agent responses

#QueryTip DON'T start w/philosophical analysis of UR novel. Meaningless to s.o. who doesn't know what UR book's about. Put @ end/leave out

#QueryTip Do, particularly 4 Fantasy/Sci Fi, focus on the WHY that's driving UR conflict/plot. Otherwise premise can seem like a Mad Lib

#QueryTip DON'T query from an email address that requires sender to go thru a verification process. You won't get any responses

Great post. I would add: Verbose 1st sentence shows IMO inexperience w/ editing or unwillingness to do the needed work to polish #querytip

#QueryTip DO keep formatting in your query simple. One font, no crazy colors or different sizes. No exclamation points

#QueryTip DON'T say you've just finished your novel. It sounds like you haven't edited.

#QueryTip DO: If you are referred to an agent, put the name of shared contact in the Subject Line. Ask contact to let agent know to expect U

#QueryTip: DON'T chase trends Books coming out now were signed 12+ mos ago. So a trend is over B4 you know it's happening. Just be yourself

#QueryTip (cont'd): Keep UR comparison simple, use well-known books & consider other media e.g. TV, film, games or real-life figures (3/3)

#QueryTip (cont'd): Often have no idea what these comparisons mean. These lines can be great, but only if they work. ...2/3

#QueryTip DO: If U compare UR book to others, e,g, A+B meets Y, test the comparison by asking many people to tell you want it means...1/3

#QueryTip DO be nice & professional. Project confidence by letter your writing shine. Bluster comes across as rude and is unappealing

#querytip DO follow guidelines. Many agents delete queries that don't w/out reading them. Can't take on clients who are unprofessional

#QueryTip DON'T describe UR book as literary + genre. Adding literary is reviewing UR own writing & generally means lower sales potential