Abby Saul

The query inbox will be staying open over the upcoming holidays but I won't be checking it very frequently. So if you query me now, look for a response in January! (As always, I respond to every query I receive - no response means I haven't seen it yet!) #querytip

Monthly #querytip reminder to do your research about word counts and what is appropriate for your genre!

I get 100-200 queries every week, so I can't craft a personal reply to each of them (I promise, you don't want an agent who has time to do that!). But I DO respond to every email I get. If you query and don't hear from me, either your email or mine went to spam! #querytip

Final #querytip in this week-long thread. Real talk, y'all.

#querytip

So. #querytip: a lot of different but thoughtful things go into a rejection. If you're getting a lot of nos, take a step back and see why

Typos, grammar issues, the wrong agent name, messy formatting, and the like add up to a less than stellar impression. #querytip

We all make typos. But your query is my first sample of (a) your writing and (b) your professionalism. It has to be clean! #querytip

Queries have to be clear, concise, and well-written. But they also have to be proofread! #querytip

Take the time to really craft your query - get outside reads and edits before you send! #querytip

Another reason I pass on a query is that the query is obviously not quite baked yet #querytip

I'll be adding to this thread all week! Check it out if you are an #amquerying author! #querytip #querywin

I hate when I see counts too long or too short. It's avoidable with some research and so professional to be where you need to be! #querytip

There are GREAT resources online about the range of word counts for each genre. Check them out before you hit send! #querytip

Wildly missing the mark of how long a book should be tells me the querier isn't ready. #querytip

After genre, the next immediate reject cause is word count! If your book is crazy long or crazy short, it has to be a no from me. #querytip

Continuing this thread by restating: I read every query I get and always have a (yes, valid) reason why something isn't for me. #querytip

If I don't rep the genre, I don't want your book. But more importantly, you don't want me!! I'm not the right agent for you. #querytip

The most frustrating and immediate reason I reject a query: I don't represent the project's genre. It's easy to avoid this, guys! #querytip

I reopen to queries 10/2! #querytip Capitals for TITLES = industry standard. Capitals to EMPHASIZE A POINT = yelling. Please don't yell.