Christa Heschke

Writers, when you inform an agent you have an offer of rep/publication it's really helpful if you reply over your original query. That way, everything is in one place. #querytip

#querytip Don't: send a query to 20+ agents in the same email asking us to fight over who gets to work with you and demand a response in a set time. Do: your research, send personalized emails to each agent, take note of individual submission guidelines and response times.

Sending the same submission every day is not the way to get noticed by an agent. I look at every query in order and carefully consider each one. When I'm interested I will contact you. So repeat submissions, don't get a quicker read. Honestly, it's a bit of a no-no. #querytip

I've been getting a fair amount of queries in my regular email lately. Please guys, follow submissions guidelines. Always look at an agency's website first for guidelines. Most agents won't look at a query that doesn't follow them! #querytip

I love genre bending manuscripts, but if you're using 4 different genres to describe your manuscript it might be too much. #querytip

Writers: If I have passed on a project of yours that doesn't mean you can't send a new project to me if you think you have something up my alley! One pass does not equal a pass on other things you've written/future work. #querytip

Every once in awhile I receive queries the author mentions are exclusively with me. Writers: I don't require this. I assume submissions I get are also with other agents. That's totally fine! #querytip

Proofread your query before you send it (spell the agent's name right!) and follow submission guidelines (don't send several queries for different projects in a row!). Not doing so is a quick way to the 'No' pile. #querytip

Be mindful of word count. I saw a 130k + YA in my inbox. Much too long! #querytip christaheschke.blogspot.com/p/writing-for-…

Writers: Do not put multiple agents on the same query email. Make a separate and personalized email for each agent. #querytip

Reminder, writers: Please query me at: chquery [at] mcintoshandotis [dot] com ONLY, not my personal accounts. Thanks! :) #querytip

Writers, when you have an offer keep to the original email chain. That way everything, including original query, is in one place! #querytip

Keep word count in mind before you query. Is your word count high? Do you need to trim? More info here: christaheschke.blogspot.com/p/writing-for-… #querytip