Susan Graham

Hi, please don't submit your work for the first time & say, "Thank you for requesting _______" - we have search function in our inbox & also communicate with each other? Come on, folks, you're not sneaky & it doesn't look good. #subtip #querytip

#subtip Please don't spam folks with queries. I notice when I get the exact same query from you every Wednesday for 6 months at all of the agency's email addresses, & not the good notice. Especially if you don't personalize the query.... #querytip

I've been seeing a lot of #picturebook submissions today with jokes that are certainly clever but are really targeting adults. Think of your audience, friends. What will speak to actual children? #querytip #pubtip

Friends if you want to be a traditionally published children's book illustrator you have GOT to look at what's being/been published. Go to a bookstore or a library & just sit and look. It sounds so basic, but you have no idea how helpful it will be. #querytip #subtip

#querytip #subtip Please don't be vague or worry about spoilers in your synopsis. If when I'm done reading your query I still don't know what your book is about, that's a bit of a problem.

#querytip #subtip - you don't need to submit the same query once a month - agents notice. Query once, if you like (depending on agency policies), follow up if you haven't heard in a couple months, that's all you need to do.

#querytip - Unless an agent asks you to be exclusive, don't be exclusive. If that agent is MONTHS behind, your work is just sitting in their inbox & no one else has eyes on it. Serve your work, don't send it out to 1 person who may not see it for awhile.

It bears repeating, I don't know why. Please don't query in all caps, it feels like you're yelling at me about your book. Thanks. #querytip #subtip

#querytip #subtip - spell the person you're subbing to's name correctly, pls? It's a small thing, not a deal breaker, but I just CRINGE when people write "Suzanne" or "Suzan" - if you take the time to seek out 1 agent, take the time to spellcheck their name.

#querytip don't threaten agents you're querying, even jokingly? I shouldn't have to say this? Thanks.

#querytip please don't tell me your query is a referral & then NOT name drop. Or say it's a referral & it's someone I don't know. That's not how networking works, friends. If we don't have a connection already, your query is our connection. You don't need to lie about one.

#querytip please don't query me with an unfinished novel - I can't evaluate what I cannot read, be prepared when you query, I love you

ohgosh, please don't query in all caps? It really feels like you're yelling at me about bestsellers....it is unpleasant.. #querytip

*megaphone* IF YOU QUERY W NO TEXT & JUST AN ATTACHMENT I ASSUME IT IS A VIRUS AND I DELETE IT. Please follow sub guidelines... #querytip

Oh gosh, please do not query in all caps? It can be very overwhelming if you are literally shouting about your book.....#querytip

#protip #submissions #querytip DO NOT query exclusively unless an agent asks you, please! I BEG you! For starters,YOU DO NOT KNOW how far-

#querytip: formatting doesn't Really matter - I read all the queries anyway, but if it's formatted so poorly I can't read it? Rethink pls...

LRT LITERALLY THE ADVICE I GIVE EVERY AUTHOR EVER ALWAYS. #QUERYTIP #WRITERS and THEN HAVE SOMEONE READ ALOUD TO YOOOOU. *dies of emphasis*

having a character define #aroacespec identities, that definition needs to be inclusive. If you educate, educate well. #writing #querytip

Hey birds, #querytip, please don't tell me your novel is #ya & list all #mg comps. It tells me you don't know the industry or your work.