Laura Crockett

5K words is not a YA novel. It's not even a MG novel. It's a college essay. #querytip

#querytip Follow agency submission guidelines. Following guidelines = attention to detail = great business relationship w your agent/editor

Read books within the genre & category you're writing. Notice what they do well #writingtip #querytip

If you think I'd like your ms, there's no need to ask permission to query. Follow the guidelines & submit! #querytip manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/laur…

I am not a sir.

Check your salutations before sending. It's always safe to say "Dear [First name]" #querytip

Read dialogue out loud. Does it sound authentic or forced? Is it propelling the plot or languishing unnecessarily? #querytip #writingtip

Not all dialogue needs to be banter & sarcastic one-liners. People do speak to each other without all of that. #writingtip #querytip

You can use different names/locations/objects/etc in your fairytale retellings/inspirations. In fact, you should. Make it unique! #querytip

Writers: I'll be traveling 5/26-6/4. If you query in that time and I don't respond by 6/9, it's a pass. Do not re-query. Thanks! #querytip

Also, it's dangerous to say "I didn't see guidelines on your site."

They're right there. (Screenshots of mobile & web) #querytip

Got used to Lauren Crockett & Laura Spieller, but Lara Krocket takes the cake. Double check the name of the agent you're querying! #querytip

Take this #querytip seriously. 👏🏼

Would your query be able to fit 1/3-1/2 of the back of a book, or on one flap of a hardcover dust jacket? Those are good lengths. #querytip

Also do not send a link to a google doc that has your sample pages, synopsis, partial, manuscript...
Agents avoid links. #querytip

"Handsome," "sexy," and "gorgeous" are used too often in contemporary queries. Attractiveness shouldn't be forced on the reader. #querytip

"Epic," "journey," and "quest" are used far too often in fantasy queries. It's implied with the word "fantasy," so branch out. #querytip

Guidelines are there like instructions for an exam. Follow them, and you're far more likely to succeed. #querytip

(3/2, ha) Writing a SFF query requires a balancing act of sharing bits of character/world info & conflict/plot intrigue. #querytip

Agents (and readers) need to see more conflict in the query so they know WHY they should be enticed to read the cool story. (2/2) #querytip

After completing a manuscript, learn how to write queries. Do not email several agents asking what you're supposed to do next. #querytip