Laura Zats

#pubtip: SF/F, romance, and adventure are genres. YA, MG, and adult are categories.

#pubtip: you have a finite number of space in a query before you lose my attention. Do not waste time explaining what @QueryTracker is.

#pubtip: entitling your email "Risky Query" means that you know I'm not a good fit and are querying me anyways. This is a waste of time.

Reminder: agents don't get paid to answer queries. I spend hours doing work FOR FREE. It's important, but the last on to-do lists.#pubtip

#pubtip: copying and pasting the intro of your book does not a query letter make.

#pubtip: sometimes you need to hire an editor before you query. That is not a bad thing. BUT please don't lie & say you did when you didn't.

#pubtip: Naming your book "50 shades of {anything}" is not going to fly.

#pubtip: DO NOT SEND PORN TO AN AGENT ATTACHED TO A QUERY LETTER. *scrubs brain and stabs out eyes*

"I have a GN, but if you think it'll work better as a novel that's ok too." Dude, commit to your story, and your medium. #badqueries #pubtip

Reminder that agents answer queries in roughly chronological order, but it'll take 2-3x longer to answer partials than just queries #pubtip

#pubtip: Yes, I want diversity in my books. No, I will not request just because it's diverse. I have high standards for ALL books.

#pubtip: I know when I've requested something and when I haven't. Claiming I told you to send something I didn't is an automatic no.

#pubtip: I don't care who else has your query. I'm not going to like something more just because the cool kids do.

"Structure helps you write efficiently. Pay attention to your process" @JonathanMaberry #dfwcon #pubtip #outline

#pubtip: R+Rs should prompt an entire revision, not just a change of the things an agent mentioned.

It's a rookie move to put a watermark on your manuscript. Also obnoxious to read. #pubtip

#pubtip: if querying from a gmail account, make sure your g+ pic displayed isn't of your genitals and flexed thighs #vom #badqeries

#pubtip: a good log line will make me req a MS I was originally on the fence about. It's the only thing that pushes it in your favor.

#pubtip: Showing vs. telling extends to your query, too.

#pubtip: you don't need to tell me what themes are in your novel. I can figure it out myself. Promise.