Lane Heymont

We should know who your protagonist (at least one) is by the end of your query. If not, something's wrong. #querytip

Not sure if you should reply to a rejection? Don't. Just don't do it. Also, nasty replies are biting the hand that feeds you. #querytip

Research an agent BEFORE querying them. I see a lot of authors doing this, it's like putting the cart before the horse. #querytip

Follow submission guidelines or face the rejection squad! #querytip

Also, #WeNeedDiverseBooks #querytip #writetip

Do. Not. Sign. Anything. Without reading it fully. Agent agreements. Publishing contracts. The fancy drink u just bought. Got it? #querytip

You should own a copy of STORY by Robert McKee. That is all. #querytip #writetip

A query is not a synopsis. A synopsis is not a query. Don't explain your ms to us. A query is meant to hook us. #querytip

Don't submit an ms to publishers & agents at the same time. Trying to sell to publishers yourself defeats the purpose of an agent. #querytip

A catchy title helps. My favorite -- and I'll always remember this book because of its title -- is "ASSHOLES: A THEORY". #querytip #Writetip

Your novel isnt "fictional". A novel is fiction by nature. We don't say "female woman" or "male man", so don't say fiction novel. #querytip

Beware what you put online, it will follow you to the end of days. #querytip

Insulting someone -- anyone -- in your query is a no-no. For you all you know I am related to Vlad Tepes. #querytip #justsaying

Solve info dumps by masking it with action. You dump info without dumping it. #writetip #querytip

Looking for an agent? Take a look at the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR) #querytip aaronline.org

Genre and word count. Put them in your query. I don't know why you wouldn't. #querytip

GMC. Goal, motivation, conflict. Enough said. #querytip #writingtips

A query should be three paragraphs long, including introduction, hook, bio. Four paragraphs is pushing it. #querytip

My name is Lane Heymont and I am a man. #querytip #NotAnAgentThough

"Fictional novel" is not a thing. Anyone who has done any kind of research or spent time honing their craft would know this. #querytip