Lane Heymont

Words to avoid when addressing a query: “Hi”, “Hey”, “To Whom it May Concern”, “Dear Editor/Agent”. Use “Dear (Agent/Editor name)” #querytip

When querying, KNOW what genre your book fits into! You might think it's difficult to determine, but it's not. #querytip

Gmail is a good email service to use. Choose one that is as secure as possible. Sending spam to agents/publishers stinks. I know. #querytip

It's okay if you don't have any writing credits, but there's no need to tell us that. Focus on ur book, not what you haven't done. #querytip

Do NOT wait until an agent requests it to write your synopsis. Synopses will attempt to foil you at every step, so have 1 ready! #querytip

Be sincere in your query. Brown-nosing and cookie cutter compliments will get you nowhere. #Querytip

If you are querying the first book in a series, please be sure to mention that! #querytip

Limit the characters you address in your query. It's best to show us the most important character's (MC) story only. #querytip

When you receive a rejection, accept it and move on. Asking an agent/editor to reconsider is like asking the IRS not to audit you. #querytip

Verbosity and long-windedness in your query is, in fact, not helping your query. Try to keep things concise by being concise. #querytip :-)

Queries aren't the time for a sermon or converting an agent. Querying a religion-based manuscript? Be respectful of all faiths. #querytip

Everything must serve a purpose. Even chitchat between characters must move the story forward or it's useless fluff. #writetip #querytip

Ha! Love THIS! "@the1stdaughter: If you're querying be mindful of your google avatar. Nudes and/or mugshot photos don't look good #querytip

Most agents/editors know in the first 3-5 pages whether they like your story. Some in the first paragraph. Come in guns blazing! #querytip

Don't tell us that we are just an obstacle in your way to getting published. It's not nice and sounds confrontational. #querytip

Don't be the Michael Bay of writing. Stories aren't adjectives, just like movies aren't special effects. #querytip #writetip

TRUTH! “@M_A_Patterson: #querytip Don't assume an agent will like your story b/c of their ethnicity. Don't. It's pretentious. @jawlitagent

I tweet #querytip(s) to help those in the query process, because I've been there! I keep things light, because querying and rejections SUCK!

Do NOT query until your manuscript is COMPLETED. You won't even earn a rejection. Just a "finish your ms and then query"! #querytip

Psst! I’m not an agent. Do not query me directly. Visit our website theseymouragency.com for submission guidelines. #querytip