Lane Heymont

Using a query-agent spreadsheet to keep track of who, what, and when is a great thing to use! #querytip

Do not send a series of links to your work and/or videos of you speaking in your query. Just don't. #querytip

The most useful thing you can do while querying/waiting is to continue writing! Write another ms (not in a series). #querytip #writetip

Be active on twitter in a professional manner. Of course, if you’re reading this it means you’re already following this #querytip

In fiction, the world must make sense. Even if the sense is “nonsense”. #querytip #writetip

IRL villains may be buffoons, not in fiction. Ur villain shouldn’t be a random hillbilly who knows astrophysics. #querytip #NYTBS #writetip

If your mystery/crime novel is 400 pages, please don't reveal the killer and his motives on page 80. Way too early! #querytip #NYTBS

Dear Writers, vampires and werewolves are not innately enemies. I'm not sure where that trope originated. Vampire: The Masquerade? #querytip

Querying on holidays or near the major holidays does not really matter, but do expect delays. #querytip

Prime example of YA/MG that is NOT ridiculous and campy is @aflowerwriter's Andi Unexpected. She respects kids' intellect! #querytip

YA and middle grade aren't just ridiculous and campy stories. Don't write them that way. #querytip

Don't tell us the people love your book. It doesn't affect our judgement at all, so why bother? #querytip

Truth makes great fiction. #querytip #writetip

Narrow your manuscript down to one genre at best, two at most. Examples, young adult thriller, fantasy, romance suspense, etc. #querytip

Could you face your greatest fears to save the world? Yes, yes I would. 99% of questions in queries are lame. Remember that. #querytip

H.P. Lovecraft received 200 rejections before being published. Dr. Seuss' work wasn't "unique enough". Don't give up. Query on! #querytip

Use great care and respect when writing about another culture, and NEVER fall back on the “magical Negro” trope. #querytip #AntiColonialism

It shouldn't take you 30 words to tell us your manuscript's word count. Brevity shows you possess insight and an ability to edit. #querytip

Don’t spend your time explaining how fabulous your book and/or writing is. SHOW us with a great query and even better writing. #querytip

Querying an agent? Check their twitter for any tips or submission calls. Check out Nicole @NicLitAgent & Mary Sue's @AgentMarySue #querytip