Kelly Peterson

"I'm seeking representation for my adult manuscript, complete at 75k." Genre? Genre, are you there?! #CLAQueries

I'm trying to sign your manuscript... Not date you... This is not match.com. Tell me about your manuscript. #CLAQueries

Don't tear down modern and contemporary literature in your query by saying that you are trying to fix modern writings problems. #CLAQueries

It's great to have ambition and show that in your query, but there is a fine line between ambition and pompous. Be careful! #CLAQueries

Please do NOT query all of the agents in an agency with the same book, especially if we've already rejected your manuscript. #CLAQueries

Don't take two HUGE titles as comp titles and put them in your query. It's not impressive, it just shows you didn't research. #CLAQueries

Don't claim your novel is a best-seller or that you know amazing writing because you're a journalist. You will seem pompous. #CLAQueries

There are some amazing paranormal ideas, but it's hard to sell novels that mention "necromancy", "shamanism", and "demonic". #CLAQueries

Don't start your query off with quotes from professional editors/betas/etc.. Let your writing and their work speak for itseLf. #CLAQueries

Personifying animals should probably be used only in middle grade or younger age range. Lobsters, foxes, rats = Children's/MG #CLAQueries

Never start a query off with an insinuation that you don't trust the argent you're sending your query to... #CLAQueries

I think I respond with this to well over half the queries I receive: stop describing the scene and start giving me action. #CLAQueries

Remember to go back through your novel and use contractions. You don't think in proper English, and neither will your character. #CLAQueries

Please make sure you check a dictionary before submission to make sure the words you're using are real English language words... #CLAQueries

No, if it's YA fantasy, it should stay between 75k and 100k for a first submission. #CLAQueries

Make sure you know the CURRENT word count expectations for your manuscript. YA sci-fi and fantasy should be upwards of 75k. #CLAQueries

Make sure you know your age range. If you're claiming this is an adult novel, but your main character is 12... It's not adult... #CLAQueries