Victoria Marini

#querytip please follow all the instructions and read our auto replies! Many Agents’ submission guidelines aren’t just about our preferences, they’re about logistics. If you don’t follow the guidelines the material may not end up in the right place.

I know the constant rejection can feel demoralizing, but please don't insult agents who reject you. I often request new MSs from people whose previous queries I rejected. But if you call me nasty names or insult me, I'm just going to ask you not contact me again. #QueryTip

#querytip #amwriting #writerbeware

PSA: I am currently closed to all unsolicited queries. I will announce when I re-open both here and on my website. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. All solicited and previously received queries will be responded to! #querytip #querying

#amquerying #amwriting #querytip There are some people claiming to be "insiders" or "experts" who may be offering outdated, counter-productive or straight-up bad advice, (largely b/c they are not experts or insiders). Take care to note the source of advice before you follow it.

#querytip following instructions isn't an arbitrary rule we set up just to sweat you. A lot of agents use keywords & filters to keep their inboxes organized, so when you ignore instructions your query can wind up in the wrong folder, in a junk folder, or automatically deleted.

Queries are not the tool by which an agent determines whether or not they *like* your book. They are the tool by which we determine if we want to read it. #querytip #pubtip

The problem with beginning a query with a baiting question is that you might not get the answer you're looking for #querytip

#querytip you may not need: We google. Don't be a truly horrid person online. Don't be one in real life either, but definitely not online.

#querytip Please do not query by sending a flash drive. For so many reasons.

Finally, b/c I am far more likely to believe you either didn't research or you don't think rules apply to you than anything else. #querytip

First, b/c a good query doesn't need a gimmick or schtick. You don't need to be a rebel or break the rules to get it noticed. #querytip

Here's a thing about following individual query guidelines: Is it a pain? Yes. Should you do it anyway? Will we even notice? YES. #querytip

#querytip "It's about the shattered American dream" is not as helpful as "It's about a man whose house is threatened w/ foreclosure." (2/2)

#querytip when I say I want to know what the book is about, I mean literally. I mean the plot, not the metaphor. For Example... (1/2).

Here's what should be an obvious #querytip Don't publicly shame, belittle, & insult agents and then whine about how you can't get one.

#querytip "Dear Agent, I know you don't represent [insert genre the agent doesn't represent], but I bet you would take THIS one." -> NOPE!

#querytip try not to lie. Not because it's wrong, but because it usually doesn't work. #notasubtweet #notaboutyou

#pubtip #querytip #lifetip save terms of endearment for those to whom you are actually endeared. I'm not "darling" if we've never met.

don't begin your letter by explaining that you couldn't query the agent you *actually* want b/c they're closed to queries. #querytip #why