Mary C. Moore

My latest post takes a look at the close call rejection, that frustrating "I just didn't fall in love" response.
#querytip #askagent #pubtip marycmoore.com/index.php/2020…

A super nit-picky request: please don't use double spaces after a sentence in your manuscript. When reading on screens, the irregular spacing makes my eyes hurt. #querytip #writetip

Yes, sometimes I respond to queries super fast (thank you for all the disgruntled comments/emails). But this is not an indictment of your writing, I simply know right away I'm not a good fit for it, meaning I wouldn't do a good job representing it. #askagent #querytip

Because we have to be absolutely sure before we offer on a project, a submission that is on the fence may take much longer to respond to. I may read the sample 3 or 4 times over a few months to see if my initial reaction holds, if it grows on me, or if I lose interest. #querytip

My guest blog post is up on @SFWC:
Beneath the Ice: A Literary Agent Discusses Rejection sfwriters.org/beneath-the-ic… #querytip

Someone referred to personalizing the query as "tush-kissing."

That's a bitter misconception. We aren't looking for ego-stroking. Personalization is stating the reason you want us to be your literary agent. Often it's simply because we rep what you write. #querytip

Hope this latest blog post helps authors view the process in a different light #querytip #askagent
Literary Agents Query Too: marycmoore.com/index.php/2019…

Grammar and the Inferiority Complex: My latest questions whether submissions are really rejected based on grammar errors. #querytip #askagent marycmoore.com/index.php/2019…

A rejection doesn't mean you're a bad writer or we didn't like your project. Just means I didn't have that burning-absolute-yes-gut-feeling that will fuel our efforts as we drill through revisions and then champion your project to publishers. #askagent #querytip

The bio section of your query is an important supporting role to your pitch. Give us a snapshot of who you are as a writer. Doesn’t need to be full of pub credits, but if it’s vague or non-related, that indicates you’re unsure about your brand as an author. #querytip #askagent

Opening your pitch with a rhetorical question can be risky, particularly the "have you ever wondered" type. Because most of the time, I haven't ever wondered. So it won't lure me in the way a pitch should. #querytip

When pitching your manuscript, avoid stating how the audience will react or what they will learn.

Art will be interpreted by the individual. Yes it’s your art and your intention, but you can’t make the reader feel by telling them how to.

#querytip #writetip #askagent

A Day In The Life of a Literary Agent (Or The Reason They Haven't Read Your Submission Yet) #querytip #askagent #tiredbunny marycmoore.com/index.php/2019…

An author asked me how to not come off creepy in their query letter, which sparked the idea for this post: Personalizing The Query: How Much Is Too Much? #querytip marycmoore.com/index.php/2019…

Not often considered #querytip, when you send your sample or ms as a word doc attachment, check that the zoom is 100% or 125%. Sometimes I open an attachment and the words ARE VERY LARGE IN MY FACE or *super *tiny *can't *read *it.

I never realized how many authors try just changing the title and then resubmit the same ms. Now our sub system QueryManager tells us when this happens! Explains my multiple feelings of deja vu from before. Please don’t do this, it wastes all our time. #querytip

In your query, give a brief reason why you think we'd be a good fit to represent your work. Even a simple "because you list x genre in your guidelines, you may be interested in my ms." Helpful for you to know the reason as well, as all agents are not the same! #querytip

Gentle reminder. Please only query one agent at our agency at a time. With all of us on the QueryManager submission system it now alerts us when you double up. #querytip

Although aggregated lists on blogs and such can be great for researching literary agents, always check the agency's own website for the most current submission guidelines. Outdated posts can give you inaccurate info, which may lead to your query being missed or deleted. #querytip

I received a request on a submission that I read the entire manuscript rather than just the first pages, as the book has a “slow start.” Remember, dear author, I’m only the first in a long line of readers that you need to hook with those first pages. #writetip #querytip