Naomi Davis

Do cont:
• Smart and sparse use of dialogue tags in writing sample (show, vs tells)
• Comp titles that tell me something concise and specific about the audience (movies are fine)
• Clear, professional bio paragraph with relevant history and current activity like social media

Some things that DO and DON'T grab my attn in queries, and recommendations on how to resolve the Don'ts:
DO:
• Clear blurb of the plot
• Concise description of character stakes
• Clear, unique setting
• Clear genre placement
• Sharp, quick-moving voice in sample
#querytip

#querytip Sometimes, there is nothing wrong w/your query or book.
Sometimes, it's just not a book I want to read. Look at a bookstore's genre-specific shelf: you might only decide on one out of 200 books to read. Others might be in your interest range, but just don't grab you.

This is only my preference, but please: open your book w/a character. An omniscient/generic scene display, telling me what items are where rather than showing me thru eyes, opinion,& experience of a character sets a stage. But it doesn't invite me to come on a journey. #querytip

#querytip I don't like to see a ton of Fantasy Proper Nouns in a query, like full names, cities, organizations, countries, weapons. Give me the details in English. Your worldbuilding is clever, I'm sure, but let me develop a relationship with that when I read the actual book.

OH adding to this #querytip - if it is a fantasy, it is not "Contemporary YA." Ghosts, elves, aliens, etc... all fantasy. If you don't see YA Fantasy as an available genre, please don't just select any YA genre.

#querytip #WritingCommunity Don't be afraid to let your excitement show in your query. It is our first introduction to you and your book, and telling us what's great about it (or why you felt strongly that you were the right author for it) sets the mood a little.

#querytip #writingcommunity
Your query is a sample of how it will be for agents to work with you. Remember to be professional, polished, enthusiastic, and provide all requested information. Skipping required parts of a query form doesn't inspire confidence.

#querytip #writingcommunity
Please make sure your query matches the genre selected. If it says adult fantasy but is YA fantasy, that will get a rejection. Agents DO notice.

But when I am open to YA Sci Fi and I see a YA Sci Fi, and then I see in the query history you tried to query me under 3 other genres while I wasn't open to YA sci fi, it's not the best start to our relationship. A good 1st impression goes a long way in this industry! #querytip

#amwriting #amquerying #querytip #writetip #WritingCommunity #NaNoWriMo2019 - You can subscribe to our YouTube channel for loads of great tips and content!

I want to expand a touch on what I said in my previous Tweet about "predictability" in SFF. There are certain elements that have been done in a similar pattern so many times in SFF that it's pretty easy for me to guess what will happen next. #amquerying #amwriting #querytip But..

Remember, when you receive form rejections, that they may have to do with the agent, not the book. I often see concepts, especially in PBs, that are WONDERFUL, but simply too similar to something already on my list. #querytip

Another #querytip - almost every book has elements of other genres laced throughout. Please specify the genre in terms of the core readership of your book. Ex: Science fiction novel, not erotic science fiction paranormal romantic suspense novel.

Here is a weird #querytip for #amquerying authors.

Most of you will be aghast, I'm sure.

But for the rest of you: DO NOT try to be flirtatious with me in your query. Do not make it about my looks. I can look like a Tolkien Uruk-hai and STILL sell your books.

Be professional.

Great conversation here! When to follow up with agents considering your work, and how to go about it.
#amquerying #querytip #WritingCommunity

I don't mind long adult SFF word counts,up to 160k. I've even requested longer when premise was particularly tight&engaging. May request trimming if I'm offering.

I can, however, tell w/in 1st page whether all those words were used wisely or not.

#amwriting #querytip #askagent

Ooh I see on QT some people are worried abt me responding to queries that came in after yours.
To clear it up: I respond to EVERY query that comes in thru QueryManager.
I sometimes look at JUST YA or SF or whatever in a day, so not always perfectly in receipt order. #querytip

#querytip #amwriting #writetip in both your query and your book, it's best to be specific and original about societal structures & evils. "The Organization" "The Kingdom" "The Darkness" "The Guardian" "The Entity" - as proper nouns, these feel not thoroughly developed enough. 1/

Friendly #amquerying #querytip PSA: Please use fonts that are super simple to read, rather than artistic, regardless of what you hope will appear in the final book. I read electronically all day. Your fancy curly font makes my eyeballs turn to tapioca pudding. Thank you!