Noah Ballard

Here's a #querytip for my new followers: For your synopsis, keep it short and sweet. Don't waste time speculating how and in what ways a reader will be moved by your work.

Cynical opinion: opening a query letter with how much you love to write or how you've always been a storyteller is not a compelling pitch. I assume the former to be true about all submissions, and the latter you can prove through a list of your publications. #querytip

This week, I've had a spate of really rude follow-ups to queries. #querytip: Be patient, be generous, be kind. You're not going to bully anyone into representing you.

Please don't send me query letters that include lines like, "This promises to get the government's attention!" #querytip

"I am removing my manuscript from consideration in order to self-publish it anonymously." Okay, man. #querytip (tip: don't do this.)