Rachel Brooks

A 10 yr old protag isn’t YA, neither is 22 yr old in college. Important to know your genre (applies to all genres). #yalit #querytip

I reply to all queries, but don't respond again to requests for details. Sorry, individual critique to each query isn’t possible #querytip

It's important to keep track of your queries & replies. I know some replies get lost in the void, but not always. #organize #querytip

If you mention you’re active on Twitter, have a writer website, etc, include the links to your online presence in signature. 1/2 #querytip

Many queries lately talking about family, pets, former career, etc but lacking info I actually need: genre, word count, premise #querytip

I know them, so no need to restate in query “Your guidelines say to do XYZ, so I have done XYZ." Waste of your precious space! #querytip

You do NOT need to send exclusive queries. (Most) agents expect querying other agencies. One by one exclusives will take FOREVER #querytip

Think a revise & resubmit is bad news? I'm blogging 5 reasons at @LoriPerkinsRAB why it's GOOD agentinthemiddle.blogspot.com/2014/09/5-reas… #writetip #querytip

Thanks for having me, @TheLiteraryMom! --> Interview with literary agent @RachMBrooks. wp.me/p1UxT4-pK #querytip #writetip

A pass can be for many reasons, but none are personal attack. Not a rejection of YOU as a person. I'm sure YOU are amazing :) #querytip

Last #querytip: Publishing is ups & downs. We might be an agent/writer match or we might not, but that's ok. Everyone's path is different!

Unfortunately, due to volume of queries I cannot give individualized feedback beyond my initial response. Critique partner can. #querytip

Unless part of a specific pitch event, like #PitMad, avoid social media pitching. Send a query letter. #querytip

Personal preference for subject line = include “Query” genre & title. Helps differentiate rather than all only saying "Query." #querytip

Friendly reminder: The L. Perkins Agency does NOT represent short story collections, screenplays, or poetry. #querytip

Unless there is a legit reason why you can’t email a query yourself, no need to have someone send it on your behalf. #querytip

It’s important to not only write, but read in your genre. Seeing lots of queries for books that basically already exist. #querytip

Please do not keep resending your query weekly. I will get to yours, but I have hundreds incoming. Repeats don’t help process. #querytip

If your email address is inappropriate or unprofessional, make one for querying. Free and quick. #querytip

If using rhyme in picture book, it shouldn’t feel forced. Word choice should still feel natural rather than grasping for a fit. #querytip