Kaitlyn Johnson

#11b Ex: When 2 women are talking and one mentions "you can totally pull that outfit off!", don't jump in as you're walking by and say "but that would make her naked!"

Gross. Rude. Unprofessional. And yes, this ACTUALLY happened
#amagenting #querytip

#11 OKAY, here's the big one. Do not jump into someone else's conversation and sexualize it. This is rude, gross, and makes everyone feel uncomfortable. (explained next) #amagenting #querytip

#10 Yet again, don't argue! We give advice, feedback, direction. Go ahead, internalize it, write it down, go complain in the privacy of your room on the phone with someone. Be professional. You don't have to take the feedback but be polite. #amagenting #querytip

#9 Avoid saying "I don't want to waste your time" in your pitch. That immediately brings negative context into the room. Smile, say nice to meet you, and then dive into the pitch. Leave no room to put yourself down! #amagenting #querytip

#8 If the agent details problematic areas (or themes they don't read i.e. rape or incest or self harm) don't argue! Don't say "but this is different so you should give it a chance." We have reasons and won't change our mind because you think "it's the best" #amagenting #querytip

#7 Immediately tell us if your title has been self published before. Don't wait until the very end when you're rushing to finish. This could affect the agent's answer depending on if it was recent, still up, or has been completely revised and change #amagenting #querytip

#6 If an agent doesn't request, don't be rude/mutter complaints under your breath. Whether in front of agent OR when leaving the room. Volunteers hear you, and word gets around. We will find out and your pettiness won't be forgotten #amagenting #querytip

#5 Don't pitch someone and then say "This is really for OTHER AGENT at your agency who isn't here, so was hoping you could pass it on." Really? Just query them. Agents aren't there to be your middle man. Plus, you took a spot someone else could've used #amagenting #querytip

#4 Don't start with "You don't rep this, but I figured I'd try anyway." We don't like this in the query box; we don't like it in live pitching. We say what we accept for a reason and you assuming you're "better" than others isn't a good look #amagenting #querytip

#3 Don't start your pitch with "I've never done this, so you guide me." NO. If it's your first time, it's okay to be nervous. Read off a page. Talk with eyes closed. Idc, but tell me the story. Do not tell the agent it's their responsibility to teach you #amagenting #querytip

#2 Don't bring physical objects (pages, actual books, gifts, etc.) for an agent. We don't want to carry things around. If we request, send it digitally, otherwise it'll get lost, ruined, or maybe even thrown away. Don't give us MORE to keep track of. #amagenting #querytip

#1 Don't book a meeting w/ an agent to discuss a rejection they sent you. This is SO awkward and SO rude and definitely not how you want to be remembered.

Also, agents see tons of queries. Don't expect them to remember your exact one. #amagenting #querytip

Just FYI, I'm closed to all queries except requests from conferences/contests. Trying to clean the box out! #amagenting #querytip #amquerying

Writers! I will be closing my box on Oct 1 so I can tackle my Submissions and Maybe Pile. Get those queries in while you can! #querytip #amagenting #amquerying

Note to those questioning if contests like #PitMad are worth it:

I found half of my current clients through pitch contests. Two of which have SECRET news to share soon 😉 There's always a chance in events like these ❤️ #querytip #amquerying

Note to writers: don't EVER mention your genitals in a query. Just...don't #querytip

Dear Writers,

I am currently caught up to JUNE in my Maybe Pile and AUGUST in my General Pile! =] #querytip #amquerying

A little clarity for you: my query reply rate is 88.3%; my submission reply rate is 84.4%. Meaning, I answer rather quickly. But I STILL have 312 unread queries, 61 others in the Maybe pile, & 23 submissions to read. Plus life, current clients, & 2nd job.

IT IS A LOT. #querytip

Good inside look on exactly what hours agents keep... #querytip

So. Fess up when looking for a new agent. Don’t hide this. It could seriously damage your career and ruin the relationship you are trying to build. (9/9) #querytip

Thank you for tolerating this rant.