Sara Megibow

Monday Morning #QueryTip = here is the original query letter for ENCHANTMENT OF RAVENS by @MarRogerson = writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/g…

#QueryTip regarding genre = "thrilling science fiction" (like @JasonMHough ) is not the same thing as "thriller" (more like Dean Koontz).

#QueryTip = In an SF/F query, remember to introduce your characters, not just your world. (I see this mistake too often!)

#QueryTip = here is the original query letter for THE WEIGHT OF ZERO by @KarenFortunati (she NAILED it!) writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/g…

Don't open a query with, "you've never seen anything like this before!" #querytip #pubtip

In queries for contemporary YA (like WEIGHT OF ZERO by @KarenFortunati ) I look for authentic characterization and dialogue. #querytip

Yes, pitching a fantasy novel can be hard!! It's tempting to over-explain the world. #querytip

#QueryTip = Avoid "I finished this book last week & now ready for an agent." I'm looking for done AND polished so "last week" is a red flag.

#QueryTip =

Be compelling and succinct.

"All boys..." = rarely a good way to introduce your YA novel. #querytip

#QueryTip = great comparable titles are: published in the past 2-3 years by major publishing houses and have a clear relation to your story.

#QueryTip = helpful to include the word "completed" in your query: "query for my completed fantasy novel of 100,000 words." #queries

well said! #QueryTip twitter.com/_LisaRodgers/s…

#QueryTip = even complicated fantasy novels should be able to be condensed into a pitch. You can do it! #fantasy #queries

#QueryTip = here is original query for THE WEIGHT OF ZERO by @KarenFortunati (Oct, 2016 from @randomhousekids ) writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/g…

#QueryTip = don't quote another agent in your query. "So-and-so liked it" reads to me as "so-and-so passed on it." #queries

#QueryTip = avoid the ALL CAPS query letter. It's not a deal-breaker but yikes.

#QueryTip = cut back on backstory in those queries! Cut back on backstory in opening pages of the manuscript too. #pubtip

#QueryTip = I'm not fond of queries submitted on behalf of someone else. Not strictly a deal-breaker but still. #pubtip

#QueryTip = query multiple agents at once. Avoid exclusives (unless one agent asked for revisions or some specific & personal reason)