Lisa Rodgers

#querytip Dear authors, please don't use the words "fucking bitch" when you follow up with an agent about your query.

#querytip While Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Narnia, or Game of Thrones may have been your inspiration for your manuscript, please look for more recent books and authors to compare to! This shows you know how your book fits in with today's marketplace.

#querytip Please don't make me hunt for or deduce your manuscript's genre or subgenre. It might seem super obvious to you, the author, but it helps tremendously to have it stated explicitly.

#querytip When querying fantasy manuscripts, be mindful of how many world-specific words you use. If there are too many unfamiliar words, the query can look like gibberish to someone who doesn't already know what everything means.

#querytip Please be aware of word count ranges for your manuscript's genre. There are exceptions to every guideline, of course, but word counts too far in either direction mean it'll need a lot of time & effort to expand or cut.

Your manuscript is awesome, so tell me the awesome things! Like, if you have a new take on vampires, you don't need to say it's about "vampires who don't sparkle." Focus on your exciting and unique things. #querytip

In your query letters, find a way to praise your manuscript without putting down your genre, or other books in your genre. #querytip

#querytip If you receive an offer of representation, definitely let other agents with pages know. I also like a note if I just have a query.

Sometimes formatting like italics go screwy. CAPS don't. Also, I find that easier to read, but maybe I'm just acclimated. #querytip

#querytip

#querytip "Primary function of a cover letter is to prove you're not a crazy person." Yessss. #SYWTBAA

Be sure to double check which genres an agent represents. #querytip

#querytip Don't start your manuscript with your protagonist waking up.

If we met a convention or conference, put the con name in the subject line for better visibility. #querytip

Please have a twitter account or a website or something for agents TO find. #querytip

If you list three or four subgenres in your query, I can't help but think it's going to be needlessly complicated. #querytip