Alec Shane

#pubtip #querytip I have yet to meet an agent who is actively seeking novellas and short story collections from debut authors.

I'm always very wary of authors who think that they are great writers. The best writers I know all think that their work sucks.

Did you read it yet? How about now? What about now? Have you read it? Is it good? Did you read it yet? Did you read it? What did you think?

Do you represent thrillers? Can you give me some advice for submitting to other agents? When can I expect to hear back? Did you read it yet?

How would you prefer I submit? Do you prefer attachments? How many pages would you like to see? Is this something you'd be interested in?

#querytip Here are some questions I get from authors that I shouldn't get, as answers are available online with some simple research:

#querytip now isn't the best time to query. Most agents are clearing their desks, and you run the risk of getting lost in the holiday logjam

#querytip a number of agencies close to submissions around this time each year as they try to wrap things up; make sure you do your homework

#querytip if you're going to just cut and paste agents' names into the same query and blast it out, at least make sure it's the same font.

#querytip How seriously would you take someone who didn't take the time to learn your name before approaching you in a professional setting?

#querytip Some version of "self-publishing didn't go the way I thought it would" isn't the best way to get an agent interested in your MS

#querytip a polite "thank you for your time" email after a rejection is fine-but it shouldn't also include another query for your next MS

#querytip PERSONALIZE YOUR QUERY LETTER. If I could type that bigger, I would. Really can't emphasize that enough.

#querytip you wrote 3 books- great! Sending three separate queries to the same agent for each of your 3 books at the same time- not so great

#querytip few things belie a cut-and-paste query job like my name in a completely different font than the rest of your letter.

#querytip Form query letters stand out in the worst possible way. Personalizing your query for each agent, even a little bit, works wonders

#querytip You'd never start a cover letter or a request for a job interview with "Hi!" I'd advise taking the same approach to query letters.

#querytip Just because your book takes place in the past, that doesn't necessarily mean it's right for an agent who reps historical fiction.

#querytip To authors submitting via snail mail, please try and keep your cat off the printer paper. Some of us are allergic.

#querytip if you have been trying to sell the same MS for five years now, maybe it's time to put this one aside and write something new.