Alexandra Machinist

Particularly with fiction, a pass is just my opinion. Best to move on and work to find the agent who will love it. #pubtip

Earlier tweet on how much time to spend on mss that don't connect was on submissions, not my authors!Got some panicked notes! Sorry! #pubtip

A funny from a query: "according to your agency's website, you are actively seeking..." My agency has no website. #pubtip

Probably a good idea to notify me if you have queried me before and are trying a new project with me. I remember names! #pubtip

Just the unknown-to-me editor as a point of reference that I find unhelpful. #pubtip

Clarification, if you are rec'd by an outside editor I know, I care v much. Gotten many AMAZING authors that way. #pubtip

I am sorry, but I don't care who edited your manuscript before you queried me. I just care that the query--and novel--are good. #pubtip

However, filling me in on real information like offers of rep is informative and welcome. #pubtip

Getting an agent is kind of like dating--checking in with me a million times after you send me your ms is a major turn-off. #pubtip

A winning query has elements like complete sentences, a pitch and punctuation. Today's doozy lacked all those. Really?! #pubtip #askagent

If you send me an email asking me what I might like with no information on the book, you are wasting my time and your credibility. #pubtip

If you are looking for rep, do your homework first. Don't ask what I rep. Research and send appropriate query and I will respond! #pubtip

Smart to search titles before naming your book. If the title has been used recently, particularly by a bestseller, pick another! #pubtip

Query-ers, pls remember to include 10 sample pages of your fiction at the end of the query. #pubtip #amwriting #mswl #tenqueries

I adore when people query me because they admire an author or book of mine and think they are similar. #pubtip

Similarly, just bought @lilykingbooks's Euphoria on the fantastic reviews. So exciting to see a writer find a story that resonates. #pubtip

Keep writing if you don't hit critical mass until later. Look at Liane Moriarty and @jojomoyes...great success many books in! #pubtip

But it is in the writing of a great second novel that you start to cement your readership. #pubtip

For successful debut novelists, there is a tendency for your second to be insurmountably difficult to write. You are note alone! #pubtip