Carly Watters

I'm updating my @WritersDigest webinar as we speak. You still have an hour to sign up! writersdigestshop.com/how-to-get-an-… #askagent #querytip

Querying in 2017? You don't want to miss this webinar. #querytip #askagent

Read the first line of a partial manuscript & had to have the full. Sometimes one line is all it takes. #querytip

ICYMI: last week's #MondayBlogs: 5 Reasons for “Quick Pass” on a Query Letter bit.ly/2g89Fpq #querytip

5 Reasons Agents “Quick Pass” on a Query Letter carlywatters.com/2016/11/07/qui… #MondayBlogs #querytip

Quick pass: manuscripts that date themselves fast (i.e. hook that's dependent on social media, reality TV, time sensitive etc.) #querytip

Remember: don't repeat an agent's interests back to them word-for-word (we know our own #MSWL!) instead SHOW us how yours fits.

ICYMI: 10 simple ways to personalize your query to agents & set your book apart: carlywatters.com/2016/10/03/per… #querytip

Successful queries focus on what happens with the plot--not how the book is supposed to make us feel. Themes don't sell books. #querytip

ICYMI: 10 Ways To Personalize Your Query to Agents carlywatters.com/2016/10/03/per… #MondayBlogs #querytip

10 Ways To Personalize Your Query to Agents: bit.ly/2dMmq4p #mondayblogs #querytip

I've been getting lots of YA queries lately. I'm definitely open to coming-of-age for adult audience, but no YA/MG/kidlit. #querytip

A query letter is a symbol of so much more. Writing skills, professionalism, ability to market/pitch yourself, self awareness. #querytip

Think about what we MUST know & focus on that. We don't sell a book on theme, we sell it on hook/plot/stakes. #querytip

It's hard when your book baby is going out into the world for the first time, but believe me--less is more.
Truly.
Self-edit.
#querytip

Remember that the whole point of a query is to pique our interest & get us to request more--not explain every detail. #querytip

I have an aversion to the word bildungsroman in a query. I know what you're getting at but it just sounds so pretentious. #querytip

#querytip: Self-pubbed but want trad future? How to say it: "Previously self-published, but looking for a traditional deal with new ms."

#querytip Querying your 1st ms & have 0 bylines or publications? How to say it: "This is my debut novel & I'm hard at work on my second."

#querytip Writing or have written a series but are pitching book 1? How to say it: "This is the first book in a planned series."