Emmy Nordstrom Higdon

#QueryTip: The slush pile is so competitive! Don't sell yourself short in your query letter! Lots of authors make jokes that portray themselves as unprofessional or inexperienced. I'd rather know what makes you a perfect fit for my list! #WritingCommunity

#QueryTip: I have gotten a bunch of queries lately for books that have already been self-published or posted for free online, or that are about to be. Except in very rare cases, that means that the book isn't eligible for submission to publishers, and therefore, I can't rep it!

This is more of a general #WritingTip than a #QueryTip, but the terms "sociopath" and "psychopath" are outdated, ableist psychological terms that stigmatize people with psychiatric disabilities that can be diagnosed as personality disorders. Stop using them.

#QueryTip: I ask with my whole heart that before you query me, you read my MSWL and my agency's submission guidelines. It will save so much energy on your part and mine, and we all need that.

manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/emmy…

wcaltd.com/submission-gui…

#QueryTip: Yall, I really don't consider queries over 100K words, I'm sorry! If you are an epic writer who's going into 100K+ territory, that's rad - but I'm not the agent for you! #WritingCommunity

#QueryTip: One of the first things I do in my editorial work is a pass for market sensitivity. If you're using ableist language, removing it is something you can do to save everyone a bit of time down the line. I suggest my authors consult this resource:

ow.ly/4FAG50C8pFu

#QueryTip: This may seem basic, but I get queries for partially completed works all the time. Except in very rare cases, agents only consider queries for works that are completed and revised! #WritingCommunity #AmQuerying

#QueryTip: I haven't been agenting long, and there are lots of mean, inaccurate, baseless posts about me online! That's true of many agents. Every agent is different, and we're all human, too. Do your own research, build your own relationships, trust your instincts.

#QueryTip: Like it or not, it's hard to pull off a submission for trad publishing written in omniscient 3rd person POV these days. I'm not saying NEVER, but I am saying... it's useful to read up on and practice tight, limited, 3rd person POV. #WritingCommunity

Dear #AmQuerying: I see so many of you stressing about not getting quick replies from agents. I know that it's super hard to be in querying limbo. Try to remember: it takes a lot of time to read and consider! No news is good news. #QueryTip #WritingCommunity

#QueryTip

#QueryTip: Before you query, make sure you've researched and you're ready. Publishing is a big/competitive industry. It can be heart wrenching to pass on a great project because the author isn't prepared for the professionalism, public visibility, and commitment involved.

#QueryTip: Sometimes I get queries via a third party rather than an author. My first response will always be to ask to speak directly to the author. There is no advantage (and sometimes it can be worse!) to have someone query on your behalf. #WritingCommunity

#QueryTip: I *personally* don't like prologues. When I read for pleasure, I skip them. I post this as a query tip not because you should NEVER write a prologue, but because you should be aware that readers have mixed feelings about them. It's good to go in informed when querying!

#QueryTip: I'm not a stickler for this in queries, but in a perfect world, your writing sample should be formatted as closely to Chicago Style as possible. If you're unsure what that means, check out this guide from the Purdue OWL! #WritingCommunity

ow.ly/PQUC50BALRf

#QueryTip: Nearly every query that I, a trans enby agent, have read recently by a cis LGB/Q+ author has had a trans character. I have deeply mixed feelings about this. Before you write a character outside of your own identity, please consider your motivations carefully.

#QueryTip: I have said it before and will say it again: I love new adult. Traditional publishing does not. When you query an agent, be sure to specify whether you are writing for an adult audience, or for YA, because that's the world we currently live in, like it or not. 🙃

Seconded! #AmQuerying #QueryTip

I get Emily and Amy a lot, I have two last names, and people mix up my honorific and pronouns all the time. I appreciate when people get it right, but I get that it takes practice. It's not worth stressing out over, I promise!

#QueryTip? #WritingTip? #EditingTip? Personal preference? Either way: never use two adjectives when one specific adjective would do the job. Pick one.

#QueryTip: I always consider how authors communicate during the query process to be indicative of how they will communicate going forward. Having compatible communication styles is so important in the agent/author relationship! #AmQuerying