Erik Hane

typically in order, yeah. every now and then there are exceptions though. #askagent

#askagent I don't need much suspense in the query. I think lay it out (but do it quickly, not too much summary!)

#askagent not pretentious at all. If that's the genre/category, definitely say so!

start by pitching one book. Once you're signed, talk w/ agent about the other and decide what's best! #askagent

depends on the mistake, but probably not? Though it's only 300 words, there are really no excuses for typos haha #askagent

This one is from yesterday, but: definitely as polished as possible. Never say you're "almost done" or "still revising" in queries #askagent

.@staceyigraham honestly, a couple months? that seems long but the reading pile is big. We aren't ignoring you, we promise! #askagent

hook: the reason your book should exist
bio: what about your perspective on the topic is unique and worthwhile? #askagent

Definitely smile, I'm like weird skittish wildlife, I'm more scared than you are #askagent

In person? I say 1) converse don't read and 2) have the key to your pitch distilled to 2 sentences #askagent

1) clear understanding of hook
2) avoids overly long summary/commentary
3) why the author is the best person to write the book #askagent

@LZats @Maureenow Yup. #askagent

@alexisdaria @LZats honestly, a decent amount. I'd be hesitant to request a ms that sounds good if the synopsis is poorly written #askagent

@750GMT @LZats I say too little is worse. If I don't know what the book is, no way I'm asking to see it. #askagent

@LZats @OdeliaEmmanuel Agree here. I weigh all the positives of a writer, which stretch beyond just the book. #askagent

@LZats @JoEatsFood a clear understanding of author platform somewhere in there helps too. #askagent

@SChakrabs To me, more information is better, especially if we plan to go out and try to sell the book ourselves. @LZats? #askagent

@JoEatsFood a tight, energetic description that's not just a plot summary. It's a lot like great jacket copy, to me. #askagent

@LZats @Kaily_Snides HA! To be clear, word count totally matters to me. Just less so immediately. #askagent

@Kaily_Snides @LZats Probably not, since I'll first ask for just a sample. Word count matters past impression stage, for me. #askagent