Lauren Spieller

What's your character want? What's in the way of them getting it? What's at stake on an external AND internal level if they fail? #QueryTip

TL;DR? #QueryTip

And because we know what she wants/needs, we know what's at stake [internally] if she fails. #QueryTip

Establish who your MC is & what she wants, then show us how the central [external] conflict stands in the way of her getting it. #QueryTip

But I can practically hear you shouting "but how do I do that in 300 words?!" The answer? CAREFULLY. #QueryTip

"The World is Burning" will never be as compelling as "I am afraid of being a failure in my mother's eyes." #QueryTip

That's why, when shit hits the fan, she doesn't simply give up & move--there's something PERSONAL at stake for her #QueryTip

What motivates her to risk her life instead of simply moving to a new village? #QueryTip

Let's look at an example, shall we? #QueryTip

Not only does that drive the action, but it's the only way to fully understand what is at stake if she fails. #QueryTip

And yes, we need to know what the main conflict is. We need to know what *happens* in your book, especially if it's plot-driven. #QueryTip

It's Saturday, so naturally I'm thinking about querying, and what makes an effective summary. Here are a few #QueryTip -s, coming atcha...

This is your semi-regular reminder to remove "aspiring" from your bio. If you write, you're a writer! #PitchWars #QueryTip

Hey, quick #QueryTip: don't comment on how an agent looks in your query.

Writers, check your query for typos. There's no excuse for misspelling words (or names!) in something this short. #querytip #triadatip

#Querytip: don’t feel pressure to comp your book to something an agent already likes. Find the *right* comp--that tells us much more!

#QueryTip: keep track of your queries. We notice when you send things more than once.

It's important to use buzzwords correctly in your query. Character-driven is a big one I see misused frequently. #querytip

Writers: pick a font & stick to it. Only use italics/bold if stylistically correct. And for the love of god, NO COMIC SANS #querytip

Personalize your query with the agent’s name and why you’re querying them specifically (a wishlist item? A client?). #querytip #TriadaTip