Lauren Spieller

There seems to be confusion about what an agent “closing to queries” actually means. It does *not* mean that we aren’t responding to the things that are *already* in our inbox! It just means that we are not accepting any new, unsolicited work! #querytip

Writers, if your book doesn't perfectly fit a specific MSWL item, that's okay! It's better to query because you think the book is a good fit in general than to try to cherry pick elements of a specific mswl to make your book fit. (Example in next tweet) #querytip

A few #querytip(s):

~ share your query w someone who hasn’t read your book to spot holes

~ don’t ask for permission to query. Just do it.

~don’t respond to form rejections (either to thank us or to ask for an explanation—we unfortunately don’t have time)

~ Don’t give up!!!

Writers, if you are planning to query an agent, we don’t need to be told in advance. Just email when you’re ready to submit. #querytip

I get a lot of ‘magic is dying’ or ‘magic is gone,’ queries. What about ‘magic is HERE and it is FLOURISHING and we do NOT know how to use it”?! #querytip

I totally forgot that I did this but hey it holds up #querytip

Do not query before you have a) finished writing your book, b) revised your book, c) shown your query to someone unfamiliar with your work who can point out confusing bits. #querytip

Don't forget--I'm closing to queries on December 1st, and won't be opening again until January 15th, 2019! Get those queries in! #querytip

When you tell me your book is MG/YA, it sends the message that you haven't done enough research. Remember, your book can only sit on one shelf. So which one is it? #querytip

If you have always wanted to try to write Middle Grade, now is the time. #querytip

#querytip: if your book is a mystery, or has a mystery at the center, don't reveal the answer in your query. It not only undermines the hook in the query itself, but means I can't experience the book the way an editor/reader will. It also sucks the fun out of reading the story!

Hot Tip: don’t lie about having an offer from another agent. We will find out, and you will end up with no agent and no credibility. #querytip

Querying writers, don't forget--I'm closing to queries in just over 2 weeks, on August 1, 2018! #querytip #subtip

If an agent has passed on your work, don't keep emailing them about it. You need to respect their decision not to work on the project. #subtip #querytip

When you receive a rejection, don't insult the person who sent it. Just because *this* piece of work isn't right for them doesn't mean they won't want to work w/ you on the next. By insulting them, all you're doing is guaranteeing that you never get that chance. #querytip #subtip

If you are going to re-query a project I've already seen that has undergone significant revision, please point out that it has changed since I last saw it. Otherwise I'll see the title and assume you are simply re-querying the same book, and will pass. #querytip

This post on the Query Conundrum by @HannahFergesen should be required reading for querying authors #querytip

publishingcrawl.com/2018/05/18/the…

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#QueryTip #LifeTip #ComeON

Writers, I've already gotten a few vampire queries which is GREAT. But one word of warning: if this is a project that you've outgrown as a writer or that didn't work for reasons other than the market for vampires, it's best not to query it w/o major revision. #vampire #querytip

Writers, it's important to know your critique partners' strengths and weaknesses, just like you know your own. If you need a line edit--which I would argue almost everyone does, especially before querying--make sure you're working with a CP who can provide that. #querytip