Jennifer March Soloway

#QueryTip If you get a request for a full or more PBs, before you hit send, make sure your manuscripts all include:

(1) Your contact info (name, email, phone);
(2) Title;
(3) Page numbers; and
(4) Nice-to-Have: Pitch + your bio on the cover page for easy reference

Best of luck!

#querytip for #pitchwriting Read your pitch to a friend Ask them to describe the story. If they can, you're gold. If not, rewrite, and check it again until they can. #amquerying

P.S. Ask what's not necessary in the pitch, then cut it. They can read the book for the details!

#QueryTip When sending a revision per R&R request, name your file:
[TITLE], by [AUTHOR]_Rev. [MONTH] [YEAR].
(Plus include your title, author name, contact information, pitch + page numbers in the manuscript.)

If the title has changed, explain in the cover letter.
#amquerying

#QueryTip When sending a full manuscript per an agent's request, name your file:
[TITLE], by [AUTHOR]_[MONTH] [YEAR]
...or some iteration with same info. (Make sure to include your title, author name, contact information, pitch + page numbers in the manuscript.)

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#QueryTip When working on an R&R, take time to truly assess the story, think about new possibilities, and add new layers of complexity and depth. Revise beyond tweaking. Write new scenes and chapters. Make it feel fresh and new. Captivate the reader. #amrevising

My best #QueryTip: If a project isn't getting traction, take a break, assess what might be confusing or flat, revise, then try again. Query new agents plus those you've tried before. Find the right fit.

I have clients who sent revisions after I initially passed. Revision is ✨

#QueryTip for Author Bios

Don't be afraid to be yourself.
If you are new, don't worry. A debut is desirable.
Everyone is looking for the next best thing.
It could be you!

Best of luck, #amquerying!

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#QueryTip for Author Bios

Whatever you include in your bio, be truthful. Don’t embellish or stretch the truth. (Agents will know. They will check.)

It's okay to simply say: "I am a writer based in [location]. [TITLE] is my first novel."

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#QueryTip for Author Bios

Add a clever, memorable last line about yourself that ties you to your story.

Ex. "Like [CHARACTER], I fought in a Golden Gloves championship against a boxer who would later go pro. I lasted a minute and 36 seconds before she broke my nose."

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#QueryTip for Author Bios

If you have education that is pertinent to your writing, include it. If not, don’t (and don’t worry).

If you have experience that is pertinent to your writing, include it. If not, don’t (and don’t worry).

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#QueryTip What to include in an author bio when querying a #fiction project:

A few sentences about you
A last sentence that connects you to your project
All written in a way that showcases your writing

Here are some quick tips to get you started... 🧵

#QueryTip Log Line Example

Two teen girls on a college tour road trip get stranded in a haunted motel room that is trying to kill them

A GUIDE TO THE DARK, by @MeriamMetoui (YA)

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#QueryTip Log Line Example

Two polar opposite sisters must come together to tell an epic bedtime story that will calm their crying baby sister, so they can finally all get some sleep.

THE STORY SPINNERS, by @CassFederman (MG GN)

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#QueryTip Log Line Example

A brief look at underwear throughout the ages, exploring strange underwear materials, uses, and trends—as modeled by chickens.

A HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR WITH PROFESSOR CHICKEN, by @HannahWHolt, illustrated by @KorwinBriggs (NF PB)

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#QueryTip How a Log Line Will Serve You

For your deal announcement. (Hooray!)
As a description in your book contract (Also hooray!)
At cocktail parties + other events
When you finally land that coveted TV interview. Or PW. Or NY Times. Or NPR. (A thousand times hooray!)

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#QueryTip Why Write a Log Line?

It’s important to be able to pitch your story in a single sentence

Hint: If you can’t, then the project might be overly complicated, abstract, or not fully formed. (aka your draft is too early for prime time)

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#QueryTip: Log Line Formula

When [the inciting incident happens], [the protagonist] must [achieve the objective], or risk [the stakes], before [ticking clock].

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#QueryTip: Consider creating a log line, using the main elements of your story:

The protagonist
The inciting incident
The objective/goal of the story
Stakes

Here's a formula to get you started, plus reasons why a log line will serve you long into the future...🧵

Reminder: These formulas are only starting points. Revise in your own words to showcase both your story and your writing. Use what works and change the rest to best champion your project. Best of luck, #amquerying!

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#Querytip Market Positioning Statement Formula

This [adjective], [category] is a [positive adjective] [genre] with the [element] of [COMP] and [element] of [COMP], in a [style] perfect for fans of [COMP].

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