Jennifer March Soloway

#QueryTip If you get a request for a full or partial manuscript...

Before you send, do one final review and accept all track changes + remove any reader comments, etc., from the draft. #amquerying

#QueryTip A great title really helps to pique a reader's (or an agent's or editor's) interest (even if it gets changed later). Try to craft a title that raises a question in the reader's mind, and better yet, establishes tone and style. #amwriting #amquerying

#QueryTip As a courtesy, if you accept an offer of representation from an agent, please notify any other agents considering your work--either via email or QueryMgr, etc.--and withdraw your query. We appreciate the kind update. #amquerying

#QueryTip When querying me, if your first chapter is slightly longer than 10 pages and you'd like to include the entire chapter, please do in the body of the email--as long as it isn't 15+ pages. Best of luck! #amquerying

#QueryTip and request: Please double space your manuscript pages and use paragraph indentions with an easy-to-read font (no italics please). Single space can be difficult to read, and I want to read your work. I'd hate to miss you due to formatting. #amquerying

#QueryTip + request as I read submissions late at night:

Please put page numbers on your manuscript or #PB dummy, if you're an author/illustrator. It's helpful for me to review your work, so I can tell you what I like, as well as suggestions, etc.

#amquerying #amwriting

#QueryTip I try to be accessible on Twitter, but sometimes I miss a Tweet or a DM. If you wish to query me, please send a query letter + the first 10 pgs. or PB ms pasted into the email to soloway@andreabrownlit.com. You will get an auto confirmation. Good luck! #amquerying

#QueryTip The querying process can be frustrating. Don't give up. Keep writing. Work on other projects. Celebrate victories, large and small. If you write a great scene, celebrate. If you get good feedback, celebrate. Then when you get an agent, celebrate! #amquerying #amwriting

#QueryTip If I request a revise and resubmit, and in the meantime, you receive an offer of representation, please let me know right away, even if it hasn't been six months. An R&R from me means I really like the project + hope for another chance with you. #amquerying #amrevising

#QueryTip I look for clients who have established critique groups and beta readers. Although I'm editorial, I am only one person with a limited experience, and I might miss a nuance. Multiple eyes on your project will help you produce your best work. #amquerying #amwritng

#WritingTip The first page is your big chance to hook your reader:

Start with a great first line,
raise a compelling question (or 2-3);
introduce the protagonist (make the reader care); and
launch into a scene with conflict.

#amrevising #querytip

#QueryTip No need to send a query to me as an exclusive. I expect and want you to query other agents. You deserve the best representation for your work, be it me or someone else. Query far and wide to find the right fit for you. #amquerying

#QueryTip If you wish to send a revision 6+ months after I pass, please revise the entire submission: the pitch, the query letter, and most importantly, the opening pages. (If it reads the same as before, I will sadly pass again.) #amquerying #amrevising

#QueryTip Submit only one #PB project when querying. Choose the one you think is the strongest. If I like it, I will ask for several more projects to see more of your work. #amquerying #amrevising #amwriting

#QueryTip When I say a project is "not the right fit for my list," either I (a) already have something too similar, (b) have too many projects in the category, or (c) don't feel I am the best agent for the project. (You'd be better served by someone else.) #amquerying #agenting

#QueryTip #SubmissionTip Please include page numbers in your submission when sending a full ms. Page numbers are very helpful for critique submissions, so I can mention specific spots when giving editorial suggestions. #amwriting #amquerying #critiques

#QueryTip If a MG or YA project is set in the past (not current/now), note the historical relevance for the era--either social or political--and why the past will resonate with and give insight to your readers today. #amwriting #amquerying

#QueryTip Before you query, check the opening pages. Does your opening line raise a question? Does the story start in scene? Are the stakes clearly established? Make sure you engage the reader (agent). #amwriting #amquerying

#PB #QueryTip Please send one query with your most polished picture book project. If I like it, I will ask to see other work, so there's no need to send multiple queries for different projects. #amquerying

#QueryTip Grab the attention of your reader (or agent or editor) with a dynamite first line. The best opening lines are declarative statements that raise more than one question, and immediately establish tone and voice. #amwriting #amquerying