Patricia Nelson

Writers, this is a really great explanation of the "I just didn't fall in love" pass on submissions. A "no" doesn't mean you did something wrong or your book is bad... it just means it wasn't exactly right for that particular agent or editor. #querytip

This is such a good #querytip! Trying to create your own hype like this tends to ring false. Just tell us about the story -- a compelling premise will speak for itself.

PSA for querying writers: please make sure you don't have your anti-spam settings up so high it's impossible to get to you! If my query reply gets rejected bc I'm not on an "approved contacts" list or similar, you just won't hear from me. 😟 #querytip

I'm continually surprised at the frequency with which I get queries starting with an overly familiar address. "Hey Pat!" "Hi Patty!" I... don't go by those names. Remember: treat it like a business letter. The classic "Dear Patricia" is just fine. #querytip

Amazing/hilarious example of "publishing is a subjective business." (I know that may sometimes sound like BS agent-speak, but you guys, IT'S TRUE.) #querytip

#querytip If you're setting your YA/MG in the recent past, you need to have a really good plot reason & compelling worldbuilding. Kids/teens don't have any inherent nostalgia for the 1950s or even the 1990s -- they weren't even alive in the twentieth century (!).

I've said it before & I'll say it again: there is NO REASON spend time trashing other books in your query. "My book is good unlike those frivolous pieces of crap The Hunger Games & 50 Shades so obvi you should rep it" is... not an enticing pitch. #querytip

You'd be shocked how many sample pages open w/ a sentence (or paragraph!) abt the sky/wind/clouds/sun/etc! Edit it out. #writetip #querytip

Thread! Great explanation of a very common problem in YA fantasy first pages. #querytip

Still noticing the query trend of VERY long MG novels: 70K, 80K, 90K (!!) Cut these down, folks. This is too long for an MG debut. #querytip

Gentle reminder to queriers that a query is a business letter. Aim for professional (not informal) & confident (but not arrogant). #querytip

#querytip When sending req'd materials, name the file "Your Name - Book Title" Many of us read mss on a Kindle &that way we know what it is!

Getting a lot of queries lately for 80K+ (!) middle grade novels. Lovely queriers, that is almost always TOO LONG for MG. #querytip

Periodic PSA that I do NOT rep adult sci-fi/fantasy--for SFF, I'm YA/MG only. Anything online that says otherwise is lying to you! #querytip

Co-signed! #querytip twitter.com/renee_nyen/sta…

#querytip Don't comp to classics (unless it's as "a modern retelling of...") or books YOU read as a kid. Show you know the current market.

Co-signed from the agent side. This is advice you want to listen to. #querytip

Have seen multiple queries this week w/ a typo in the book's title. Oof. I'm forgiving of the occasional mistake, but...proofread! #querytip

#querytip: no need to tell me in your query that other agents have req'd fulls. I req based on my own taste, not others' interest. Really!

Today's oddest query touts the novel's "brand integration" potential for Chili's Restaurants. This... does not inspire confidence. #querytip