Patricia Nelson

A few queries each month tell me how many copies HUNGER GAMES sold as evidence that people buy YA bks. Um. This is my job. I know. #querytip

"Please consider representing my book with the goal of getting a movie option" = still not an effective pitch. Sigh. #querytip

I think authors try to withhold info to spark curiosity, but to be curious/interested, I need to know what kind of story it is #querytip 4/4

A query needs to tell me 1) quick set-up of who MC is, 2) inciting incident, 3) choice MC has to make, 4) stakes of the choice #querytip 3/?

...basically 300 words of set-up about the MC's backstory, then a line like "but then one day everything for MC changes," end #querytip 2/?

One prob I see w/ many queries is that they END just when the story gets interesting & then I have no idea what the plot is. #querytip 1/?

No need to begin your query w/ "Hey, thanks for opening this query." Queries = how I find new talent. Thank YOU for thinking of me #querytip

If yr query is all about how great a TV adaptation of yr book would be, I'm going to assume yr expectations are unrealistic &pass. #querytip

Magical realism =/= any story with magic. Check out this SF/F genre guide by @dreamoforgonon if confused! fuseliterary.com/sff-subcategor… #querytip

YES, magical realism in adult/YA/MG is still at the top of my #MSWL! But if you're going to use that term, know what it means. #querytip 1/2

Query: I am contacting you today about my "romance" novel.
Me: Wait, what kind of novel is this really...?
unnecessaryquotes.com #querytip

"This novel will apply to readers of all ages." Okay, maybe, but where would it be shelved in a bookstore? THAT'S your genre. #querytip

You mean you're querying a "fiction manuscript" not a "fictional manuscript." At least...I think you do? *mind blown* #isthemsreal #querytip

I usually just skim over small mistakes in queries, but the "heroin" when you mean "heroine" typo still makes me laugh every time. #querytip

If you want to go the trad pub path, I would suggest aging your NA manuscript up (to adult) or down (to YA) before querying. #querytip 2/2

Helpful definition of magical realism -- it's very different from urban fantasy, high fantasy, paranormal. #querytip twitter.com/alioop7/status…

*writes the redundant phrase "fiction novel" on a piece of paper* *throws that paper in the trash* *lights the trash can on fire* #querytip

I genuinely wish I could read/respond faster, but the universe keeps rudely refusing to give me extra hours in the day. #querytip

"The manuscript is presently half written. I prefer to confer with an agent regarding plans for the second half." Nope, nope, nope #querytip

Referring to a protag as "colored"/"Oriental" in a query REALLY makes me question how much thought you put into diverse rep. Think!#querytip