Q3: I like the concept of this C YA, but I’m really unsure where the story begins, and what’s in the past, but I’m going to give it a shot Request. #500queries

Q2: YA F. Query was a synopsis, and it didn’t have any specifics. Just a ton of tropes strung together. Pass. #500queries

Q1: 50/50 this C YA is too focused on getting the guy as character dev, but if done right, it will be a really spectacular coming-of-age book. Request. #500queries

I hope #500queries will communicate what little things get me excited and cause books to stand out. I find a huge number of authors in the slush pile, but it's not the only way. If slush is not for you, consider twitter pitch contests and conferences as well!

#500queries is meant to give writers a glimpse into the overall trends of slush (in terms of content and quality). I've done my best to communicate exactly how impression-based these decisions often are.

Thought #500queries will last for months, the chunk of queries it covers usually only comes from the first 8 or so weeks at the beginning of the year. I plan them in advance, and no, you will never be able to tell which one is yours.

Welcome to #500queries. For the next 5ish months, I will be going through my slush pile in order. 1 tweet = 1 query.

Here are some tips if you're following along:

Happy New Year! Today, I reopened to queries. Starting next week, the first 500 submissions I get this year will be featured in #500queries! Follow along!

#QueryTip #TenQueries Q10 Under 40k word novella pitched as novel. Pass. @belcastr

#QueryTip #TenQueries Q9 Not interested in a child who falls for an older man. Immediate delete. @belcastr

#QueryTip #TenQueries Q8 Starts with word count, subgenre, title and comp titles. Very helpful. Followed by very short summary but covers what we need to know. Unique story idea. Will definitely read. @belcastr

#QueryTip #TenQueries Q7 Starts with word cound and genre (good) but then goes into all the themes and topics it covers. Nothing noting who or what the story is about. Pass @belcastr

#QueryTip #TenQueries Q6 Starts with word count, subgenre (very helpful) and title. Brief summary that includes character, his goal, motivation and major obstacles he has to overcome to achieve. Brief bio. No fluff. Perfect query. Looking foward to reading. @belcastr

#QueryTip #TenQueries Q5 Starts by noting our interest in screenplays. We don't represent screenplay. Pass. @belcastr

#QueryTip #TenQueries Q4 Full synopsis and first three chapter attached per guidelines (perfect). Notes title, genre (perfect) but not market. Like to know if its adult or YA. Also includes word count (perfect) but it's over 200k. Way too long for the genre. Must pass. @belcastr

#QueryTip #TenQueries Q3 Starts with why query was sent to us. Followed by short but concise summary of story. No bio but that is ok at this point with me. Just wish chapters were attached per guidelines and not pasted into email. Still a good query. @belcastr

#QueryTip #TenQueries Q2 - Starts with how author found us followed by title, word count. market, and genre. Then jumps right into a summary of the story. Ends with a bio outlining related credentials. Perfect Query.

#QueryTip #TenQueries Q1 - Email itself is completely blank with 3 attachments. Let us know what your story is about in the email itself with a 250-350 word summary so we know if we want to dig into the synopsis or sample chapters. @belcastr

Here's my #tenqueries podcast through @manuscriptacademy. Hope all you #amquerying authors find it helpful! manuscriptacademy.com/podcast

A different kind of #tenqueries

"Series potential" - 5
Over 200K - 1
Starts w/ waking up - 1
Already published - 1
I don't rep - 1
No word count/genre - 2

What would be most helpful to those who are #amquerying
What is it that you most want to know?