Something I never thought I would have to say—a query is not an application for a dating site. 🙃
#QueryTip

#QueryTip - Do not write your query letter in first person. This is especially awkward when it's a thriller and people have been kidnapped in the book. 🙃

-Have proposal/ms ready to go before querying agents so you can send requested materials right away.
-Your 1st ms might not be your 1st published book.
-Don't be afraid to follow-up (gently) if you don't hear from an agent. #pubtip #amquerying

Who came up with this myth that you can only query one publisher/agent at a time? That’s not true. You can and should query with as many as you want! Your chances of getting picked are higher the more people you contact. #querytip

#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 ✨

If you're asked what your target audience is, "everyone" is not an acceptable answer. #querytip

Reminder that all queries sent unsolicited to my inbox (meaning my work email) will NOT be considered.
This isn’t to be mean. This is to keep it fair for all authors. #QueryTip #WritingCommunity
*this does not include Query Manager, that is where queries should go*

Just remember your query is the place to give us a short plot summary, but you must ALSO include the STAKES of your story. If I'm curious about your "hook," but you don't tell me what's at stake for your characters, I don't have time to read 90,000 words+/- to find out. #querytip

Wondering what it's like to really be an agent? How you become one, what tasks are actually expected of you? Check out the newest @belcastr video explaining all!
#querytip #amquerying #amagenting #writingcommunity

youtube.com/watch?v=Uf-k2N…

Reminder: Belcastro doesn't mind you sending to another agent if one passes on it (but please, not the whole list! One or two and then done).

But don't send to multiple agents at the same time. I can't read something another agent got first and still has
#querytip #amquerying

AUTHORS, GIVE AGENTS TWO WEEKS TO CONSIDER YOUR BOOK IF YOU HAVE AN OFFER.

You are legit making them say "no" because your turnaround is impossible.
#amagenting #querytip #amquerying

DON'T RUSH. Take time & get the book as shiny as possible. Have other eyes on it. Let it sit. Polish again. The biggest check on my wishlist is good writing! The better shape it's in, the more likely I am to request. #asktheeditor #querytip #querying

Hard truth (a short 🧵): I have to reject really amazing sounding books everyday. Think about it this way, if you were handed 100+ books a week (every week) could you realistically read them all? … #QueryTip #WritingCommunity

Honestly, that's a bit long no matter what. I'd seriously look at either editing down toward 100 as far as possible or seeing if it can really be 2 books. FYI #querytip

#writetip #querytip #amwriting
Start your story clearly. Confusion can be a strong mood to start some scenes, but in your first pages, your reader needs to anchor into a distinct sense of place& character w/ as few speed bumps as possible. Be decisive. Show through voice&opinion.

This includes Kindle Unlimited, and sometimes even platforms like Wattpad. You can't acquire a book FOR publication if the book IS published, my pals. #QueryTip

I'm sitting down to read 50 queries + Tweet some of the positive thoughts I have while reading. #amquerying is TOUGH, and I want you to know what things hit in a good way whether it leads to a request or rep or not. #querytip
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#amquerying #QueryTip
Friendly reminder that I will not open query attachments sent to my inbox, especially if they do not have anything in the body, and especially especially if I am closed.

Great tips for the author bio in a query letter.
I know I love to read about how the author is connected to the work ❤️ or what inspired the story.
#QueryTip #AmQuerying #WritingCommunity