Mostly applicable to picture books: your query letter shouldn’t be longer than the manuscript. Just a thought. #querytip

If you’re going to mess around with made-up names, make sure they look pronounceable. #querytip

The personalization on this submission made me LOL. Not required, but great way to get my attention & make me remember you. #querytip

Today on the blog: 10 COMMON QUERYING MISTAKES mariavicente.com/post/127069220… #querytip #querying

These are the best kinds of books. Strive to write this kind of book. #pubtip twitter.com/Michrichter1/s…

Unless the police are telling someone to "Open up!" :) #pubtip twitter.com/shana_asaro/st…

#pubtip If your Query letter looks like "you know what" the odds are we will not be looking at your writing.

#pubtip Remember one size does not fit all for your query letter. Target each editor and agent with specifics!

Scene, a Query:

"I wrote a YA novel! <Starts long explanation of adult characters' problems>"

<Agent slams head against desk.>

#pubtip

Query = 3 paragraphs, not 10. #querytip

Pretty much if you say your book spans 3-4 different genres, I can tell that you've never read a book in at least 2 of those genres. #pubtip

Some tips for writing a FANTASTIC PITCH in your query letter: mariavicente.com/post/994774449… #querytip

So true. #querytip twitter.com/LH_Writes/stat…

Queriers, I understand the impulse, but trust me: it's not in your best interest at this moment to list DIVERGENT as a comp title. #querytip

Stop telling me what your book is about and start showing me. #querytip

Don't call an agent until that agent is your agent. #pubtip

If you're going to tout your writing and literature credentials in your query you should probably nail basic grammar. #querytip

Gents: I would not recommend referring to your female protagonist's 'shapely behind' in the first sentence of your novel. #querytip

Just as a general #querytip I'm extremely leery of spec fic that's like A WORLD WHERE THE [HETEROSEXUALS/MEN/WHITE PEOPLE] ARE THE OPPRESSED

There’s no such thing as an erotic YA. It's either New Adult, Adult or pedophile porn. Only 2 of those 3 are publishable. #pubtip