"Publishing Advice: 6 Things to Expect from Your Literary Agent." A post I wrote for @thewritelife bit.ly/1qxwvop #pubtip

When I read a query, I want to know what the book's about RIGHT AWAY. No philosophizing or justifying. Just give me the plot. #querytip

Please proofread your query letters and submissions! #querytip

Your story should be important to you but no, it is not perfect and a piece of celestial art. Feelings of grandiosity aren't good. #querytip

Unless they did MT @ChuckSambuchino #pubtip When submitting your book to agents, don't say God, aliens or Oprah told you to write the story

Sophomore novel is a big fear for many writers. Will it be as good? Will my agent like it? But remember to trust your future self. #pubtip

Alternate histories can be interesting, but writing a story about how great it would have been if the Nazis won is a bad idea. #querytip

Pulling together my notes for Mastering Your Query #PubTip: Identify your book's hook; unique how? wp.me/P2SObv-3P via @DetWkgWriters

#Pubtip When editing your story, think as a reader not an author. Would you really want to read this?

Looking for critique help? I recommend chapter meetings and critique groups sponsored by @romancewriters and @scbwi #pubtip

#pubtip Of course if someone does make a recommendation, especially an editor or agent, you should likely listen.

#Pubtip At the end of the day, the story is still your story. Regardless of what others say, you get ti decide what to use.

#Pubtip Remember there are no right or wrong approaches in writing. Your book dictates what is right or wrong.

Query-ers, pls remember to include 10 sample pages of your fiction at the end of the query. #pubtip #amwriting #mswl #tenqueries

#querytip Have a friend who hasn't read your ms read your query. Then ask them what your ms is about. If they're confused, we will be too!

If you say a project is requested, please remind me from where. #pubtip

Synopsis does not equal chapter summary. #pubtip

If a plot point in your synopsis makes me curse, that's probably a bad sign. Implausible or just too convenient twists=worrisome. #querytip

You don't improve your chances of being picked up by telling an agent you are giving them an exclusive period they didn't ask for #querytip

For probably the 50th time: when I say I'm interested in marginalized perspectives, I mean real ones. 'Do space aliens count?' No. #querytip