#querytip If font of salutation and font of query are different, huge sign this was a mass mailing. At least pretend you connected with me!

Query #pubtip = read original query for AN ENCHANTMENT OF RAVENS (with my notes in it) as an example of success! writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/g…

If I can't understand what is going on, a child won't...(mostly). #pubtip #writingtip

See it too often in submissions = awkward and not effective. #pubtip

ICYMI last year, here's my hour long podcast interview for Writer's Market with heaps of advice: shar.es/1SWgMW #pubtip

Craft #pubtip = avoid scenes of your protagonist looking at self in a mirror to tell the reader what they look like.

#CLAqueries Hist Fic I do NOT want: Shakespeare, Henry VIII, Civil War, Greek Gods/Myths. If I think of more, I'll share =] #querytip

#CLAqueries Don't forget stakes. Telling me what happens means nothing if there's no driving reason for the MC #querytip

#CLAqueries Your bond w/ an agent shouldn't be that you both like Harry Potter. A major part of the book world LOVES Harry Potter #querytip

#CLAqueries For me, personally, diary page format doesn't click. Not engaging enough. However, other agents may disagree? #querytip

#CLAqueries Beginning with "Let me take you on a journey" is probably not the best option. Go right into story, not theming #querytip

Writers, a valuable read re: decoding rejections. #pubtip

Money #pubtip = part of my job is strategizing profit. Three branches of the profit tree = advance, royalties, subsidiary rights deals.

Please query only completed (preferably thoroughly edited) novels. It makes our jobs (and your query process) a lot easier. #querytip

I wish I could eradicate vague threats and vague threatening notes from romantic suspense. They're not believable. Just don't. #pubtip

A #query letter that claims their book could be sold as either YA or NA, tells me this writer is not reading enough. #querytip

#TipTuesday: There are better ways to start your #queryletter than a string of rhetorical questions. #querytip

Young adult #pubtip = check those opening pages! Try to start your YA novel with teens talking to teens; not adults talking to adults.

Nothing about the author, no closing (i . e "Sincerely etc). But then an attachment I did not ask for. A total #queryfail #querytip 3/3

Just like action movies need a climactic fight scene, romance novels need an emotional black moment. Build to a breaking point. #pubtip