#QueryTip (cont'd): Often have no idea what these comparisons mean. These lines can be great, but only if they work. ...2/3

#QueryTip DO: If U compare UR book to others, e,g, A+B meets Y, test the comparison by asking many people to tell you want it means...1/3

#QueryTip DO be nice & professional. Project confidence by letter your writing shine. Bluster comes across as rude and is unappealing

#querytip DO follow guidelines. Many agents delete queries that don't w/out reading them. Can't take on clients who are unprofessional

#QueryTip DON'T describe UR book as literary + genre. Adding literary is reviewing UR own writing & generally means lower sales potential

A query should have a hook, but please do not say "Hook: ___" Make it organic to the pitch! #querytip #amquerying

Know your genre! Check how Amazon categorizes your comp titles; it gives the agent a better idea of what to expect #amquerying #querytip

#querytip Try reverse-engineering the pitch. What does an agent want? What's your big selling point (the conflict or question)? #amquerying

#QueryTip DO: Incl. brief author bio, focus on writing creds (published works, education, memberships), put at end unless something big

#QueryTip DO: Set up your email to accept messages from the agents you query. Agents will not, for example, request access to email you

#QueryTip (cont'd) MG/YA means UR offering something like MG story w\YA length or MG age characters w\ YA subject matter. Who's the reader?

#QueryTip DO: Figure out what genre UR book is B4 you query. e.g. many queries say MG/YA. Doesn't work, automatic reject...

#QueryTip DO: Work UR network to approach agents thru referrals. Best way to get an agent's attn (in addition to writing a great book)

#QueryTip DO: Study query letters & use critique partners to make them perfect. Agents won't get to the sample if the query letter is bad

#QueryTip DO: If you are going to personalize UR query, be sure to get the details right. Better off w/none (which is fine frankly)

#QueryTip DO Bulk of query should your characters, what they want/conflict, stakes if they don't get it. Focus on the why not plot points

#QueryTip DO: Begin the query by talking about your book NOT yourself, why you chose agent, or reviewing UR work. And don't review yourself

#QueryTip DON'T tell an agent you are giving them an exclusive they haven't requested. To me seems entitled, automatic reject

#querytip It's important to follow sub guidelines; it helps agents get what they need when they need it & helps you get a timely response.

#querytip Saying you "just completed" this novel makes it sound like a first draft. You should never sub a first draft. #amquerying