It appears that in eager, stumbling haste to get their work Out There, writers are forgetting to do their research on agents, what they rep, and following submission guidelines.

Take a deep breath. You're more likely to be rep'd if you follow instructions. #querytip

Lots of good rules to follow when #amquerying #querytip

Doing on last query shot out. Beautiful writing, but ADULT. When your natural comps are adult, then you might need to look closer at your MS. #querytip

Like @AnnieAHwang, an authentic voice is what draws me into a story. Just this morning, I received a query with a distinct, funny, confiding first-person #YA voice. Within minutes, I'd inhaled the first 10 pages and requested the full. #QueryTip #WritingTip

Voice is the thing that reveals itself when you are no longer self-conscious about the fact that you are writing--also happens to be what I look for before all else in queries #writingtip #querytip

#querytip checking in constantly on the status of your manuscript will only hurt, not help.

Here's a little personal #querytip: you can definitely call me by my first name in your query. I much prefer it to Ms. or any other title

Excellent #pubtip from @EmilyRodmell. Even though queries are electronic these days, authors should still make sure they've included all of this very relevant information for editors.

#querytip Keep your query letter professional, especially if you haven't spoken with me before. Don't try to be cute like we're pals.

People who make direct references to details in my bio, but still query me in categories I don’t rep: I DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU. #querytip

I refuse to read things in crazy font. #querytip

Writers, definitely think about your spam settings when querying. Sometimes I receive automatic responses that require me to fill out a form before my email can be delivered. If you are querying someone, make it easy for them to get in touch! #pubtip #querytip #amagenting

Cosigned. But I do like to know that work has happened, since I like having the full picture. #querytip

#Writers, always be sure to check the agent's website before following directions from a magazine or interview. Their profile will always have the most up-to-date submission instructions. #amquerying #querytip #amediting #amwriting

#pubtip = YES! Having someone read your query letter before sending is a great idea! (how's the grammar? is the story clear? is it compelling?)

NO! Having someone else write your query letter is not a good idea.

I was up late reading queries and kept seeing the same problem: “walls” of dialogue. It’s OK to start a story with dialogue but it better be purposeful. Otherwise after two plus pages of nothing but aimless conversation, I lose interest. #revisiontip #querytip

#querytip: if an agent doesn't represent a certain genre, don't send the book, not even with an apologetic first line, as in "I know you don't represent [X] but..."

THIS!!! #pubtip #amwriting #amquerying

#pubtip Authors, if your book is in acquisitions with one publisher, it's common courtesy to let said publisher know you have another offer BEFORE you accept it. I mean, you don't have to, it's not a hard and fast rule, but it is considered unprofessional. #amquerying Just an FYI

This whole thread, but mostly this. Read the damn instructions. #querytip