I may speak English, Korean, and Japanese, but remember, English is my native language and when you query me, you should query me in English like you would any other literary agent. Let's hope I don't get any queries with language blunders this coming week for once. #querytip

Example of strong opening in a manuscript:
"well, that couldn't have gone much worse."

Example of weak opening:
"Francoise, don't come out of hiding because, as you probably remember, your mother is waiting to punish you for stealing the crown jewels."

#pubtip #queries

This is so simple that many overlook it. Take a step back and think about what you are selling when you pitch. #Querytip Thanks @twistedrufus!

Reminder to querying folks: If you don't spell my name correctly in my email address, I won't get it. Two Ns in Lynnette. Sanks! #amquerying #amagenting #pubtip

Queries for memoir, self help, literary fiction, cozy mystery all receive automatic rejections as I don’t rep books in any of these genres. To be fair, only 1-2 out of 100 per day are making this mistake anymore. #queries #pubtip

If you're resubmitting a MS to us after a long period of time (say 3-5 years), own up to it! Tell us what you've changed; why you've stuck with the project; if you've gotten it edited, and how.* That's useful information. #querytip #amquerying

This is a terrific conference for aspiring (and published!) kidlit authors - #WriteOnCon2018. Totally online and affordable admission. Check out the schedule of events - I'm a speaker! writeoncon.org/schedule/ #amquerying #querytip #amwriting #amediting

Writers, if you're submitting to staff of a conference you've attended, remember you get ONE submission straight to that editor. After the first, see their house's submission guidelines for future submissions. #querytip

It’s true that I dislike prologues and yes, some agents hate them. I think the question to ask oneself is: is this really where the story needs to begin? #querytip

So proud of @Mcgintytokyo who will be speaking May 11-13 about her experiences in the query trenches and how to craft pages that grab an agent! novamcbee.com/write-a-novel-… #amwriting #amquerying #querytip

Agent friends, with submissions, it's so appreciated when you ask if you can send the project, rather than just attaching it. A big time saver on both sides! #querytip

I think the most common reason I pass on a query is that the manuscript isn't actually book-length. Under 60,000 words for an adult SFF novel is an automatic pass for me. #querytip

#querytip There is a difference between Literary the word and Literary the genre. Please research this before you label your novel. #amquerying

#querytip Please don't start your opening scene with a sexual act or object (unless SPECIFICALLY related to your storyline). No erections, no timid naked girls, no overwhelming arousal. It teaches me nothing about characters or world building or plot. #amquerying

#querytip I'm not a fan of books with an animal POV. If you're sending me one labeled Upper MG, chances are it's not a plot that I'd consider "upper".

This is a good way to make literary fiction work: give it a hook around which to build a plot (a chase, a hunt, a mystery), and ensure that said hook plays into the themes you want to explore. #amquerying #querytip

If you start your query with "I know my book may be a stretch..." just don't send it. Just. Don't. #querytip

Please don’t do this! I’ve seen similar among my queries. #querytip

And it’s NOT a permanent closure! Just a “gotta have a baby and then take time to get my brain back” break. Will reopen sometime this summer (date TBD). #querytip

Just realized that February 1st is next week. Meaning, I’m closing to queries VERY SOON. #querytip