💯 what @ericsmithrocks says. There is a conversation already going on - what you contribute to it relies upon your appreciation of it. #querytip

Just a reminder: I’m closed to queries starting TOMORROW. Everything sent in January will get read. Starting tomorrow, nope. I’ll reopen sometime this summer TBD. #pubtip #amagenting #querytip #mswl

Replying to a rejection with a bitter comment doesn't put you in my good books. Just sayin'. It confirms I made the right decision. Come on, peeps. Keep it professional. Agents have to love the work they represent. It's as simple as that. #writetip #pubtip #amquerying

The scene goal is a goal for THAT scene, but it should be tied to the story goal in some way. Many different scenes goals (in many different scenes) are like baby steps bringing the character closer and closer to attaining his/her story goal. 8/8 #writetip #pubtip #amwriting

This also forces the character to be an ACTIVE participant instead of REACTING to things that happen. Torture your characters. Make them fight for what they want and sometimes fail in pursuit of it until they grow enough to attain their goal. 7/? #writetip #pubtip #amwriting

When a character causes his/her own conflict, it's much stronger because he/she has to own that. He/she has to learn from it and grow from his/her mistakes. 6/? #writetip #pubtip #amwriting

Basically, I want to see a character pursuing something. ALWAYS. Even if that something changes. I want to see things get in the way, but mostly because of a character flaw (internal or external issue). 5/? #writetip #pubtip #amwriting

Scene conflict can be internal, external, or both. But, you need conflict. The best kind of conflict? Something that the POV character causes because of something he/she said or didn't say, did or didn't do. 4/? #writetip #pubtip #amwriting

But, it doesn't stop there. If you have a story goal without conflict to interfere with or disrupt the pursuit of that goal, life becomes too easy for the character. Easy character life = boring. 3/? #writetip #pubtip #amwriting

Without a scene goal, the story can lose focus, and we can go through several scenes where nothing is happening. This kills the pacing, and prevents the story from moving forward. 2/? #writetip #pubtip #amwriting

Spreadsheets are vital resources when querying. Keep track of every agent you submit to, sending multiple queries in one month for the same book isn't helping your cause. #querytip

As much as I love dystopian YA, it's not currently selling. So if you can, pitch as sci-fi instead. #querytip

#Editingtip #amediting #amquerying #querytip #amwriting

Eyes cannot widen and narrow at the same time.

Try it.

And film it so I can see how hilarious you look attempting it.

#QueryTip Think twice about your prologue before you query. Is it really the best place to launch the novel? I find most of the prologues I receive are simply confusing, and when I skip down to the first page, the story begins. #amwriting #amquering

Queries are professional correspondence. With that in mind, here's a checklist of things *not* to do:

-Don't misgender agents
-Don't overshare personal details (no TMI please)
-Don't lie/misrepresent yourself/your work
-Don't drop F bombs
-Don't be aggressive/entitled

#querytip

Exclamation points are poison. I use them way too much in emails, because like many authors I want to convey emotion. However, you need to let your words - not exclamation points, etc. - show characters’s emotions. #querytip #writetip

Things that should not have to be said: if you sign with an agent, let the others considering your material know so that they can move on to work by their clients or others who still want/need their time and attention. #pubtip

"40,000-page book"? I really hope that's a typo! #querytip

Just a reminder that if you submit to one Writers House agent, you shouldn't submit to another one until you hear back. If you'd like to query a different Writers House agent while you are waiting, please make sure you rescind your initial query. #querytip

“I appreciate you taking the time to read more than the first 10 pages because style and rhythm naturally mature through a novel & thus the beginning tends to be the least good part.” Guys. Sorry, but no. That’s on YOU. #querytip 🤦🏻‍♀️