#querytip #subtip Please don't be vague or worry about spoilers in your synopsis. If when I'm done reading your query I still don't know what your book is about, that's a bit of a problem.

I LOVE voicey projects. Please, please send them my way. #querytip

#querytip #subtip - you don't need to submit the same query once a month - agents notice. Query once, if you like (depending on agency policies), follow up if you haven't heard in a couple months, that's all you need to do.

Also, the reply emails that ask me to recommend other agents? I get a lot of those. Those don’t get answered. That’s your homework. Not mine. #querytip

Just…sign the darn letter with your real name. Thanks. #querytip

Probably not for the last time I'm going to request/insist that authors not send the prologue as "sample pages" with the query. Send the first chapter. #querytip

It’s always cool to make up special terms when you’re world building for SFF stories, but if you never bother to explain what those terms mean by context, or even just telling, then it’s just nonsense and a hard pass for me. #querytip #pubtip

It’s always cool to make up special terms when you’re world building for SFF stories, but if you never bother to explain what those terms mean by context, or even just telling, then it’s just nonsense and a hard pass for me. #querytip #pubtip

Before you query someone, please Google them. I promise it will be helpful and save everyone a lot of time! #querytip

I would prefer not to read query letters written in the voice of your novel's main character. I would prefer not to. #querytip

While I'm at it: Enclosing the paid Kirkus review of your manuscript in your email does nothing for me. #querytip

This could very well be my first #querytip: WRITERZ, leading your query with snippets of praise from agents who have read and rejected your work does not made said work more appealing to me.

The simple inclusion or omission of a comma (or two) can change the entire meaning of a sentence. Here is a quick lesson. #pubtip #writing #grammar

This is a really great thread. 👇#pubtip #querytip

#querytip - Unless an agent asks you to be exclusive, don't be exclusive. If that agent is MONTHS behind, your work is just sitting in their inbox & no one else has eyes on it. Serve your work, don't send it out to 1 person who may not see it for awhile.

And more: we've been getting lots queries lately that reference #MeToo, which is great. But if your novel is using sexual assault/harassment/abuse as a plot point or for vicarious thrills -- that's not #MeToo. That's part of the problem the movement is addressing. #querytip

Writers ask if it’s worth hiring a freelance editor to help. My philosophy is that it’s not a bad idea if you do your research. There are many random people who call themselves editors and writing coaches, but don’t actually have an editorial work history or track record. #pubtip

It bears repeating, I don't know why. Please don't query in all caps, it feels like you're yelling at me about your book. Thanks. #querytip #subtip

A query should tell me who the story is about. What does he/she NEED to achieve by the end of the story? What’s keeping him/her from attaining that goal? What’s at stake if he/she doesn’t succeed? #amquerying #writetip #pubtip 5/5

When querying, have a bio, but it’s essential to show what the story is about. You’re selling your story, not yourself. I won’t sign an author based on his/her bio. I need to love the story, the characters, the author’s voice, and the writing. #amquerying #writetip #pubtip 4/5