Another #querytip #subtip - don't bcc a bunch of agents, we can see that you didn't personalize your letter. Be thoughtful about your work, who you send to, and how you send it. It shows us you're dedicated & have done your research. Serve your work.

It is NEVER a promising sign when your query starts by alluding to the fact that this book is one of 80 you have written and completed. #querytip #amquerying #agentlife It makes me worry about things. Just query the book you want me to rep and don't mention the other 79.

The “Engine Cranking” fix: Ask a couple brand new CPs to read & ID the paragraph that starts your story.

The subtleties that follow engine cranking usually knit all that backstory dumped in those first “engine cranking” paragraphs, beautifully.

#querytip #amwriting #writerslife

First page trouble?

Axe the engine cranking!

Many authors bury their best opening a few paragraphs/pages into their MS
(thread)
#querytip #writerslife

This text from a good friend who hopes to be a debut author says it all...and my reply is, no it doesn’t get easier, but it gets more and more worth it! Persevere, writers. And know you’re not alone in the difficulty. #pubtip

Want to see some tidbits I'm hunting for in Fantasy (and other awesome agents on the lookout for writer!)? Check out Jody Sperling's new article! thejohnfox.com/2018/03/19-new… #amwriting #amediting #querytip #amquerying

We are not meant to be shields for misinformed writers and if you want a PoC agent to double their services in providing a manuscript critique and a sensitivity read, then they should be compensated accordingly. #pubtip

Also, saying "My query letter and synopsis are together" will make me immediately dislike you. You clearly haven't researched me if you think I'm ok saying a query and synopsis are the same thing... #querytip

Almost every query tonight has 1, maybe 2 lines about the book. Why? Here's my structure:

1st para: personalization to agent and metadata
2nd para: introduce character and situation/conflict
3rd para: introduce 2nd POV or love interest
4th para: Stakes
5th para: bio
#querytip

Query: "I've included the first five pages and ." <-- unfinished sentence

We all make mistakes, and you gave me a chuckle tonight. But don't forget to reread a couple times. #querytip

Guys, please tell me about your book in the query. Not your aspirations or bio or life story without a scrap of story detail. And please don't then end the query saying you sent 10pgs when my guidelines asks for 5... #querytip

Hello again! Please don't query with a light, pastel font on a white screen? If I have to highlight the text to read it, it's not good? Thanks! #subtip #querytip

Hello! Me again, your friend neighborhood agent in submissions! Popping in to say it reflects poorly when your book shares a title w a bestselling or touchstone novel, esp if it's for the same age category & genre! Do your research! Serve your work! #querytip #subtip

Friends! If you are actually referred to an agency through a real person who exists, please tell us their name! Maybe tell us how you know them! Please put their contact at our agency somewhere in the query! Otherwise I think you're lying to jump the line.... #subtip #querytip

Please do not change fonts randomly throughout or partway through your query. If your query is hard to read physically, it will make it hard to read in terms of comprehension & emotional investment! Serve your work! #querytip #protip

"First-Pages" Problems: Common Problems in Chapter One that Earn an Agent's Pass aliherringwrites.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/fir… via @HerringAli #writetip #pubtip #amwriting #amediting #publishing #amagenting

Hello, please do not query with a link or a youtube video. If I open your email & you're asking me to click away, especially with no text in the body, I will delete. Very seriously, never query with just a link. #subtip #querytip

Always pad your deadlines. If it takes you three months to write a book, ask for at least four. This gives you time to put it aside and read it again before sending and allows room for when you have to work on edits and such for prior books. #pubtip

I’m always amused (and fairly horrified) by queries that try to insult me.

Like, has this approach ever worked for anyone? In the history of ever?

It’s not clever or funny. Don’t do it. #querytip

Your teen girl MC being "bored" by other girls is not a selling point for me. #querytip