Premise ≠ Plot ≠ Stakes, but you do need all three & each element needs to be clearly conveyed when you're talking about your book. #querytip

Always send a synopsis with any uncontracted submission. It is what editors use to see if the book is one we want to read further on. 5-7 double spaced pages is the sweet spot for me. #pubtip

#QueryTip If a MG or YA project is set in the past (not current/now), note the historical relevance for the era--either social or political--and why the past will resonate with and give insight to your readers today. #amwriting #amquerying

That would be rounded to 100k (which is within the standard). Novel word counts are stated in the thousands versus short stories which are more exact. #pubtip #querytip

The point of comp titles is to showcase the marketability of your project. Great comps really make your query stand out. If no comp titles the pitch has to do more to make the salability of your ms, e.g. the high concept, really clear. #pubtip #querytip

Queries are not the tool by which an agent determines whether or not they *like* your book. They are the tool by which we determine if we want to read it. #querytip #pubtip

So thanks for your patience so far! We hope you enjoy this post, and stick around while we prepare our next fun & helpful video for you #qanda #publishing #querytip #writetip
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Rejection Reason #5: Didn't follow submission directions. #WritersRoad #Writetip #Pubtip

Rejection Reason #4: It's a genre I don't acquire. Though I post my #MSWL everywhere, you'd be surprised how often I get this. #WritersRoad #Writetip #Pubtip

Rejection Reason #3: The story starts somewhere uninteresting or clique (though clique can sometimes~rarely~work if done right). #writersroad #writetip #pubtip

Rejection Reason #2: Excessive use of passive writing (was, were, had, etc.). It takes the reader out of the immediate action. #WritersRoad #Writetip #Pubtip

Rejection Reason #1: Poor #writing: bad grammar, bad sentence structure, bad flow. #WritersRoad #Writetip #Pubtip

#querytip Your comp titles tell who your book's audience is. A quick reason why you chose them is helpful, e.g. "Fans of Satanic balls and political irony, as found in Bulgakov's THE MASTER AND MARGARITA will enjoy my super awesome book."

#pubtip: When an agent offers you representation, ask for references not only from their published clients but from their clients for whom they’ve yet to make book deals. Those clients’ experiences compared to the others’ will speak volumes about the agent’s character.

A Final Note from @NovelRocket #writing #pubtip bit.ly/2GsH1MK

Here's how I see showing vs telling. THREAD
Tell: "He felt defeated."
Incompletely shown: "His shoulders sagged."
Shown and immersed: "His shoulders sagged in defeat."
#amwriting #amediting #querytip

This thread! #pubtip #amquerying #amwriting

Thanks, @WritersDigest for a fun interview! We talk the #WritersLife, how to #GetPublished, the current state of the #BookMarket, a favorite #WritingTip of mine, and of course a #pubtip or two! bit.ly/2IjYx1Z #askagent #Publishing #WriteChat

Writers: "Had, was," and "were", are not your friends. Strike them from your #writing wherever you can. It isn't always possible, but more often than not, it is. #writetip #pubtip #querytip

A great example of what makes "voice" stand out in a manuscript. Give a character personality through narrative. It doesn't have to be funny (tho it can be, as in this example), just FULL OF PERSONALITY. #querytip