I'm seeing a lot of YA subs starting w/the protagonists out in the woods, out of "bounds" of their village, out hunting illegally,etc. It all feels a bit too Hunger Games. If your book's doing something very specific a category killer did, start somewhere else.#writetip #querytip

Don't compare your journey to what others have experienced. Everyone has their own path. Enjoy yours! #persevere #amquerying #pubtip

A post where I explain why submission guidelines are important and then beg authors to follow them :-) #Mondayblogs #querytip

☕Coffee Time with Kara ☕ "Every publisher / agent has those guidelines in place for a reason." Find out more #pubtips! @KaraLeighMille1 anaiahpress.wordpress.com/2018/04/09/cof…
#ampublishing #pubtip #writetip #querytips #getpublished #writingadvice #askaneditor #amwriting

#querytip using too many proper nouns like names of ppl & places muddles a query. No matter how creative your names are,they aren't what makes me request. Show me plot. Show me stakes. Show me relationships & arc. Make me need the STORY - I may ask you2 change names later anyway.

Your first chapter should be intriguing and grab readers' attention. The last chapter should have an exciting ending that ties up all loose ends. The chapters in the middle need to propel the book from chapter 1 to the end. Each one should move book forward in some way. #pubtip

An author brand is important, even for yet-to-be-published. When you start critically thinking about your brand, you begin to understand your target audience, which agents to target, how you want to be published etc. Carving out this path ahead of time will be beneficial. #pubtip

As a rule, if we're open to considering a revision of your MS, we'll note that in our initial rejection letter -- it doesn't hurt to ask, but don't be hurt if we decline to take another look. #querytip

It is more likely for their grandparents to have been involved in the Civil Rights movement than their parents. It is more likely for their great-grandparents to have been soldiers/nurses in WWII than their grandparents. #writingtip #querytip

If you're writing contemp YA:
- today's teens were born 2000-2004
- their parents 1960-1980 (likely 1970s)
- their grandparents 1930-1950 (likely 1940s).

Outliers are possible, yes, but be aware of the timeline and the characters' cultural history. #writingtip #querytip

You can typically wait until you have an offer! The agent will consider in the meantime. Though if you do get an offer, let us know, please! #querytip @askbookends

#QueryTip #SubmissionTip Please include page numbers in your submission when sending a full ms. Page numbers are very helpful for critique submissions, so I can mention specific spots when giving editorial suggestions. #amwriting #amquerying #critiques

ICYMI #pubtip

Just a quick reminder to put the word “Query” in your subject if you are submitting to me. Thanks! #amagenting #querytip

Thing I am thinking about again today: I don't think I've seen a single good book idea in my career that hasn't been at least medium-similar to 2-3 other ideas I see within 3 months. The zeitgeist is so real, and platform and voice are 98% of everything that matters. #pubtip

Writing the Query that Grabs Me #querytip bookendsliterary.com/2018/04/05/wri…

#pubtip - If you had a request from an editor or agent, and you have not replied back in 2 months, send them an email and tell them you will resubmit at a later date. Be professional!

#pubtip - I always like to ask writers this every now and then. Based on your submission packet (query letter, synopsis and partial) would you hire you? Best test ever!

And never think that if I passed once, I wouldn't want to see a future query. I would! #pubtip #amquerying

If I haven't responded to your query, send me a note. I've responded to all (that I know of!) through 3/31. Know too that if I am silent, I didn't get it and would always appreciate a gentle re-send. #pubtip #amquerying