When #Querying, make sure the stakes are clear! Who are your characters, and what do they stand to gain or lose? #QueryTip

A Friday #QueryTip from Jessica Faust... keep this in mind as you write your queries, folks! instagram.com/p/Bo1VOfZHPMY/…

How you craft your chapters will affect everything about your book. Look at them individually. Could, say, ch. 12 stand on its own? Does it have a beg/mid/end? A rhythm? Most importantly: does it make your reader want to know more? #Pubtip

This video about GONE GIRL in particular highlights the work that goes into pacing and tension. Think of scenes the way you think of your chapters - end them with that jewel box click that drives home the point and progresses the story. #Pubtip

#querystats I have 25 queries, spanning from 10/9 to 8/23 that require a closer read. And 2 requested manuscripts.

I don't mind that authors query me in genres I don't represent (SFF), but it seems like a waste of your time when other great agents at @bookendslit would be better. Our query forms make it easy. If you don't see your genre on the form, she's probably not for you. #querytip

This is a fantastic #querytip. Read lots of book jackets—especially from sales comparables that could be on the same shelf as your MS. Your query is as much a sales pitch as that book jacket copy. Googling Goodreads + keywords is a great way to find comps. Put comps on query too!

You should definitely check out Query Shark for query advice, samples, and formats. #querytip You can also check out the @bookendslit blog for these things as well. #askagent

Think of your query blurb as the back cover copy of your future book. In fact, knowing that it might actually be used as the basis for your actual cover copy might help you understand its importance. #querytip

BookEnds switched to using Query Manager in 2016 (a free query tracking database agents) and we will never turn back. It makes it easy for authors to check on query status & ensures queries don't disappear in crowded inboxes. We can also easily check from phones, etc. #querytip

Even when submitting through a query form you should include a full query letter. Agents like to read and we like to see all the details. #querytip

I have some thoughts on queries today. If you're going to use a name in the referral line of my Query form please be sure to explain in your letter how that person came to refer you. #querytip

To clarify to writers how long it can take agents to answer queries:

- I dove into my box at 5:25
- It is now 6:30
- I have answered 16 queries
#amquerying #querytip #amagenting

Something I've seen a lot of lately.

Word count doesn't determine age category. It's not MG just because it's 50k or below. More likely, you need to edit and change that word count to accurately mirror industry standards for the true category #querytip #amquerying #amagenting

I just have to say that as an editor who often writes or revises copy, I really appreciate what @StephenKing says here about copy. Keep it simple, please! It's a teaser--not a synopsis! #engagethereader #pubtip

Want to Create a Successful Book Launch? @DiAnnMills @BRMCWC #Pubtip #Promotion blueridgeconference.com/want-to-create…

#querytip only query an agent with one MS at a time. Waking up to four consecutive emails from the same author pitching four different manuscripts is a lousy way to start the day.

#querytip If you don’t bother to follow my guidelines, I won’t bother requesting materials. Respect agents’ guidelines if you want us to invest in you

#Querytip: No rhetorical questions.

#QueryTip: Don't lead with "I have not been published." Don't get me wrong, debuts are very attractive! But if you're going to start with bio, make it relevant. However, I always like queries that jump right into the story.