#amwriting #writetip #amediting #querytip Filter words are a common problem in self editing. Look thru your MS for "felt, realized, thought, decided, understood, knew, saw," etc. Replace w/stronger verbs & vivid description to reduce distance between reader & character. Example:

You had better believe that if you address your query to me "Dear Sir" it's getting deleted unread #querytip

Hello! #subtip #querytip - if you query an agent & say someone recommended them or it's a referral, make sure that that person & the agent actually... have met or know who each other are.

Please don't just say you queried me b/c I represent YA--what other interests of mine does your ms explore? What other genres define your story? What likes or dislikes do we share? Why would we be a great fit? #querytip

Let’s just go ahead and ban the word “bildungsroman” from query letters, k? Glad we agree there. #querytip

I’ve also experienced the flip side, where a fantastic illustrator has a friend or family member write the text and the text isn’t at the same level of the art. If you are a brilliant illustrator, let your portfolio sell your work to the agent/editor. #querytip

#querytip Guys, agents don't talk about word count limits on projects to be assholes. They want you to produce work you can sell, and word count is part of that

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