#QueryTip A great title really helps to pique a reader's (or an agent's or editor's) interest (even if it gets changed later). Try to craft a title that raises a question in the reader's mind, and better yet, establishes tone and style. #amwriting #amquerying

Periodic reminder! Make sure to include something like "OFFER" or "UPDATE" in the subject line when you're following up on a query with an offer, or I won't notice that it needs immediate attention. #pubtip

Thinking this morning about the difference, as an agent, between a good query and a GIMME query. Both are queries that I’ll ask in, but what happens after that differs pretty widely between the two. (ramblings/thread ahead) (also #querytip)

The ABCs of #Writing—26 Things Every Writer Needs to Know - @EdieMelson bit.ly/2NM7jIl #pubtip

If you're wondering about genre numbers #querytip #amquerying - I'm working through mid-September queries right now. I have 368 to read, and 227 of them are adult SFF.
So THANK YOU!! Because I LOVE having so many queries!!!
But that's why sometimes it takes a while to get reply.

As a general rule, please do not submit more than one project to me concurrently. #querytip

Here’s a somewhat intangible quality agents look for: a writer who is open-minded and able to consider feedback. Remember: agents work for free until we sell your book. Therefore, it helps everyone when clients take feedback seriously. #publishing #pubtip

In my book, no matter how talented you are, hard work, receptiveness, and general manners go a long way. It’s a professional relationship, yes, but like any relationship, trust and communication are so important. #publishing #pubtip

How NOT to query an agent:

Don't tell me my smile or my young/vibrant appearance on my profile was what persuaded you to query me...

#amquerying #querytip

I have finally caught up to October in my query box! If you subbed earlier and haven't gotten a response, you might be in the Maybe pile 😉 #amquerying #amagenting #querytip

#querytip #subtip - Agents don't market your book or sell your book to bookstores. We aren't publicists. That's not what we do, loves.

Just a reminder that if your book is accepted, withdraw the submission from other publishers/agents ASAP. #pubtip

An "exclusive" submission sent to dozens of agents, not BCCd
Citing a connection we don't have
In a genre I don't represent
THIS is what gets auto-deleted, friends. Don't stress about your small stuff. Follow directions, do a good job, do your homework. Query well. #pubtip

#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