In your query, give a brief reason why you think we'd be a good fit to represent your work. Even a simple "because you list x genre in your guidelines, you may be interested in my ms." Helpful for you to know the reason as well, as all agents are not the same! #querytip

#querytip There are a lot of wonderful interviews and bios out there but--for me at least--the most up to date information on my wants/likes will always be at janerotrosen.com so make sure you check there before sending!

Louder for the people in the back... #querytip #amquerying #amediting #amwriting

Must read thread. 👇#pubtip

#Authors, if you're wondering the best time for supporters to buy your book, the answer is 2 weeks or earlier before pub date to give bookstores enough time to put in their orders. #pubtip

I'd say one in every 100 queries mentions a client that I have not worked with in about 13 years, when I left one agency for another. This isn't an auto-rejection level offense. But it tells me where you got your info, and that info is bad. #pubtip

Sometimes people w/the least amt of "free" time are able to write more than full-time writers. Why? Focus. #pubtip

Also? If you have an offer elsewhere, tell everyone who has your query/pages! They could throw their name in the ring or wish you luck. Don’t make me waste time reading 50 pages and requesting the full of something already repped. #querytip #amquerying

To clarify to a certain response 🙄 agents rarely ever ask for exclusives to your ms unless it’s an R&R! If they ask you to query 1 at a time, that’s bull. You are free to query as many agents (at separate agencies) as you want #querytip #amquerying

Reminder! If you accept an offer of representation it is courteous and kind to withdraw your submission from other agents. No one likes having their time wasted.

#querytip

#Writers, when you query me Jan 2 and then withdraw that query on Jan 27 due to "no response" (though QM sends an auto confirmation of query), it tells me you have no patience for the industry and care more about yourself than the team you want to work with. #querytip #amquerying

The best thing for your mental health in publishing is to not compare yourself to others. Everyone has a different situation, and in the end, you’re just going to make yourself miserable dwelling on those who have bigger book deals or more fans. Focus on your own path. #pubtip

Gentle reminder. Please only query one agent at our agency at a time. With all of us on the QueryManager submission system it now alerts us when you double up. #querytip

Classifying Your Fiction: Literary vs. Commercial #querytip #amquerying thekatsmews.com/2019/01/25/cla…

Submission instructions stink. Rejection stinks worse. #amwriting #amquerying #pubtip #JustDoIt

Often when authors pitch books they tiptoe around the plot. They’ll lead with themes and why this book is important but don’t actually discuss the protagonist or their journey. Getting me invested in a particular character is almost always my best entry point. #querytip

Love how many queries I'm seeing that start with "I chose you because of how much you love championing LGBTQ+ representation."

All the yes. Let's get more out there! #amagenting #querytip #amquerying

#pubtip Trying to blend a lot of different genres in your book does not get you more readers. In most cases, you turned off those who liked one of the genres and are not fans of those others. Keep it simple. Cross genre is fine, but the kitchen sink approach hurts.

Although aggregated lists on blogs and such can be great for researching literary agents, always check the agency's own website for the most current submission guidelines. Outdated posts can give you inaccurate info, which may lead to your query being missed or deleted. #querytip

I don't mind long adult SFF word counts,up to 160k. I've even requested longer when premise was particularly tight&engaging. May request trimming if I'm offering.

I can, however, tell w/in 1st page whether all those words were used wisely or not.

#amwriting #querytip #askagent