I know writing a query isn't fun but I really need you to write one. When you send me 10 pages with just "Hope it makes you smile!", I don't know what I'm looking at or what set of expectations to put on the pages. #querytip

Gentle reminder: there's a reason it's called "social media" rather than "Book Buying Guilt Fest." Things need to change if your feed so much as slightly resembles the following. #MondayMotivation #PubTip

Get to know new #literaryagent Savannah Brooks @slbrooks91 from @JDLitAgency in this Agent Monday Q&A! #pubtip #MondayBlogs #amquerying #amwriting #querytip #kidlit #fiction marielamba.wordpress.com/2019/02/18/age…

What Really Matters is the Query Blurb #QueryTip bookendsliterary.com/2019/02/18/que…

#querytip following instructions isn't an arbitrary rule we set up just to sweat you. A lot of agents use keywords & filters to keep their inboxes organized, so when you ignore instructions your query can wind up in the wrong folder, in a junk folder, or automatically deleted.

The problem with starting your query with a rhetorical question is that if the question doesn’t mean something to the reader it loses its impact.
#querytip #SlushInsight

Another wonderful addition. Don't send me LGBTQA+ work that hasn't been seen my MULTIPLE sensitivity or beta readers. Just don't. You should have these readers for anything you write, so please just do it. #amquerying #querytip

It's a new year and all that but I can guarantee the one thing that I will never be looking for in my inbox: vampires. #querytip #pubtip #antiMSWL #JustCallMeBuffy

I've noticed that the amount of query space a writer devotes to his reasons for writing, the less likely I am to enjoy the sample pages. #querytip

PSA for querying writers: please make sure you don't have your anti-spam settings up so high it's impossible to get to you! If my query reply gets rejected bc I'm not on an "approved contacts" list or similar, you just won't hear from me. 😟 #querytip

WEAK character development in a pitch = "Two girls who are kids just like any other kid."

STRONG character development in a pitch = "Two girls with powers in a land that has lost its magic."

#querytip
#agenting

ex. from THE DOOR TO THE LOST by @JaleighJohnson

#pubtip. If an agent or editor rejects you, don't argue. Learn from the comments and find some place where your story better fits, or fix the issues we told you the story had.

Just an FYI to all those querying me right now, my replies may be a bit later than usual since it's #PitchWars time! Trying to read as fast as possible, though ❤️ #querytip #amquerying #amagenting

Do not recommend addressing an agent as “Hi dear” when querying. #protip #querytip

#pubtip Make sure there is a logical reason why A) your characters would meet; B) your characters would ever have a relationship; and C) this relationship would last beyond the conflict in your story.

How long does a book have to be? If you're wondering about word counts for whatever you're writing, look here: katemckean.substack.com #pubtip

What Agents and Editors Look for in Your #SocialMedia #PubTip bookendsliterary.com/2019/02/13/soc…

Coffee with Kara: Prologues & Epilogues: The Good, Bad and Indifferent
ow.ly/PXp930nyq4a #PubTip #WritingTip #AmWriting #ACFW #inspy #AskAnEditor #AmQuerying

When submitting sample pages always submit the first pages or chapter. If you feel that material is not important to the book then it shouldn't be in there at all. #querytip

Follow-up: if your background/experience plays into elements of the manuscript (your MC is also a graphic designer, studied biology, has a child w a disability, plays X instrument), that's HELPFUL to know in the query. It means you know what you're talking about. #querytip