Please, please. Follow the query guidelines. And a reminder, you may NOT query more than one agent within Writers House at a time! #amquerying #querytrenches #querytip

Just a PSA, there is a difference between wonder and wander. #querytip

#amquerying #amwriting #querytip There are some people claiming to be "insiders" or "experts" who may be offering outdated, counter-productive or straight-up bad advice, (largely b/c they are not experts or insiders). Take care to note the source of advice before you follow it.

#pubtip At least once a week, step away from your manuscript and look at the writing of others.

Nice things happening to nice people makes for an uninteresting story. So don't forget to include one of the most important elements in your book--conflict! Here we offer tips on how: bit.ly/2NI5vlj #LoveInspiredAuthorSearch #pubtip

#pubtip = today's query is likely a 2021 book.

Yes to "this would be a great summer read!"
No to "this would be a great summer 2019 read"

#agenting
#queries

On today's Agent Monday post meet new Associate #LiteraryAgent Zabe Ellor @ZREllor of @JDLitAgency in this Q&A! marielamba.wordpress.com/2019/03/04/age… #MondayBlogs #pubtip #querytip #amwriting #amwritingfantasy #kidlit #scifi #fantasy #publishing #diversity

#pubtip If you have tried for years to get someone to pick up your book, or you have received a ton of rejections, the odds are, the book is not good or not marketable.

This is such a good #querytip! Trying to create your own hype like this tends to ring false. Just tell us about the story -- a compelling premise will speak for itself.

#querytip: If your query reads like soundbites from movie trailers, you're doing it wrong. While a "non-stop thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat & leaving you gasping for more" may work for the @Avengers, it doesn't make me want to read your mss.

#pubtip Remember, simply writing a story about a hot social topic, or inserting it into the storyline DOES NOT make the story better. Still about the writing. #goodwritingsells

#pubtip In Romance, remember to keep the story focused on the relationship building. Subplots that detract will ruin the story.

#agenting #pubtip #reminder

Money flows like this: Publisher --> Agent --> Author

- Agent has 10 business days, only, to turn around payments

- Money must go from Publisher to NON interest-bearing checking account for the Agent

"take a moment and identify your protagonist’s fatal flaw, and make sure that it plays a role in both the character arc, and the plot." = helpful article by @Janice_Hardy

#pubtip

blog.janicehardy.com/2019/02/sunday…

What is your goal for writing today? Is it reasonable? Is it too little? Too much? #pubtip Have a goal EVERY day before you write.

#querytip Being selective & purposeful in the agents you query will go a lot farther than throwing your story at any and every agent you can.

i.e. querying an agent with a genre they specifically say they don’t want is a sure way to get an auto rejection.

Thinking about your author platform can be terrifying.
#amquerying #pubtip
katemckean.substack.com

Setting a realistic deadline that is further out is better than setting an overambitious deadline that will be hard to meet. Everyone works at different speeds. Set deadlines that are right for your life and the time you have to write.

#pubtip

I haven't emptied my query inbox in awhile.

No wonder I'm running out of space...

That's about 10 month's worth. #querystats

Read a lot. But especially pay attention to recent debut novels in your genre. That is where you want to be. #pubtip (And don't be a jealous hater. Successful debuts mean more money for pubs to buy stuff.)