Before sending a query, here is an #edit #pubtip =

How does your protagonist grow/change from the beginning of your story to the end?

I see too many queries without strong enough character arc. #queries

On today's Agent Monday post, meet @MarloBerliner - a new agent at @JDLitAgency #MondayBlogs #querytip #amquerying #amwriting #publishing #pubtip #literaryagent #writing
marielamba.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/age…

Like my mom used to say when one of her students treated her poorly, "What am I, chopped liver?"
So fair warning (to ease my guilty conscience)...
If you don't even call me by some combination of my real name (your choice) in your query, I'm just going to delete it.
#pubtip

Yes, quirky characters, not quirky query letters. #querytip

Ever wonder why you're hearing from a literary agent intern or assistant? 🤔 here's why.

#AmQuerying #QueryTip

hollowayliteraryagency.com/2018/09/05/why…

#querytip Tell us about the story. Your inspiration and credentials are secondary. Tell us what the story is

Note to writers:
If it takes you a full paragraph to describe your target audience, it probably means that you don't know. #writing #pubtip

Which is why I always say write for yourself. Then you already have the most satisfying outcome.
#writingcommunity #amwriting #pubtip

#querytip I am not the person for vampires right now.

In the future? Maybe. I’ll probably warm back up to them at some point 🧛🏻‍♀️

But for now, no vampires for Cortney.

(But like, still send me other monsters? Plz??? 🧟‍♀️🧞‍♀️🧜🏽‍♀️🧚🏾‍♀️)

Again, if you've been previously represented and/or published, it's wise to include this information in your query letter. Be upfront about it because it's really helpful for an agent to know if we can be of help to you when we have all of the info! #querytip #pubtip

Rejecting submissions is never fun for an editor. But we generally only offer revise and resubmit letters on books that we really want to see again. So if you get one, take advantage. Don't assume it's a rejection. Revise and resubmit.

#pubtip

Lil' #querytip: check to make sure the font for the body of your letter matches the font for the agent's name. Not that we won't read your query otherwise, but it looks so much more intentional and provokes a v different gut feeling.

Here are some of the top reasons an agent may stop reading your query.

hollowayliteraryagency.com/2018/08/20/top…

#AmQuerying #QueryTip

I get a lot of ‘magic is dying’ or ‘magic is gone,’ queries. What about ‘magic is HERE and it is FLOURISHING and we do NOT know how to use it”?! #querytip

#querytip seeing a LOT of MS’s pitched as the first in a series today.

Planning series is fine, but as a debut author try to make your MS stand alone as well—publishers less likely to take the risk of a series not selling well w/a debut author than one w/an established fan base!

My agency is even named after me, so you’d think I’d not get approaches from writers who don’t know or can’t guess my name or gender but seemingly not. I can promise it is not a good look for the writer. #querytip

Wondering how to format your manuscript? Here are some easy guidelines to follow.

#AmWriting #AmQuerying #QueryTip

hollowayliteraryagency.com/2018/07/20/for…

When pitching your manuscript, avoid stating how the audience will react or what they will learn.

Art will be interpreted by the individual. Yes it’s your art and your intention, but you can’t make the reader feel by telling them how to.

#querytip #writetip #askagent

Hi #WritingCommunity! Just a friendly #querytip - there is a difference between a query letter and a synopsis. I've been seeing a lot of queries where the author is mixing up the two. 1/3 of #amquerying thread

Loves, I love you, but please don't call an agency to pitch your work. Even if your conversation is GREAT, we still have to read your work, which means you'll end up emailing anyway. Agencies have sub guidelines available online, please use them. Thank you! #subtip #querytip