One of the fundamental challenges of writing a book is getting everything you know about your subject/characters/plot/etc from your head to the actual page. You know what you know, but the reader doesn't know what you know until you tell them. #pubtip

For all you writers working on writing your query.

Agent @msmariavicente shares 9 Ways to Rock Your Query Letter bit.ly/2H7RrzU #querytip

#QueryTip With me, no means not yet. If you query me, and I pass, you are welcome to send new projects to me, or a significant revision after six months. I am impressed by creators who don't give up and continue to write/revise + master their craft. Best of luck! #amquerying

I cannot express how important this is. No, you won’t annoy agents by alerting us you have an offer. Even if we haven’t gotten to your query. Or have had requested material for a bit. Please PLEASE tell us. #querytip

Just a reminder to query me using Query Manager (not my email address!). Thanks! #querytip

The reason why I say this is because realistically an editor won’t or can’t buy multiple projects from the same agent at the same time, so essentially the agent is pitting their clients against each other for the same editor’s attention. #pubtip

.@BookEndsKim is back! She joins @BookEndsJessica and @jamerrson as they discuss 6 Things that MAKE A Great Query Blurb. youtu.be/C7ndytGR4Y4 #AmQuerying #QueryTip

Authors, please do not have someone (a lawyer, manager, etc) submit your query on your behalf. I promise I will read it even if you've never written or been published before. I'm honestly less inclined to read it if you're not sending it yourself. #querytip

What's the difference between market and platform?

katemckean.substack.com

#amwriting #writingcommunity #pubtip #amquerying

Also, it’s to a writer’s HUGE benefit to weigh ALL of their options before rushing to accept an offer, especially if you’re being pressured by the initial offering agent. #pubtip

If an agent took the time to thoroughly read your query and request the full MS, the very least a writer can do is keep them apprised of any movement. It’s a professional courtesy that I hope querying writers will keep in mind. Thank you! #pubtip

A note on queries for urban fantasy novels whether for middle grade, young adult or adult readers...

Urban fantasy is "our world + magic." Be clear in your query - do the humans (muggles/ normals/ whatever) KNOW that there is magic? Or, is magic a secret.

#agenting
#querytip

Hello. It is not necessary to notify me if another agent has requested your full manuscript. Congrats! But I don't need to know. Tell me if you get an offer of rep, but otherwise, we're good. #pubtip

A few #querytip(s):

~ share your query w someone who hasn’t read your book to spot holes

~ don’t ask for permission to query. Just do it.

~don’t respond to form rejections (either to thank us or to ask for an explanation—we unfortunately don’t have time)

~ Don’t give up!!!

Other random trends:
Historical set in WW2 or Civil War
Greek Mythology
Gods vs Demons
MCs who have “dreams”
#Metoo books

#SlushInsight #querytip

Another thing I'm seeing are a lot of books that are "series" where the first is basically just the build-up to the actual story in book 2. Ultimately, an entire "back story" book.
Don't wait for book 2 for all the good stuff to happen.
#SlushInsight #querytip

5) People sending pages without a query or synopsis - just pages
6) Books that list their genre as two completely different thing (ex: MG & WF)
7) The "generic" query - meaning it doesn't even include my name - just says "Query" at the top
#SlushInsight #querytip

Trends in my query box:
1) People not following guidelines
2) "This book/series is available on Amazon but..."
3) Books separated into multiple books because they're over word count standards for the genre
4) Pages that aren't double spaced
#SlushInsight #querytip

A lot of smart pitching tips here applicable for writers currently querying. #querytip
If You Confuse People, You Lose People: 4 Steps To Simplify Any Message youtu.be/kTniFgHlNAs

If you’re querying an agent with a MS for the first time, or if you’re a writer going on submission for the first time, congratulate yourself. Putting such a huge piece of yourself out there for others to judge is a BRAVE thing to do, so take pride in that achievement! #pubtip