"6 Tips To Hook A Reader on Page One", agent @carlywatters shares some tips on what hooks a reader (so they keep reading) like a secret, verses mistakes that encourage them to put the book down. bit.ly/2wjHrNH #writetip #pubtip

#querytip I am NOT the right person for books heavily focused on pregnancy. And definitely do not want an opening scene featuring an intense, painful birth.

A pregnancy in the book is okay! Just stories centered around it and the birth process—not for me.

#querytip Make sure I know why the stakes are important to the MC!!

It’s all well and good to have apocalyptic stakes—but if the MC doesn’t have a REASON to care about them, a reason to fight and risk their lives, it’s much harder to connect and make the tension feel palpable.

#querytip If you’re asked to include the first 5 pages as a sample, don’t pull a random chapter from further into the book instead.

If you sent a mid-book sample bc your MS doesn’t pick up traction until then? Probably a good sign you need to re-evaluate your first pages.

#QueryTip for all authors struggling to choose a genre when #amquerying! -- A Rant: Authors MUST Define Their Work! youtu.be/-CCw5fcBMPw via @YouTube

True #pubtip

Writers and illustrators: Always, always, always keep copies of your contracts & know where to find them. Physical, digital, doesn't matter. You never know when someone (like me!) might want to republish a book 15 years later & you'll need to check the rights . . . #pubtip

Here's the original query letter for AN ENCHANTMENT OF RAVENS by New York Times bestselling author @MarRogerson =

writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/g…

#queries
#pubtip

#QueryTip – Research your agent in advance. Searching #MSWL posts and understanding what the agent wants will increase your chances of success. #amquerying

AMAZING thread.

You’re not weak if you can’t look at rejections right away, or if you need someone to be your buffer.

Take care of yourself. Set boundaries. Your mental health is more important than ANYTHING pub related. ❤️

#querytip #amquerying #amwriting

100% Like I said on @madflavor's podcast, you don't have to go to a certain college to become a published author. Some do have great writing programs, but I've worked with PhDs, and I've worked with dropouts. Keep showing up, keep putting the work in, and it could be you. #PubTip

In queries, if you have *very* disparate comps (made-up ex: Shakespeare's Macbeth and "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?"), try to explain your reasoning. Otherwise it's a red flag for me, in that the book doesn't seem to know what genre it's in. #querytip #amquerying

#QueryTip Use a distinctive subject line for your queries! It’s a small way to show you are savvy.

Subject lines like “Query” “Submission request” “PB submission” don’t catch my eye.

Use reading level + genre + title:

“Query for MG Fantasy - MISS MARGARET'S MAGICAL UNICORNS”

Join @bookendsjessica, @bookendskim & @jamerrson as they discuss the 6 Things That Break Your Query Blurb #AmQuerying #QueryTip youtu.be/mrLJgnXuMRg via @YouTube

“The more I can promote those bands, the more I can guarantee that our genre is going to continue…it’s all about paying it fucking forward because somebody helped me. If I don’t help somebody else, how is this going to continue?” - Corey Taylor #PubTip #WednesdayWisdom

Friendly reminder:

Query = pitching your book (introduce characters, conflict, tension, hook, leave the reader wanting more)

Synopsis = literal (polished and readable) list of the plot points in your book (not meant to hook or entice, should give EVERY spoiler)

#querytip

I have to say this about attempting to read 300+ queries in a row: The people who boil down their plot to 'book jacket' status are currently my favs. #querytip Remember, agents are usually sitting down to read lots of queries, not just your one so stand out being short & sweet.

100%. If you have a ton of followers, and nobody cares enough about what you're saying to comment/like/share, it's not a good indication that they'll care enough when you say, "Buy my book." #PubTip

Please follow submissions guidelines. They vary from agency to agency, but they always are the way they are for a reason. Please follow them. My work life is organized in a very specific way for a reason. Thank you. #querytip #subtip

Hi loves, it helps you to personalize your query. I know it feels like an extra hoop, but it shows you're doing your research & being thoughtful re: your work & career. When you query w/o naming an agent & it's a bcc, we see that. & again when you bcc a mass followup. #querytip