"There’s no official desired length for a novel synopsis. Agents and editors will prefer synopses of varying lengths, so it’s always best to have a couple on hand."

How to Write a Manuscript Synopsis (in 5 Steps) bit.ly/2xOjmQ3 via @msmariavicente #querytip #amquerying

Why Literary Agents Don't Give Feedback on Queries #AmQuerying #QueryTip youtu.be/R94eNsNacC4 via @YouTube

#querytip: Friendly reminder to querying authors that pitching us via our personal Instagrams, LinkedIn, Facebook pages, etc., is not the appropriate way to go about querying/pitching (Twitter is fine IF it's part of a Twitter contest like DVPit or PitMad).

I reopen to queries on July 29th, but if you want to get a head start, don't miss #SFFpit on Wednesday, July 24th! I'll be requesting pitches and reviewing all submissions before I officially reopen. #querytip

When I gave a talk on queries last week, this was the main thing I stressed: Describe your story in a way that no other story could be described. Be specific. Pitch me on what makes it YOURS, not in general terms, or by saying what it isn't. #querytip

I've been hired to review a lot of agency agreements lately, which I (with all bias included) think is a very good call. This is a business contract and it shouldn't be signed lightly. #querytip

#pubtip Just a hint. If you decide to send something other than what an agent or editor wants in a submission, you should probably expect a rejection due to either your lack of literacy skills or your refusal to follow directions.

#querytip Authors, please - PLEASE - let agents know if you've accepted an offer of rep and withdraw your MS from consideration. Our reading time for submissions is very limited, and spending a weekend falling in love with a MS that's no longer available is a real double whammy.

#querytip I feel like I need to say this again but your query is a reflection of you as a writer. It’s no different than if you were applying for a job. Because it is one. Both requires you to do your research and send in the requested materials in the right way it’s asked for.

3) The real key is patience & persistence. This client & I have been at this for a year+. She's put together TOCs & couple of intros. We could have pulled the trigger earlier but none felt right until today.

2) We stumbled on the exact right comp book. The comp isn't on the same topic but we can make a strong case our book will attract the same readership. The other author has a similar (academic) profile & book sold well - both important for a good comp.

1) We both kept an open mind. We started with the premise she had valuable knowledge. The challenge was how to turn it into a commercial book. No one dictated or got defensive. It took both of us to solve this.

I started a call with a client today with "I don't think this idea is going to fly" & by the end of the call, I was like "OMG this is so good." I'm excited about the book concept & can't wait to pitch it to publishers. What happened? #pubtip #amwriting

To all authors getting ready to pitch at #ThrillerFest19 today, remember: agents go into every pitch session excited to hear about your work. We WANT to love your stuff and sign a bunch of new clients. Absolutely nothing to be nervous about - we're all on the same team. #querytip

#querytip I always have difficulty getting into opening pages that are very dialogue-heavy. I don't know the characters all that well yet, and eavesdropping on a conversation isn't nearly as fun as watching something crazy go down.

Agent #pubtip soapbox time! Today's unsolicited lecture for authors is on COMPARING YOUR EXPERIENCE TO OTHER AUTHORS', something I need to gently discourage one or more of my clients from doing every day. I am subtweeting all of you. And myself. It's so tempting.

Please be sure to include your age category AND your genre in your query letter.

#querytip #amquerying #querytrenches

We live by the 24-hour rule. You should too! youtube.com/watch?v=-e5OiK… #PubTip #QueryTip

When I get a query about a topic that sounds interesting, the next thing I need to know is more about the author. What’s their expertise? Why did they decide to write about this topic? All this has to be apparent in the query. #querytip

One of the things I reject queries for most frequently is word count. 14k word MG? Not long enough. 60k epic fantasy definitely not long enough. 240k epic fantasy? Definitely long enough, but there better be a reason it’s that long! (Probably too long) #querytip #kidlit #SFF