#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

"Writers hear that they’re supposed to personalize their queries–but “how personal, exactly?” is the most common question."

Agent @carlywatters shares 10 Ways To Personalize Your Query to Agents 📝 bit.ly/2dQIril #querytip #amquerying

#querytip starting your query by letting me know I won't be able to put your novel down and that you can guarantee it will change my life isn't going to convince me to read it.

#querytip a 340,000 word novel is a bit outside the acceptable word count for any genre.

#querytip Include word count, market and genre in your query letter. Preferably at the open. For example, I wanted to see if you were interested in this 75,000 word young adult fantasy.

#querytip try to give a 1-2 sentence summary of your novel and a short 300 word synopsis. Agents are less likely to read a several page synopsis to find out what your story is about.

Do not DM agents asking them to look at your work! Follow our guidelines and submit properly.

We don’t owe you responses on social media when you refuse to respect us. #amagenting #querytip

#Subtip - Make sure you accept/reject all your track changes and remove all comments in your document before submitting. I've come across several that are a visual rainbow of track changes, and it makes it almost impossible to read.
#querytip

#Authors-- you MUST know where you book is going to fit on shelves. If you don't, it means that you're not reading enough. Know your genre, and know it well! youtube.com/watch?v=-CCw5f… #QueryTip #AmQuerying #AmWriting

#Pubtip: Not every publisher gives authors the chance to review the second pass (or make many changes). Take time to go through the first pass line by line.

Hey writers, a heads up: I used to have a lot of records on manuscripts I'd previously read, but since I moved, I don't have them anymore. If you're querying me because I previously read another ms (please do!), it would be really helpful if you refreshed my memory! #querytip

Your query is just as important as your book-- workshop it. revise it. get a critique partner for it. Only send it out when it's 100% ready. #QueryTip #AmQuerying

Speaking only for myself and not all agents, but honestly if you know an agent wants something specific that shows up in later books, I think it's fine to mention that in the query letter! Certainly I would love to know. #querytip

I will be reopening to queries on Monday, July 29th. Polish those pitches! In the meantime, I'll be tweeting some updates on what I am (and am not) looking for. #askagent #querytip

#pubtip -- I don't have a ton of time to evaluate and respond to submissions --you want me spending that time reading and responding, not trying to puzzle out what the heck I'm looking at.

Double check you understand the distinctions between genres & your query makes it clear!