The longer I agent, the longer I realize the query is a promise. When you make a promise to someone, it’s usually important, there’s something behind it that matters. When you FULFILL that promise, good things happen. #querytip #writetip

Here is a weird #querytip for #amquerying authors.

Most of you will be aghast, I'm sure.

But for the rest of you: DO NOT try to be flirtatious with me in your query. Do not make it about my looks. I can look like a Tolkien Uruk-hai and STILL sell your books.

Be professional.

The biggest challenge as an agent isn't placing an author with no sales record; it's one with a mixed to not-so-great sales record. Some of my most beloved authors fall in this category. #pubtip

Just want to re-up this because I think about this a lot and it's very very true (with necessary caveat that if the situation changes; you have an offer of rep; etc., that is totally 100 percent fine). #querytip

#querytip and #synopsistip
They are two different things. Do your research. Your query is not a synopsis.

Also, YOU GOT THIS!

A #pubtip for y'all searching for your own authority today: those people who seem so much more certain & on the ball? Most simply don't have the socialization, self-knowledge, or innate intelligence required to recognize complexity and consider conflicting concepts simultaneously

"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