Also, ah…mmm…um…there’s no such thing as “true sci-fi”…cuz it’s…fiction…and fiction isn’t…well…real. #querytip

Too soon in the new year to start whining about word counts in queries? Yes/no/never? #querytip

7. For your manuscript itself, make sure that your story is starting in the right place and only send samples per specific agent’s guidelines. #querytip

6. Also, there is no need to have your work professionally edited before submitting. But, make sure you go through and self-edit and utilize critique partners and beta readers #querytip

Refrain from telling an agent that this will be the best thing they have ever read or there is no book on the market like it. There is always something to compare like writing style, voice, tone, setting etc. #querytip

4. If you’re going to use comps, make sure they make sense to your book. Not having any comps in query is better than bad ones #querytip

3. A query letter is a business letter to help an agent learn what your book is about and entices them to want to read more. It’s ok if you don’t have pub credits yet, don’t put yourself down. Mentioning classes, CPs, other writing groups is fine #querytip

2. Be sure to read sub guidelines and go to the agency website for the most up-to-date info. I only take queries through QueryManager (it’s in my Twitter bio too). Emailed queries will not be looked at. #querytip

1. Make sure the agent you’re submitting to reps the type of book your subbing #querytip

Bc I can go ahead and put my car in park, a quick #pubtip thread for fellow industry ppl, based on a wise thing I read in Kim Scott’s RADICAL CANDOR and have been reminding myself today: it is not a “waste of time” to manage ppl’s emotions. If you’re a manager, that’s...your job.

Hey Morgan, great question. I think that a busy moment is as good as any other. Better, perhaps, to query during a busy moment than, for example, holidays or weekends when it could be overlooked. It won't be significantly easier to get attn during another month, IMO.

Here’s a #querytip: read the submission guidelines for the agent you’re interested in. Check their agency website and don’t go by any secondhand source telling you how to approach them.

And GOOD LUCK! This is a perfect time to query, as so many of us are feeling renewed by the time spent out of office, and eager to find and cultivate exciting new literary voices for the year ahead. You are WANTED, so take the time you need to craft a thoughtful approach. 💕

Lastly, I know it can be tempting to include disclaimers that denigrate the process (i.e. "I don't really have time to research agents because I'm busy writing, but here's my manuscript") but that tone isn't serving you. Respect your own work by communicating respect for others.

Seeing a lot of queries that are lists of multiple (in some cases, a dozen!) available manuscripts from one author. It's overwhelming to review, and begs a plethora of logistical questions. Truly best to choose one, and lead with your strongest work.

Even if you have an incredible cover letter, I (and MANY other agents) won't open it if you just attach it to a blank email and provide zero context. It saddens me that so many authors still do this, and it's so easy to avoid with a quick copy & paste into the body of the email.

It may sound obvious to many, but a glance at the inbox confirms this is worth typing out: please make sure that the agent you are querying actually represents the category and genre of your project (The # of screenwriters I hear from is truly baffling-- I can't help ya! 🥴)

You’re hilarious! Good #querytip

Lol yes... a public post has a lot ramifications and most aren’t good. Harassment is never okay. Professionalism is in large part respecting people’s time, privacy, and feelings. #querytip #WritingCommnunity

I've recently seen some authors follow up on submissions, and other attempts to communicate with Agents or Editor to try to get them to look at their work or ask for things. Folks, this isn't the forum to do that. Those communications should be private. #QueryTip