It SHOULD NOT signal: that this is the right opportunity for you. That you need to pounce on it this instant, or your opportunity to be an author will go away. That the editor's idea is one that you have to adopt.

It SHOULD signal: 1. you're qualified to write a book; it's time to get over your imposter syndrome. 2. you're getting yourself out there well! Good work! and 3. If you don't have an agent, this is one of the best possible times to shop competitively and get one from the top tier

Read a query this morning that was intriguing, and I was excited to look at the pages, but they didn't include any or a synopsis - Reject.

Writers, follow submission guidelines, please.

#Querytip

"Prepare for the worst but hope for the best"...but then what plan do we have if the best happens? Always be ready to go. An agent wants a phone call? Make sure to have several other book ideas on hand so that they know you are more than just your one book. #querytip

#querytip If your query blurb is overly long, it will seem that your book doesn't have a clear focus/or you don't have a clear idea of how to market it. If your query blurb is too short or focuses only on character, then it can appear that the story, itself, is weak.

#querytip Taking time to craft your query blurb is important. Agents base their decision both on what your book is about AND your ability to describe it. We want to see that you a) know the hook of your book b) can show there's a clear plot line and c) use your words wisely.

One thing I discuss in the podcast is your digital footprint. The first thing an agent or publisher interested in your work will do is google your name. The worse result is to find nothing. #pubtip

Same for voice, especially in MG. The lower the count, the more likely it's for a younger reader and has a lighter tone or subject. I often prefer upper MG to be no lower than 35k. #amagenting #querytip

Certain genres tend to skew higher in word count. Sci Fi and Fantasy for YA or Adult should really not be lower than 85k, and that's still a bit low. I'd shoot for 95k as a sweet spot. #amagenting #querytip

Here are some basic counts to keep in mind. Remember, these are averages, so some outliers do exist.

MG - 20,000 - 65,000
YA - 65,000 - 110,000 (I have seen a bit lower, but no lower than 55,000)
Adult - 65,000 - 120/130,000

#amagenting #querytip

Having an Adult Fantasy higher than 130k? For a debut, that's hard to sell. For someone with a long list of proven titles? Maybe less difficult. Same with YA over 110k #amagenting #querytip (2/?)

Word count, word count, word count!

Seriously, writers. Please research your genres and the word counts that accompany them. If you're a debut, these actually are very important #amagenting #querytip

"Make a List of Personal Influencers"

Thanks @Janice_Hardy for inviting me to share on #FictionUniversity !!!

blog.janicehardy.com/2020/01/writer…

#pubtip
#agenting

AM #pubtip: I'm meditating a lot on the challenge of completion bias right now via @jkglei's excellent Reset course. If you're unfamiliar with it and a writer, it's an excellent thing to know about. Completion bias = the high we feel when we mark something Done on our to-do list.

Some real talk here about why it doesn't mean much when your like grandma tells you she loves your book. Unless your grandma is an agent or editor.

katemckean.substack.com/p/it-doesnt-ma…

#amwriting #amediting #pubtip #amquerying

TL;DR word count, esp as a debut author, is ridiculously important KNOW THE ACCEPTABLE RANGE FOR YOUR GENRE

Just remember—word count matters for a reason. Agents and editors harp on it because we WANT you to succeed. And it kills us to see so many shooting themselves in the foot right out the gate.

So do your research. Take a hard look at your word count.

Too high:

What do I have in excess? Do I need to cut down on world building to keep everything streamlined? Do I have too many sub plots? Are there any scenes that aren’t doing work? Am I spending time in an area that the book could do without?

Too low:

What pieces am I missing? Is my book made up of layers? Are my characters and their relationships complex and compelling? Do I have any subplots? Is my world building fleshed our enough? Is it too easy for my MC to achieve their goals?

If you find yourself outside of those ranges, don’t panic! I promise it’s workable.

It might be an easy fix, or it might take a lot of maneuvering and reworking, but it IS doable to both add and reduce word count.

So here are some questions to ask yourself: