January queriers you are killing me. So many really interesting stories, but I can’t ask for them all 😭
You’re making this really tough in the best way. Nice work! ❤️
#slushinsight #querytip

Friends, it reads a bit funny when you talk about yourself in third person in your query. Please just be yourself! I promise, you are enough. #subtip #querytip

Been digging into my query backlog and have been noticing some very basic mistakes writers are making. So putting together a #QueryTip thread. These are things every writer should know before they start querying, to put their best foot forward.

How to Use Publishers Marketplace youtu.be/GLHv7UB1-38 via @YouTube #QueryTip #PubTip

#querytip time! It's great for aspiring authors to start building a mailing list early, if you can.

It's NOT great for querying authors to add potential agents to their mailing list without consent.

Use them to become canny. To get the gossip. To figure out the shibboleths. This is a #pubtip thread. The end.

So here's a thing about your query letter - you need to tell me the plot of your book. A lot of people I've read today have told me characters' motivations or what their MC THINKS of characters, or stressors, but what's the plot? I need a through line or hook #querytip #subtip 💛

Your semi-regular reminder that I delete queries when they misgender me. I don't even read them. The barest minimum of googling will tell you my pns are they/them & am not a Ms., Mrs., or Miss. Thank you! #querytip #subtip

General #pubtip advice:

Agents have limited time to evaluate submissions. You want us spending it reading and responding, not puzzling over what we're looking at.

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

twitter.com/DaraKaye/statu…

#querytip #pubtip: Recently, the most common reason I've rejected submissions is due to info-dumping early in the book. Remember you need to hook your reader first. More information can be parceled out later. Also, just be sure to write tightly. Use words economically.

Inbox status: I've responded to all queries sent before today, and all submissions sent before Jan 1, 2020. #amagenting #querytip

Today's #pubtip is about permissions.

Come with me, authors--I'm about to save your future selves a whole lot of agita!

Writers, never rely on third-party sites for CURRENT info on agents. Check their websites. #pubtip

This is what I think when I get emails from writers that say "I have an offer from a small press. Do you want to be my agent?"

katemckean.substack.com/p/if-you-want-…

#amwriting #amquerying #writingcommunity #pubtip #literaryagents #litagents

Reminder that all queries need to be submitted through the Prospect submission site (unless directed by me) otherwise it will be rejected unread.
This isn't to be mean, but to be fair to all the authors who followed guidelines.
#querytip #SlushInsight

#querytip quick (and v subjective, personal) reminder—opening with an intense, graphic sex scene is going to immediately turn me off of a manuscript.

Sex in an MS is fine in general for me, but DEAR GOD please let me get immersed in the world and characters first.

UNSOLICITED LIT AGENT’S* #pubtip OPINION: for NF, I am looking for authors w/deep longform talent who are already visible to the audiences that would buy their books and well-networked with people who could help promote. So: (1/2)

*not Morgan’s! Hers is the excellent @modomodom

In case you’re wondering:
“Distributed in Canada” means the US publisher shipped the US edition to Canadian outlets. “Sold Canadian rights” means the US publisher made a deal with a Canadien publisher to produce and sell a Canadian edition. #pubtip

Get used to thinking of your manuscript in terms of words not pages. (Publishing contracts specify # of words.)To estimate: 1 double spaced typed page = 250 words. #pubtip

Don't have an agent but feel your work would be perfect for me? I've just added a Twitter pitch event for this month to my events. Check it out here: enigmaticeditor.blogspot.com/p/events.html #pubtip #querytip #writetip #writersroad