#querytip - if you email saying your "friend" said you should get in touch with a specific agent but don't say who your friend is, it's ... not actually a referral. And maybe I don't think your friend is real. #subtip Just be yourself, pals, it's enough.

No two pub experiences are the same. It’s important to have author friends who give valuable insight, but there will be things specific to their own exp that won’t apply to yours. That’s OK. Unsure & nervous about something? Talk to your agent. It’s what we’re here for. #pubtip

A Monday morning #QueryTip to get you motivated early. Make this your week #MondayMotivation.
We’ll answer any of your query questions in the comments all day today. Drop em if you have em! 👇 instagram.com/p/B9PB5aSA2QY/…

#querytip For the love of god, don’t write your fiction query like a cover letter.

I see so many “let me introduce myself” queries with NO description about the book. The biggest thing an agent needs in a query is the description of the BOOK

I've already requested three full manuscripts today (and the day's not over yet). Y'all are just so amazing! I can't help myself.
#Querytip #SlushInsight #WritingCommunity

I've changed a straight title to one more literary & vice versa; elevated a chapter title to the book title; cherry-picked a line from the ms; even took my then-4th grader's suggestion. Titles can come from anywhere.

Q: How important is the title when pitching to publishers?

A: Don't overlook the value of a great title You don't always need it but the right title can orient readers, stake your proposition on a crowded shelf & establish your voice.

Q: Why are there fewer books now with one-word titles like Quiet and Blink.

A: You want a SEO-friendly title for Google & Amazon, which is hard with one word. Better to find a title that gets your book as a top result.

Q: Will the publisher change the title of my book?

A: Sometimes. If you love the title you pitched, make sure your editor knows this. Ask upfront what the publishing team thought of it. You often can get mutual approval for the title in the contract.

Q: Can my title be the same as another book's?

A: Short answer: yes. Titles are not copyrighted. But if the other book is well-known & in the same category, then I suggest you find an alternative.

Crazy villains are the least interesting to me. I like a smart villain with a devious plan that will help him/her reach their ultimate goal. #writingtips #pubtip

#Pubtip If you need more time (life happens), ask for an extension asap so the publisher can adjust the schedule. If you don't get more time, aim to turn in even a rough draft. You likely will have another pass after the editor reviews it.

What is an 'Option' in Book Contracts? youtu.be/cjtEu4jhZq0 via @YouTube #pubtip

#querytip Sometimes, there is nothing wrong w/your query or book.
Sometimes, it's just not a book I want to read. Look at a bookstore's genre-specific shelf: you might only decide on one out of 200 books to read. Others might be in your interest range, but just don't grab you.

Some basic info on what I'm looking for on my query form.
Pitch: Once sentence, high concept, pitch.
Query: 2-3 paragraphs about your character/their goals, their world, stakes, and metadata/bio.
Synopsis: 1-2 page look at your whole book (spoilers included) #querytip

This cute story made me think of a #pubtip for authors. When & if your hardcover gets "remaindered" the publisher should give you notice & chance to buy highly discounted copies. Grab all you can afford to give as gifts & for future signings.

Second, my #MSWL says I'm looking for diverse Southern voices. I've gotten a few queries claiming to tell #ownvoices/diverse Southern stories... that are not. I thought this would go without saying, but don't coopt this if you are not a marginalized voice.

#querytip #amquerying

I want to mention two things that are bumming me out lately:

First, I've had a big uptick in queries lately, & the MAJORITY of them are like 1-2 lines long. Total. This makes me want to pull out my hair. If you send me a 1-line query, I will reject it.

#querytip #amquerying

"You are the CEO of your book." I heard this on a podcast yesterday and it stood out to me. Meaning: you know your book best, you have the most at stake, you know the audience and you've got to 'take the reins.' just a #pubtip

If you receive an offer of rep (yay!), please send notice in a new email (without "query" in the subject line) 📚 #querytip