Listen to my query pet peeves on the @RoseQuinny podcast: instagram.com/p/CFzdwK1Dh9X/… #askagent #writetip #querytip

#QueryTip: I'm not a stickler for this in queries, but in a perfect world, your writing sample should be formatted as closely to Chicago Style as possible. If you're unsure what that means, check out this guide from the Purdue OWL! #WritingCommunity

ow.ly/PQUC50BALRf

Query Tip: Be wary of starting a query with a question. What if the answer is no? You're better off starting with a hook.

Examples
Did you ever wonder...? No
Do you like...? No
Have you ever...? No

Like improv, questions only work if the answer is yes.
#querytip #amquerying

So, in case my tweets tonight didn't clue you in, if you're pro-Trump or writing racist/sexist things?

Don't query me.

💯 Not here for any of that.
#querytip

#QueryTip: Nearly every query that I, a trans enby agent, have read recently by a cis LGB/Q+ author has had a trans character. I have deeply mixed feelings about this. Before you write a character outside of your own identity, please consider your motivations carefully.

#QueryTip: I have said it before and will say it again: I love new adult. Traditional publishing does not. When you query an agent, be sure to specify whether you are writing for an adult audience, or for YA, because that's the world we currently live in, like it or not. 🙃

Querying writers, be sure to check out @ericsmithrocks' How to Achieve Perfect Pitch blog post series where he breaks down client query letters & what made them successful! ericsmithrocks.com/blog #querytip #amquerying

#QueryTip: when querying an agent who is closed to submissions (which you should NEVER do without an invitation) AND you don’t follow sub guidelines, AND said agent takes the time to send a personal & kind rejection, DON’T email them back & call them patronizing. 🤬🤬 #amquerying

Nothing makes me say “I don’t want to work with you” faster than dissing other authors in your query letter, ESPECIALLY when it’s biphobic! #querytip

#querytip #amquerying I can’t say it enough, know your genre. Especially your word count. I continue to see quite a few submission way under and way over the guidelines.

A question I often get: Do you consider previously self-published novels? We do, so long as they fit what we're looking for. #querytip

Query Tip: Never send one query email to multiple agents (more than one agent in the to/cc/bcc is a no-no). This states you didn't research any of the agents or put forth the necessary work to understand the query process. (1/2) #querytip #amquerying #WednesdayWisdom

Querying writers! Be sure to check your records when querying. I get so many of the exact same query that I’ve already responded to. Save yourself (and us! Agents are swamped!) time by keeping track of who you’re querying and what they say! #querytip

Seconded! #AmQuerying #QueryTip

I get Emily and Amy a lot, I have two last names, and people mix up my honorific and pronouns all the time. I appreciate when people get it right, but I get that it takes practice. It's not worth stressing out over, I promise!

Replying to a rejection by pitching another project is not the way to go. #querytip

I am trying SO hard to catch up on queries today, but the queue is laughing at me. LAUGHING AT ME. #querytip #amagenting

Query Don’ts:

—insult other books
—say your book defies genre
—use negative self talk
—ignore guidelines

Query Do’s:

—Give us the hook/high concept pitch
—Show your summary to someone who hasn’t read the book
—send it to agents individually
—write another book!

#querytip

When clients ask how to get their book into Target, Walmart & Costco, my answer is to make it a bestseller. Books at these outlets are managed like other inventory like electronics & toys, requiring steady demand. #pubtip

I realize this can be unfair to those who don't have the same access. If you don't, show your lived experience. Get endorsements from experts on the topic. Get published by outlets known for rigor. Prove you can be trusted to tell the story. #pubtip

The best thing you can do is look at debut authors from your genre and category from the last three years and check their word counts. #querytip #amwriting #writingtip