Even a high profile self-published book can be an example of a missed opportunity. See the details here from this prolific editor and author @terrywhalin at: bit.ly/36KOpi8 #writingtip #pubtip

How to Conquer a Literary Agent's Slush Pile #querytip youtu.be/5CrICmJRuQY via @YouTube

If it's still available, we can reject it.

If it's still available, we can request it.

Keep this in mind when you think about "time" in a creative business. #pubtip #querytip

Book title inspiration can come from anywhere: turn of a phrase, poem, literary ref, quote, fresh word pairings. Watch 1-word titles, which are not search friendly but otherwise, don't shy away from DARING GREATLY. (see what I did here?) #pubtip

#QueryTip

I welcome the chance to see illustrated dummies. Sadly, my Query Manager form doesn't accept large attachments. Instead, please provide a (password-protected) portfolio link, Dropbox link or a Google doc link. I promise I'll click through to look!

Best of luck!

1/ I want to rephrase this #QueryTip, thanks to @a_h_reaume who took the time to explain the exclusivity of my language use here.

When possible, agents definitely appreciate it when MSs are formatted in a standard and easy to read way, to the best of the author's ability!

Publishing = patience. #pubtip

The better approach is just to be true to who you are and what your book is. Everything else feels disingenuous and a little manipulative. #querytip

Do Genres Limit a Writer? youtu.be/l5slCC7GSLs via @YouTube #querytip #writetip

I spent many years not logging query data, but my 2021 goal is to be more organized.

Some #querystats: so far in 2021 I have received ~600 queries addressed to me.

I have requested 79 manuscripts to date (as of this wk).

I have offered rep to 1 slush pile project.

#QueryTip: If your book is the novel you wrote during the pandemic, that's fine, but your query letter is probably not the time to share that! Most novels take years to get right, so an agent may be rightfully skeptical if your work is just a hatchling.

Whether I'm your agent or not, I want to be helpful and transparent in this industry. Please reach out. Please ask questions. I will help however I can. #amagenting #querytip #amquerying

...I read the synopsis. If that shows me I'm excited about where it's going, I request. If I read synopsis & am still unsure, I check comp titles&author bio etc.
At ANY stage of this, I might decide it's not for me.
But by including all, at ANY stage you have a chance to hook me.

Choices that only that character would make because of their specific history/needs/fears/wishes/background. This as true in fantasy novels as in contemporary realistic stories.

It’s happening because of choices that character makes: (“I couldn’t go home that night and face my family after what I’d done that day, so I went to a neighborhood where no one knew me and that’s where I met...” Even more, it’s—

It does not mean a book that is all internal within a character’s head; it does not mean a story without a lot of plot. It means that rather than story happening to and around a character (“we were walking down the street and stumbled across a unicorn!”) —

4. Finally, support authors in and outside your genre. If they’re on social media, learn from, engage with, and boost their signal. Trust me when I tell you literary karma is strong.

3. ID agents & publishers in your category by looking up recent deals on Publishers Marketplace (requires a 1 month $25 subscription). Follow on social media to get a sense of personality & tastes.

2. Make a running list of notable books in your genre. Scan bestseller lists and titles from your dream publishers. You should at least know about if not read your category leaders. This info will feed into your book proposal.

1. Sign up for free e-newsletters at Publishers Weekly to stay current on trends & news. Start with the Sunday Must Read & Global Rights Report. Specialty newsletters also avail.