Getting the exact right book title is a dark art. One approach is unexpected pairings: #pubtip
-Radical Candor
-The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up
-Good to Great
-Eats, Shoots & Leaves

This is good advice! I literally am always advising people to be more specific in their queries. Themes are vague! They don't communicate the shape of your arc. And often, they are generic. Character, goals, obstacles, stakes--those should be the focus of your letter. #querytip

Writers, always include your contact info on your title page. #pubtip

Summertime! ☀️☀️☀️

Which means Dunham Literary will be closing to *unsolicited* queries next month (July 15th-September 7th).

If you have a referral, a conference code, or a pitch contest ❤️ (heart) - those are solicited queries & you can still send one.

#querytip

Here's a #querytip for those in the #querytrenches: Always take the time to research who you are sending to. I can't tell you how many people send me "I'm looking for representation" or YA or 100000 word novel. I can't take those and I don't represent, I'm with the publisher. <3

Lots of varying answers here because let’s face it publishing is weird.
But for most, a self published book will NOT be picked up by a traditional imprint.
Are there exceptions to every rule? Of course. The trick is to not assume you are the exception.
#askagent #querytip

A #querytip that I'm reading April queries right now.

It's veggie burger night in the Nordstrom household, and I can smell the burgers but they're not ready yet. I'm going to do one of those threads where I tweet about my queries and try to get through a handful before the burger lands in front of me. Ready? #QueryTip

For authors querying me personally: I get a lot of stuff where folks are worried about triggering content in my inbox. My past life is as a crisis social worker, so I'm good to read what you send me, and I put detailed CWs on all my submissions to editors! #QueryTip #AmAgenting

I'm not sure when exactly, but I'll be closing to queries at some point this summer. Likely late June/early July. Just a heads up. #QueryTip

How Literary Agents View Comp Titles youtu.be/tJY9fSIGJJY via @YouTube #writingcommunity #querytip

Most blurbs come from an author/editor/agent/pub contact. Ways to personalize the request/galley mailing:
1) Annotate the cover letter w/ a personal handwritten note.
2) Write a notecard to go with the letter.
3) Email directly.
#pubtip

I will also be removing this verbiage. Please note that for queries, I prefer diverse and inclusive, identity-driven stories, that reflect the first-hand, lived experiences of the author/s. ✌️ #QueryTip #AmAgenting #WritingCommunity

Please make sure to read agents' submission guidelines! It saves everyone a lot of time and trouble. #amquerying #querytip

Writers, if your word count is so outside the norm for your genre you set yourself up for rejection. #pubtip

Are you using a template to send out your query letter to multiple literary agents at once? Be sure to double check that the information is correct for each agent. #QueryTip

Want to succeed in publishing? This is a business, just like any other. Network like crazy (and no I don't mean FB and Twitter). After a while, you'll know who to trust. #pubtip

Don't be defensive and suspicious toward agents and publishers. It's a waste of energy and emotion. Instead, learn what a good deal looks like, and you'll know when the good isn't there. #pubtip

Want to learn how to succeed as an author? Attend a writers' conference at every opportunity. #pubtip

Don't ask "which are the best-selling genres?" before you write your book. Just find your passion, and write your book. #pubtip