When I go through queries, I’m looking for projects that I’m passionate about and would make a good addition to my current list of authors. #TheWritersZen

During the workweek my time is devoted to my current list of authors, but I do set aside certain times for query reading #TheWritersZen

I do read my initial queries in order and hope to respond to all 500 within 12 weeks, but please feel free to check in with me if you haven’t heard from me in that 12 week time. #TheWritersZen

I had mentioned that I currently have over 500 initial queries in my inbox and I know that can definitely seem daunting to #amquerying writers. I promise you that I read through them all and give them all careful consideration. #TheWritersZen

Your query shouldn't start with hypotheticals. If you're beginning with "What happens when x meets y?" or "Imagine this specific scenario," then you're starting off on the wrong foot. Just be straightforward and tell us what your project is about. #querytip

First blog post in a long time, inspired by @EmilyRodmell's recent tweet about two-sentence pitching. The Art of the "Quick Pitch" aliherringwrites.wordpress.com/2021/07/29/the… via @HerringAli #querytip

How Do Literary Agents Know They're Offering Representation? youtu.be/94UmuV7EpWs via @YouTube #QueryTip #PubTip

Write a good Q letter & submit to agents who represent your genre. Do your research first. There really are no other hoops to jump through. It's all about the writing and the story. Half of my clients came to me this way. #pubtip

Straight memoir sits on an extremely competitive shelf esp if you're not a household name or have a huge platform. But making your story the backbone of a bigger story can attract more readers to your book. #pubtip

Reason number a billion not to let rejection in this industry throw you: like most good agents, I have to pass on a HUGE number of projects with commercial potential because I just don't have the room in my brain. It's not even a judgment on the work! #pubtip

Is everyone in the #WritingCommunity familiar with @KMWeiland's Most Common Writing Mistakes blog series? It's a solid resource that I point folks to ALL the time. I would recommend everyone read it. #QueryTip

I always get disappointed when I get queries, especially PB queries, about disability from people who work with or care for disabled people. How is this your story to tell? Tell YOUR story, and let disabled people tell ours. #QueryTip

Really great thread for querying writers. Or for those thinking of querying.
As a writer sometimes I even come up with the query before I write the book to make sure I’m on target.
#amwriting #querytip #WritingCommunity

What a Cover says About a Book youtu.be/YLCWmS5ACd0 via @YouTube #PubTip

#pubtip: It is in the best interest of your #writing career to take every professional edit you receive and learn and improve from it. Then, no matter what, you will have gained something from it.

Double check your attachments/sample chapters when you submit your query. It’s frustrating when we love your query letter but can’t find the writing sample. #querytip

Last week, @jmcgowanbks and I pulled a bunch of books off our shelves and talked about What a Cover says About a Book youtu.be/YLCWmS5ACd0 via @YouTube #PubTip

Why Agents Don't Accept Queries on Social Media youtu.be/lwi53VSluS4 via @YouTube #QueryTip

Love this by my brilliant DMLA colleague! What's your vibe?? #writerstip #pubtip #amwriting

Sometimes queries get lost in Spam folders. (or they bounce back when we reply) Don’t be afraid to inquire about your query if you haven’t heard back from an agent after several weeks--although I admit I'm waaay behind. #QueryTip