#Querytip: Avoid making 75% of your query about the themes in your book. It’s hard to stand out if you focus on that and not the story. I should be able to glean those themes/issues based on how you describe the plot. I've never been hooked by a theme, only by a story idea.

Authors, friendly reminder to always notify us when you have an offer of representation. Don't wait til after you've accepted one! Sometimes we're still considering, and even if you love the agent who offered you never know who might be the best fit. #amquerying #querytip

Six Tips for an Unforgettable First Line by @RDRussellWrites on @MyBookTherapy #writingtip #writing #pubtip learnhowtowriteanovel.com/blog/2022/01/1…

Submit directly to publishers. 👉 If you don’t have an agent, you can often submit directly to the publisher, just check their guidelines! #pubtip

The title of your manuscript doesn’t have to be set in stone, but an attention grabbing title can help you stand out among the crowd! #QueryTip

In reading queries recently, here is a #querytip - you truly can have too much swearing in your pitch or manuscript. If crude language is overused, it loses it’s impact. A well-placed profanity is invaluable. Check your work to see if you are using crude language as crutch words.

Officially open to queries again!
#amagenting #amquerying #querytip #WritingCommunity

#QueryTip 🧵
* Don't forget to include your query letter. The number of submissions I'm seeing without one is really perplexing.
* Format your pages! If your book is one big block of text it's almost impossible to read.
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#WritingCommunity #amwriting

There’s cool research on the “best” email salutations and sign-offs. I can’t find the original article from my occupational psychology course but this is basically the same thing. I used to sign-off “Thanks” ALL THE TIME. Figures, huh? #querytip #agenting businessinsider.com/how-to-sign-of…

If you read your work outloud before submitting it, you are more likely to notice omitted words. #querytip #amediting

If you have a friend who got a publishing deal, ask to see their query letter. #querytip

You can only improve if you have something (or someone) you can compare yourself to.

It's the end of the year, which means time for reflecting as I start goal-setting for 2022. I thought I'd share some stats for 2021 as far as queries, subs, clients, & sales, because stats are fun. #querystats #amquerying

#QueryTip: After writing your synopsis, give it to someone who knows nothing about your story. If it confuses them, it will confuse an agent/editor too.
#writingadvice #WritingHacks #WritingCommunity

If you're planning to write under a pseudonym, make sure to include both your real name and the name you're writing under in your query letter. #QueryTip

Also, make sure your publishing agreement excludes merchandising and paper product rights. It’s also a good idea to state the author reserves all rights not otherwise specified. #pubtip

#QueryTip - Make sure you follow submission guidelines. We ask for synopsis, and for me, I always read them before I request pages. So if your submission doesn't have one, guess what? It's more times than not a pass. So do yourself a favor and send ALL requested material

#WritingCommunity
Did you use a filtering verb in your opening (see, hear, feel, watch, smell)?
Eliminate it & bring your POV closer:

#querytip

Spoiler alert: if I request a full manuscript from you, I'm going to send you an immediate follow up asking for your goals and what you're looking for in an agent. You should REALLY know the answers to these questions before you start querying! #QueryTip #WritingCommunity

#WritingCommunity, the average length of time from acquisition of a book to pub is 18 months. Most agents take a few months to consider queries. If your concept is time-sensitive, you need to bear in mind that trad pub is a 2 year+ process for a new author. #QueryTip

I’m sorry that happened to you! This is just my opinion, but it can be hard for agents to sell work that was previously published to a larger house even if you own the rights back. If you want an agent,query with a new project first and then talk about those books #TheWritersZen