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

I am SO CLOSE to opening up the query box again! I have 24 Maybe, 10 Fulls, and 18 partials to go! Chugging away...
#amagenting #amquerying #querytip #writingcommunity

#QueryTip for #PB author-illustrators:

To clarify, please include 2-3 full color spreads in a sketch dummy to showcase your artwork when querying me.

P.S. Be sure to check other agency guidelines. This tip is for me and not necessarily a one-size-fits-all.

Good luck!

#QueryTip for #PB author-illustrators:

Please send a full 32-page or 40-page sketch dummy, including text, so I can read the book. 2-3 of the illustrations should be color to show your vision for the palette + final art. Please also share your portfolio URL + IG.

Best of luck!

Maybe don't write your query in first person, especially if you're book is about a serial killer.😬
#querytip #writing #amquerying

"Make it bigger" is a common phrase I use when speaking with my clients. Simply, I'm asking for you to look again at the plot to bring an element (or hook) to the surface that will easily appeal to a much wider audience. #querytip #pubtip #agenting

One week until Dunham Literary will be closed to *unsolicited* queries (July 15th-Sept. 7th).

Have a referral, a conference code, or a pitch contest ❤️ (heart)? Those are solicited queries & you can still send one. Everyone else - hang onto your query till Sept!
#querytip

Avoid submitting prologues. First chapters give agents a better opportunity to know your writing style, and the voice of the story.

#writing #querytip #amquerying

Perhaps my best #pubtip is to always be working on the next book.

Friday writing quote:

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” - Stephen King

#amagenting #literaryagent #amquerying #querytip #amwriting #WritingCommunity #writers #quotesoftheday #writing #writers #amediting

#pubtip Hint, editors and agents cannot make a decision on your query letter if all you tell me are the themes of your story. Remember, there is this little thing called plot.

I've said this before, but have someone who hasn't read your book read your query letter. You'll want to make sure it makes sense to someone who isn't familiar with your story. I get a lot of queries that seem to assume I know more about your world than I do. #querytip

Random #pubtip: the most common issue I see with otherwise promising fiction MSS is the excessively picked-over first 5%.

Do not procrastinate downstream by obsessively rereading and smoothing these early pages.

Also, you do not need that prologue, and we all know it.

10 Mistakes You're Making When Handling an Offer of Representation youtu.be/fjUuJ9Q3tA8 via @YouTube #QueryTip #PubTip

Recently, almost every querying author who I ask about their goals says they want to quit their job and write full time. This is a fantastic goal, but please do your research, because the financial realities of this industry may not be what you think! #QueryTip #WritingCommunity

Query box update!

I have finally gone through ALL QUERIES.
Currently, I have 60 in my Maybe box; I also have 39 submissions needing to be read/reviewed.

PLEASE be patient with me 😓
#amagenting #querytip #amquerying