#QueryTip: something I often see in our slush pile is, "I have been told that my MS is too long for a debut novel, BUT..." - followed by a MS that is categorically too long. What this translates into for me? "I cannot work with constructive editorial feedback." 🚩🚩🚩

#QueryTip:
Do not say: "I am known for...", "People tell me...", etc.
DO say: "(Reputable source) had this to say about my book: (quote)," "You can read a review of my work here (include source)."
#WritingCommunity

#QueryTip If you're tempted to ignore submission guidelines, you're probably not a good fit for an agent's list.

Because fitting into an agent's list includes being professional.

#querytip There is absolutely zero reason to write "Dear Agent" when sending a query. It's lazy and unprofessional.

Not only are agents' names and interests widely available online, but agents' email addresses are often literally their name @ their agency dot com.

ooh, this is a great question! you can use number of Amazon or Goodreads reviews and ratings to compare your comps
#querytip

Also, supporting one another should have *nothing* to do with how much publishers paid for your books, or whether you're a lead title, or who your publisher is. #pubtip

As a debut writer, one of the best things you can do is to get to know (and support!) your fellow debuts. You're in this together. #pubtip

#PubTip for authors: Supporting your fellow authors by retweeting is wonderful, vital. But, don't forget to interact as well. And tweeting for your #readers is equally as important.

I LOVE when author/illustrators list a few of their influences in their query. It contextualizes your work! If you mention Eric Carle + Oge Mora, I imagine vibrant collage. If you say Sir Quentin Blake + Peter Reynolds, I imagine loose, playful sketches and watercolor.

#QueryTip

#QueryTip: If you provide a website or author page link in your query, make sure it works, and that the page is up to date!

Do Agents Share Submissions? youtu.be/_8joz2hEWyc via @YouTube #QueryTip

Bonus #QueryTip — if asked for a synopsis in the submission package that isn’t the query. It’s a separate doc that tells the beginning, middle, and end of a book, complete with character arc. Repeating the query is NOT a synopsis, and spoilers are expected in a synopsis

#QueryTip: if you are going to pitch your book as a romance then it MUST end with a HEA (happily ever after) or a HFN (happily for now) if it doesn’t, it’s NOT a romance
#amquerying #Writers #WritingCommunity

I reviewed 35 queries yesterday/today.
Category breakdown by QueryManager:
9 women’s fic
9 commercial fic
8 contemp romance
3 historical fic
2 romantic comedy
1 general romance
1 multicultural fic
1 upmarket fic
1 gothic fic
All passes. Here's why...
#querytip

#QueryTip I always ask prospective clients, "Do you have a critique group?" Beyond beta readers, I think it's helpful to read others' work and reciprocate with feedback, as well as give/get support to weather the highs & lows of publishing. Don't have a group? Get one. #amwriting

How to Start Speaking & Find Speaking Engagements from Susan U. Neal, @SusanNealYoga on @EdieMelson ow.ly/Bv0150GaAPR #speakingtips #writing #pubtip

Avoid making crystal ball predictions in your query letter.

🚫“This book will be a NYT Bestseller.”
🚫“This book will win X award.”

I want to work with people who have their feet on the ground, and realistic expectations for what is a very competitive industry. #querytip

#querytip if you're a previously agented author looking for new representation for a MS that was already out on submission, there likely isn't much a new agent will be able to do with it. We all submit to the same editors, and there are only so many places to send a project.

a basic #querytip: frame the length of your novel in number of words. number of pages isn't very helpful because there are a lot of factors that change the number of words on a page. is font size 10 or 14? single or double space? is it 8.5x11 or other?

Last week was prelude. The fall publishing season truly begins tomorrow. #pubtip #goodluck