#QueryTip Log Line Example

A brief look at underwear throughout the ages, exploring strange underwear materials, uses, and trends—as modeled by chickens.

A HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR WITH PROFESSOR CHICKEN, by @HannahWHolt, illustrated by @KorwinBriggs (NF PB)

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#QueryTip How a Log Line Will Serve You

For your deal announcement. (Hooray!)
As a description in your book contract (Also hooray!)
At cocktail parties + other events
When you finally land that coveted TV interview. Or PW. Or NY Times. Or NPR. (A thousand times hooray!)

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#QueryTip Why Write a Log Line?

It’s important to be able to pitch your story in a single sentence

Hint: If you can’t, then the project might be overly complicated, abstract, or not fully formed. (aka your draft is too early for prime time)

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#QueryTip: Log Line Formula

When [the inciting incident happens], [the protagonist] must [achieve the objective], or risk [the stakes], before [ticking clock].

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#QueryTip: Consider creating a log line, using the main elements of your story:

The protagonist
The inciting incident
The objective/goal of the story
Stakes

Here's a formula to get you started, plus reasons why a log line will serve you long into the future...🧵

Reminder: These formulas are only starting points. Revise in your own words to showcase both your story and your writing. Use what works and change the rest to best champion your project. Best of luck, #amquerying!

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#Querytip Market Positioning Statement Formula

This [adjective], [category] is a [positive adjective] [genre] with the [element] of [COMP] and [element] of [COMP], in a [style] perfect for fans of [COMP].

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#QueryTip Theme Positioning Statement Formula

[Adjective] and full of [noun], [TITLE] shows us [main emotional truth]. The story explores themes of [theme], [theme], and [theme]. 

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#QueryTip When you write a pitch, give more than story + hook. Craft 1-2 sentences to position your project in the market, plus share the themes explored in your story-–family, friendship, self-discovery--and why your readers will care.

Here are formulas to get you started...🧵

#querytip #amwriting Submitting your manuscript under a genre label it clearly does not fit will NOT increase your odds of it getting picked up.

Hey all!

I've been notified some people are getting an error message when trying to see my Query Manager. I'm currently closed, but be sure to use the link in my bio when I reopen!
#amquerying #querytip

Another #QueryTip about me:

I am not the right agent to champion a second-person narrative. I struggle with the craft choice. As a reader, I prefer not to be told how I think or feel.

But remember, taste is subjective. Another agent might feel differently. Best of luck!

Up early, reading queries and fulls on a Sunday morning, and seeing lots of italicized beginnings.

#QueryTip Consider letting italics go. If the draft and story are strong enough, the text will not need emphasis. Your words will pop on the page nonetheless.

#querytip My agent pet peeve is authors sending me the same query over & over again even though I’ve already rejected it every time. And no, 0 revisions have been done. So if you’re sending out mass queries, keep track where you’re sending it so it’s not blowing up agents’ slush.

It is true, your eggs shouldn't all go in one basket. But you shouldn't spread them out so much you can't remember the last time you checked on them. Same goes for social media. #wtitetip #marketingtip #pubtip

#AmQuerying authors, a quick #QueryTip: Make sure you've researched the target wd ct for your genre. Too far outside the target is an automatic pass for me. Today I've read queries w/YA at 150K wds & Romance at 25-30K wds. Double check before querying bc I'm sure I'm not alone.

Announcement time!

I am hoping to re-open to queries in Nov! Trying to really go through all client ms and subs by then, so keep an eye on this space =]
#amagenting #querytip #amquerying

Hi friends, My #querytip for today: I suggest not posting "another day, another agent rejection" type posts. Why give the impression you're not a hot commodity? Finding an agent can be a lot like dating😉

Quick #querytip for fantasy authors especially-- I know it's Fun to Capitalize things, but not only is it distracting, it's not how humans process information! Think about the last three years-- we went from talking about the Novel Coronavirus to COVID-19 to "lol, caught the vid"

When you type THE END in you manuscript, it's only the beginning. On managing expectations and moving goalposts in today's Agents & Books. (with bonus dancing clipart)

katemckean.substack.com/p/the-end-is-j…

#amwriting #amediting #amquerying #WritingCommunity #pubtip