Literary Agent
Something I’ve realized in coming up on two decades of proposal editing: authors almost ever need to divide their chapters into Part I, Part II etc. I.m.e. this is most often an unconscious attempt to end-run the hard work of developing a strong central argument. #pubtip
Literary Agent
Laura Portwood-Stacer (she/her) @lportwoodstacer
Need to summarize your book chapters for a book proposal or for that little outline of chapters at the end of yr bk’s intro?It can feel like a tedious task but it’s helpful for getting clarity on how your book is built & how the reader will experience it.
Here’s how to do it:
Chapter summaries are the necessary evil of book proposals. They can’t seal the deal alone but done right, show you have enough depth for a whole book. #pubtip
Literary Agent
Today's tip in Agents & Books is TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR BOOK IN YOUR QUERY LETTER.
katemckean.substack.com/p/tell-me-abou…
#WritingCommunity #amquerying #pubtip
Editor
#querytip When you write the letter, PERSONALIZE it. DON'T: Say I'm seeking representation when querying an editor (possibly the majority of my queries). I'm not an agent. DO: mention something that let's me know you know who you're #querying. #asktheeditor
Literary Agent
#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.
Literary Agent
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
Literary Agent
Six Tips for an Unforgettable First Line by @RDRussellWrites on @MyBookTherapy #writingtip #writing #pubtip learnhowtowriteanovel.com/blog/2022/01/1…
Editor
Submit directly to publishers. 👉 If you don’t have an agent, you can often submit directly to the publisher, just check their guidelines! #pubtip
Literary Agent
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
Literary Agent
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.
Literary Agent
Officially open to queries again!
#amagenting #amquerying #querytip #WritingCommunity
Literary Agent
#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.
cont...
#WritingCommunity #amwriting
Literary Agent
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…
Editor
If you read your work outloud before submitting it, you are more likely to notice omitted words. #querytip #amediting
Editor
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.
Literary Agent
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
Literary Agent
#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
Literary Agent
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
Literary Agent
Margaret McDeadlines Owen @what_eats_owls
Since I see more authors moving into merchandising (which is imho cool!!) a quick reminder that, unless you have a separate written agreement with the people who did your cover/title design, using either of those for commercial purposes puts you in dicy territory!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
Literary Agent
#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