Check out the @belcastr YouTube for our newest video: Agent Expectations - What Can an Agent Do or Not Do?
youtube.com/watch?v=wq9mx7…

Big thanks to @annmrose and @evascalzo for joining in and answering questions!
#amagenting #querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity #amwriting

I've been catching up on queries and submissions this evening. One thing I'm noticing a lot of is queries without an actual blurb. Tell us what's *happening* in the book, not what the themes or takeaways are. Not sure how? Read the jacket copy of your favorites #QueryTip

Always make sure to query in batches and to keep a positive mindset. Success doesn’t come overnight!✨
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#writingtip #editing #editingtip #literature #reading #book #books #authors #Writingcommunity #WritingLife #query #querytip #querymotivation

Hey all! So, since I'm having surgery next week and will be pretty mia in the query box due to it, I'm closing to queries for a bit starting Monday so I can be sure to catch up.

Send in those queries now!
#amagenting #querytip #amquerying #WritingCommunity

There's no secret trick to getting to the top of our slush pile. Sometimes it really comes down to whether or not we find these "errors" in your manuscript. #querytip

Here's a big #querytip for you from #asktheeditor
If you've already queried me, UNLESS you've significantly revised the manuscript (& I've signed some so that's a real thing), please don't try again thinking I'd forget, or worse yet, forget to track who you've queried already

As an agent who wants writers to succeed (what agent doesn't?), don't let No discourage you. My No could be someone else's Yes. It doesn't mean I hate your writing. It's not personal. I've been on the other side of the fence. It's hard. I get it! Stay with it. #writinglife #MSWL

If anyone wants to tune in I recorded myself on IG answering 90 questions on “Querying 101” >>> instagram.com/tv/CanLs54pcNl… #querytip

#QueryTip: For nonfiction manuscript proposals, be sure to highlight why you are the PERFECT person to write this book. What makes you uniquely qualified on the subject, and how will you bring something new to the discussion?

Gonna add one more: check spellings on names one last time before hitting send. My name auto-corrects to Elena a lot. It’s not Elena. Just…double-check.

Be patient! There's been a serious slow-down industry-wide in reading time starting at the publishers. The trickle down effect is real.

Do not private message agents (unless invited to) on social media on their personal accounts to ask about querying. The guidelines are almost always out there. Do your own homework. Keep personal spaces personal.

Your book should be complete and you should have a solid query letter before you get started. You're a writer. Do the writing. Which means do the reading. Resources abound on query writing. And the category you're writing in.

Generally, most agents prefer you only submit one project at a time. I could probably do a whole thread on WHY. If you get a pass, go ahead and submit a new project. Personally I find it awkward to get 3 in a row and have to send a form rejection on all 3. It happens.

First, ALWAYS always check the agency website before you hit send. It's the best place to find out how that agent and agency prefer their submissions. A google will get you there if it's not linked in the agent's profile somewhere. No need to ask that question just for yourself.

Make sure your query letter has no typos. It can be very distracting. I found myself editing a query letter, which makes me think: how much editing will the manuscript need? #QueryEric #querytip

Even though I am sharing query tips today, you should ALWAYS check the publisher’s and agent’s guidelines before you query with them. Every agent is different, many have different requirements #QueryEric #QueryTip

Here's a great #querytip: Include the title, word count, genre, who would read, and your comparables in the first couple of lines of your letter. It's what hooks agents/publishers right away. Everything else is extra information, so keep your first paragraph simple. #QueryEric

Hey I don't know what's up, but someone's published my email address as a place to query me. I ONLY CONSIDER QUERIES SENT TO QUERY MANAGER. Emailed queries get deleted, unresponded to. This is why it's important to follow query instructions, usually on agents websites #querytip.

Writers! Don't ever underestimate the power of a good platform. It's your brand. When I worked in supermarkets, Oreos always outsold the store brands. Even though they cost more. (Yes I'm looking at you, too, novelists.) #pubtip