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.

Among the thing to look for in an agent/writer relationship is a commitment to your work for the long term. A good agent is someone who cares about your career, your vision and your goals, not just about making a deal. Fortunately, I have many wonderful colleagues.
#pubtip

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

Want some tips and tricks on how to write a synopsis? Check out the @belcastr blog's newest article!
#amwriting #WritingCommunity #amquerying #querytip

belcastroagency.com/synopsis-dos-a…

Writers, keep in mind that what's going on in your head might not be what makes it to the page, so having a beta reader or critique group really helps pick up any issues that you think you've covered, but haven't!
#pubtip

#querytip reminder when choosing your genre in the query manager drop-down:

if your book has magic, or paranormal creatures, or is dystopian...

it's not contemporary.

it can be in a contemp setting!! but it isn't *genre* contemporary. make sure to choose the correct genre!

Curious what to ask when on THE CALL? Check out @belcastr's newest video! #amquerying #querytip #WritingCommunity
youtube.com/watch?v=X1CFc-…

How about a few #querystats this morning? I was open to queries 7/1-8/31, & in those two months I received 908 queries. I currently have 61 unread, 12 in the maybe pile, & 3 fulls to read (2 unfortunately much older than July). I made 3 offers of rep & signed 3 new clients!

Another #querytip, specificity is key. Don't make vague statements to whet our appetite. Tell us what actually happens! Explain why things are the way they are. Give us examples that exist in your project. If I have lots of questions about the specifics, I'm likely to reject.

The five questions your query should answer: Who is your character? What do they want? What are the obstacles to them getting what they want? How will they try to overcome those obstacles? What will happen if they fail (a.k.a the stakes)? #querytip

After you sign with an agent, your needs and wants might change. If that happens, DO NOT PANIC. It just means you need to talk to the agent and find out if they're able to adapt to these changes. If so, GREAT. That is the dream. If not, then it's time to move on. #querytip

Writers--when looking for an agent, it's really important to assess *your needs and wants* in addition to what sort of book the agent is looking for. It's hard to know the answer up front, but talking to agented authors is a good place to start. #querytip