#QueryTip: if you have a website, make sure it works. If you have social media accounts, make sure they are active.

There’s no point mentioning them in your query if they are not working/active/updated.

Here are some #querystats:
👉 We got 300+ submissions in 2021.

👉 Sent offers to 5 authors, signed up with 4 of them. (3 in Feb, 1 in October).

Tips: Don’t take rejections so personally. Don’t call us gatekeepers. Write a query letter. Follow guidelines. Be patient. Good luck!

If you want to query us *please* read the guidelines on thehelenhelleragency.com!
We need to see the first 3 chapters. A synopsis alone won’t help at all. #querytip

I don't know why query letter writers apologize for not being published previously.

Fully 1/3 of my clients had ZERO pub credits when I signed them, and then sold their books.

#querytip

To those who queried me yesterday and today...

Yes I am going through the box tonight because I'm now at 180 and anxiety is real. This is just me wanting to maintain the box and get answers out sooner rather than later so you aren't waiting for months
#querytip #amquerying

Ok, final stat:

opened to queries at 10:10AM

It is now 10:10PM

I received 113 queries today.
#amquerying #amagenting #querytip #writingcommunity

Query box trend: Using more than 1 genre to identify your work--While yes, a book can have more than one it can't sit on all the shelves simultaneously so you need to decide where it would fit best. And vague "teens and adults will love this" isn't a genre either. 😉
#QueryTip

Yes to everything Bibi says in this thread! But in particular, look at submission guidelines ON THE AGENCY WEBSITE, because someone's blog post or listicle on an agent's wishlist/guidelines may be out of date (or just wrong) #querytip

Just gave a workshop on many similar situations...

You professionals who understand that publishing is a business---we appreciate you!

And some of the answers to this thread trying to justify this behavior...another red flag.

#amquerying #querytip #pubtip #writingcommunity

Accolades and accomplishments relevant to publishing DO strengthen a query. If you have some, include them! If you don't, consider working on short stories and articles before and while you're querying, so that you have some bylines to share and show off! #QueryTip

#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!