#pubtip: telling is most common w/ emotions—"she looked shocked" doesn't mean much of anything—there are lots of different types of shocked!

Writing your query letter? The amazing @erinmorgenstern shared hers on Writer Unboxed a couple years ago... writerunboxed.com/2011/09/09/eri… #querytip

If your book is on submission with someone already (from a conference or whatnot), please include that info in your query. #pubtip

#pubtip: comic sans is never a good idea.

#querytip don't make your MS hard to access; put it in the email body. If I have to click a link or download an app, I'll probably move on

Hone your craft. Deconstruct stories. Why did they work? Why didn't they work? Study conflict and tension. #querytip #writertips

Don't tell us why you wrote your book. It doesn't matter right now. Maybe later, but don't waste the space in your query. #querytip

Query Red Flag, "The first 55,000 words follow the story of hero coming to the throne..." = seems setup for mostly backstory. #pubtip

If your MC is married and pregnant and in her 20s, that's not YA. #querytip

When I see a query similar to idea or book I've seen before, I ask myself if it's as good or better than that one. If no, I pass. #querytip

Please don't write a book with a creepy crazy caricature-ish Islamist bad guy. Or if you do, please don't send it to me.
#querytip

Can you risk opening your Q with a question if the answer may be no and an immediate turnoff? Something to consider. #pubtip

When you query a story you’ve already published, but don’t tell me upfront, it feels quite sneaky when I find out. #querytip

Sample Pages Red Flag, "She looked over the vista while sipping coffee and thinking about..." = too passive especially in opening. #pubtip

Query Red Flag: "Hero wasn't prepared for how life was going to change once XYZ happened" = weak description (and too obvious) #pubtip

Want to make your manuscript unique? Don't start it with your protagonist waking up. #querytip

Avoid clichés. If you must use one, twist it like a pretzel! #querytip #WritingTips

#pubtip - If you get a rejection letter from an editor or agent, don't argue with us. It will not change our opinion.

If I've met you at a conference, YES it's ok to say, "we were at the XYZ conference together" in your query. #pubtip #queries

Also a Halloween #protip.
Don't send me the same ms under a different name. I won't like it any better the second time!
#querytip
#ghostnic