"First-Pages" Problems: Common Problems in Chapter One that Earn an Agent's Pass aliherringwrites.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/fir… via @HerringAli #writetip #pubtip #amwriting #amediting #publishing #amagenting

Always pad your deadlines. If it takes you three months to write a book, ask for at least four. This gives you time to put it aside and read it again before sending and allows room for when you have to work on edits and such for prior books. #pubtip

Here's an example of how something that didn't work for one agent (me) fit perfectly for a colleague of mine (@MKDB). A great pitch can open doors. #pubtip

One of the most important jobs a writer has is to make the reader care about their characters. If a reader isn't invested in what happens to the characters, they won't read. #pubtip

Editor @KaraLeighMille1 gives pointers on how to write a query letter. #WritingTip #WritersChat #PubTip #TuesdayTip ow.ly/OOLP30fdZjM

Yes! That and no conflict, so nothing is happening to advance the plot, or no scene goal, so the story lacks direction. #pubtip #writingtip #amwriting

ALL OF THESE THINGS. 👇#pubtip

Do you need to tag every sentence? No. And don't tell readers what characters are doing or feeling w/tags. Ok to just use "said." Not pouted, chided, frowned, corrected, muttered, explained, yelled, spat, whispered, smiled, etc. Sentence should convey mood or attitude.#pubtip

If you’re considering becoming an agent, be a reader first. Instinct that tells you what makes an amazing story comes from years of reading books, and it’s impossible to be a good agent who reps fiction without that instinct. #publishingjobs #pubtip

I know it's often said, but Twitter is not a place to pitch agents unless it's part of a contest that they're participating in. I never thought I'd have to add this extra layer, but it's also not wise to have multiple friends spam my feed about how I should represent you.#pubtip

Remember, agents aren't rejecting YOU. We're simply looking for the right project for our list. I rejected the first MS a client sent me, but I signed her with another project. Don't take rejections personally. Keep writing & querying! #amquerying #writerslife #pubtip #amagenting

So if I haven't responded to your query yet from Jan 15 onward, I haven't passed, I just need to put some sweet lil' manuscripts to bed before I can open my heart to something new. But I am definitely getting the itch to fall in love again! #pubtip #agenting

#pubtip if you'll be going to a writers conference in 2018, please keep in mind that agents/editors attend these things because they WANT to meet you, hear about your book, and sign up a project they love. Never be afraid to approach someone (respectfully) to talk about your work

TRUTH. #pubtip #amwriting

Writers, contrary to the shiny stories, the SPEED of your book deal has nothing to do with the strength and the health of your book deal, nor is it a predictor of long-term success. #pubtip

One thing I can say about publishing is that you should always remember it’s a small industry, and kindness and respect can go a long way. #pubtip

One thing you should truly take into consideration when choosing an agent is their hunger, drive, & enthusiasm for your work. Passion for a project is so incredibly important, and sometimes it can even surpass experience. So it's good to take a chance on younger agents! #pubtip

Some good craft tips here about the importance of cohesion and resonance in writing.
#pubtip #writetip

Unless you're under deadline, don't submit immediately after writing "The End". If you wait a few weeks and read it with fresh eyes, you'll see things you want to edit and change. This will help you put your best foot forward. #pubtip

1st-person storytelling may be overtaking 3rd-person in popularity and status. 6 of last 10 National Book Award winners had 1st person narratives; in the 50 years before that, more than 2/3 were 3rd person #PubTip #WritingTip #WriteTip bit.ly/2BRpgDW