Tuesday is book pub day. Congrats to all new authors out there. I hope you're rested up because the best time to take a vacation is BEFORE your book publishes. Here's why:
#pubtip

The best way to spot typos before a submission? Read your book out loud or have a computer program do it for you.

#pubtip

Workshop: “Revisions For The Win” with @susan_litman at @caldreaminwrite

Read an edit letter then...wait. Sit with it a bit. Let it percolate.

#pubtip

Before sending a query, here is an #edit #pubtip =

How does your protagonist grow/change from the beginning of your story to the end?

I see too many queries without strong enough character arc. #queries

Like my mom used to say when one of her students treated her poorly, "What am I, chopped liver?"
So fair warning (to ease my guilty conscience)...
If you don't even call me by some combination of my real name (your choice) in your query, I'm just going to delete it.
#pubtip

Note to writers:
If it takes you a full paragraph to describe your target audience, it probably means that you don't know. #writing #pubtip

Which is why I always say write for yourself. Then you already have the most satisfying outcome.
#writingcommunity #amwriting #pubtip

Rejecting submissions is never fun for an editor. But we generally only offer revise and resubmit letters on books that we really want to see again. So if you get one, take advantage. Don't assume it's a rejection. Revise and resubmit.

#pubtip

IMO-
Coincidence in a plot kills suspension of disbelief.
And weakens your character/tension by relieving conflict.
Make sure your query doesn't make it seem like a coincidence is there if it's not. And if it is, change your plot.
#pubtip #WritingCommnunity #amwriting #amquerying

#pubtip Always look for ways to get your name out there to the readers. Make sure it is positive. Remember, readers buy the authors they remember

Great conversation yesterday about pen names...

#penname #pubtip

- yes, pen name/ pseudonyms are fine!
- yes, over the course of an author's career, multiple pen names are fine!
- no, you don't have to have chosen your pen name at the point you query

Submission tip. When submitting a manuscript or proposal, make sure to save the file with your name and book title in the title of the submission. When an editor/agent reads 37 files labeled "synopsis", it's hard to tell them all apart.

#PubTip

This is probably the best #pubtip I’ve seen.

While we compete, we are still colleagues, and a lot of the times, friends. Please don't badmouth another agent in your Qs. #pubtip

For me, great first pages have great scene goals. Is your character working to solve a problem or achieve a goal in every scene? #amreadingqueries #amagenting #pubtip

#pubtip Think about where your writing fits with which publisher and/or line. Then read those lines extensively. Don't just throw darts.

If you're querying, you should check your spam folder regularly for replies.
Just sayin'.
#amquerying #pubtip

If you think that calling your book a romantic suspense thriller mystery historical novel with light fantasy/magical realism means everyone who likes ANY of those genres will like your book, you need to read this: katemckean.substack.com #pubtip #amwriting

#agenting

I can't speak for all agents but, for me, editors don't always get back to me. I'm not offended and it's just part of the process. Onwards...

Just FYI that this is normal.
#normal
#pubtip

Writers, pls do yourselves a favor & learn the expectations of your genre. Save yourself unnecessary rejection. #pubtip