This! 👇🏻 #WritingCommunity #amwriting #pubtip

Is your elevator pitch succinct and clear? Is it urgent and valuable enough that butter churn lady gonna pay attention? That is all.

E.g.: "Butter churn lady! Yes, you! Butter churn lady!! Oh my God I'm from the future! Do you have a pen? I need to tell you things! 9/11! The Civil War! Oh my God write this down there's no time!"

#Authors -- this only gives you more reason to make sure you reach out PERSONALLY to all of your local bookstores and libraries. Having a personal connection with the industry will only help, in so many ways! #pubtip

#writingcommunity I see a lot of query letters that struggle with comp titles. 0 comps is not an option (for me). Include more than 1, try very hard to include recent titles (last few years) and if you're stumped, get recs from others who've read your work. #pubtip

Unless you're a household name/have long wikipedia page/extensive IMDB credits, you need a website if you'll be querying agents or publishers. #pubtip

This is an awesome interview, @agentsaba!!

Attention writing authors, feast your eye holes on this! 👇🏽 #querytip #pubtip #pocinpub

Some good info here on what contract terms...beyond advances...are things agents watch out for in publishing contracts. #pubtip

Contract terms I see a lot now that are my pet peeves:
-Charging index fees against the advance instead of royalties
-Next book option tied to publication instead of D&A
#pubtip

No two pub experiences are the same. It’s important to have author friends who give valuable insight, but there will be things specific to their own exp that won’t apply to yours. That’s OK. Unsure & nervous about something? Talk to your agent. It’s what we’re here for. #pubtip

I've changed a straight title to one more literary & vice versa; elevated a chapter title to the book title; cherry-picked a line from the ms; even took my then-4th grader's suggestion. Titles can come from anywhere.

Q: How important is the title when pitching to publishers?

A: Don't overlook the value of a great title You don't always need it but the right title can orient readers, stake your proposition on a crowded shelf & establish your voice.

Q: Why are there fewer books now with one-word titles like Quiet and Blink.

A: You want a SEO-friendly title for Google & Amazon, which is hard with one word. Better to find a title that gets your book as a top result.

Q: Will the publisher change the title of my book?

A: Sometimes. If you love the title you pitched, make sure your editor knows this. Ask upfront what the publishing team thought of it. You often can get mutual approval for the title in the contract.

Q: Can my title be the same as another book's?

A: Short answer: yes. Titles are not copyrighted. But if the other book is well-known & in the same category, then I suggest you find an alternative.

Crazy villains are the least interesting to me. I like a smart villain with a devious plan that will help him/her reach their ultimate goal. #writingtips #pubtip

#Pubtip If you need more time (life happens), ask for an extension asap so the publisher can adjust the schedule. If you don't get more time, aim to turn in even a rough draft. You likely will have another pass after the editor reviews it.

What is an 'Option' in Book Contracts? youtu.be/cjtEu4jhZq0 via @YouTube #pubtip

This cute story made me think of a #pubtip for authors. When & if your hardcover gets "remaindered" the publisher should give you notice & chance to buy highly discounted copies. Grab all you can afford to give as gifts & for future signings.

"You are the CEO of your book." I heard this on a podcast yesterday and it stood out to me. Meaning: you know your book best, you have the most at stake, you know the audience and you've got to 'take the reins.' just a #pubtip