From the blog backlist: "Yes, Agents Google Writers" & how to maximize your social online presence: ow.ly/DSQz8 #pubtip

I like decisive writing—no "probably," "most likely," "maybe," or "relatively" #pubtip

Something I don't like in a #query-- "very" used as an adjective. "His very soul!" "Her very freedom!" Suggests stodgy prose to me. #pubtip

I'll run a #QueryStat later but my best gut guess is a book is released roughly 24 months post-query. #pubtip

Red Flag Query = "I have a book perfect for this Christmas buying season." #yikes #pubtip

Do not sign anyone up for your newsletter without their explicit permission, especially me. #pubtip

Some books go viral out of the gate. However, I think smart publishing strategy is more than, "let's plan to go viral." #pubtip #agenting

#NaNoWriMo2014 Please do not start sending out these projects on Dec. 1. These will require A LOT of editing #pubtip

Pro-tip: Halloween is probably not a good time to send a query letter. No need to thank me. #pubtip

From the Blog Backlist: "How Writers Can Show Agents They’re Career Authors" #pubtip ow.ly/CyQ5I

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

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.

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

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

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

#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

Oh my heavens, authors, stop taping down the part of the envelope that lets me OPEN your submission. #pubtip