Gut reaction to reading opening pages = lots of great material in slush pile. #1 mistake seems to be "not-quite-there-yet" #pubtip

Writer @GilbertLiz on why you don't have to be the best at everything but you do have to show up: goodhousekeeping.com/life/inspirati… #pubtip

A success story: @LindaDHummel doubled her followers! Read it: "The 4 Platform Secrets No One Has Told You" bit.ly/1PhmIve #pubtip

Sometimes we simply love a work but are unable to offer representation. Don't walk away angry, you've made impact! #pubtip

If you query other than by guidelines, computer will think e-mail is spam. If comp thinks e-mail is spam, I will believe and delete. #pubtip

Terrific insights: "10 Things I've Learned as a Debut Novelist" by @VictoriaNamkung in @HuffingtonPost pwne.ws/1Nq44Uz #pubtip

These are the best kinds of books. Strive to write this kind of book. #pubtip twitter.com/Michrichter1/s…

Unless the police are telling someone to "Open up!" :) #pubtip twitter.com/shana_asaro/st…

#pubtip If your Query letter looks like "you know what" the odds are we will not be looking at your writing.

#pubtip Remember one size does not fit all for your query letter. Target each editor and agent with specifics!

Scene, a Query:

"I wrote a YA novel! <Starts long explanation of adult characters' problems>"

<Agent slams head against desk.>

#pubtip

Pretty much if you say your book spans 3-4 different genres, I can tell that you've never read a book in at least 2 of those genres. #pubtip

Don't call an agent until that agent is your agent. #pubtip

There’s no such thing as an erotic YA. It's either New Adult, Adult or pedophile porn. Only 2 of those 3 are publishable. #pubtip

Spent some good time in @BooksofWonder this afternoon. If you're an aspiring writer, PLEASE make time to haunt your bookstore. #pubtip #READ

#QueryStats = of 20 young adult submissions, 13 open with teen talking to parent. Think outside the box with YA protagonists please! #pubtip

"Podcast: The Alchemy Behind Book Publishing." A MUST listen from @FiveThirtyEight: fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/podcas… #pubtip

Random thing I learned today. LOL is passe. The kids just say haha now #gottastayontopofthings #pubtip

Query pet peeve: When you send your query from someone else's email account. Email is free & an essential tool for an author. #pubtip

A reminder to all agented writers: Talk to Your Agent! mariavicente.com/post/120603188… #pubtip