More lessons on terrific writing/plotting from last night's #ThisIsUs: Throw your characters curve balls! #pubtip

ICYMI: Earlier this year I talked to @BookBaristas about social media, platforms & working with bloggers: bit.ly/2e6xmtA #pubtip

You’d be surprised how many people don’t sign their name at the end of a query. Or have an obvious name in their email address. #pubtip

In pitch, avoid backstory as much as possible. "Heroines fight demons" is more interesting than "Heroines born on different worlds." #pubtip

For example, describing a wolf's teeth as lupine isn't interesting, because it doesn't add depth or nuance to its wolfness. #pubtip

Use adjectives that bring nuance and depth to a noun, and surprise the reader. #pubtip

This is the kind of stuff you should strive to accomplish in your #writing. Those scenes that really hit the reader emotionally. #pubtip

Published author #pubtip = keep your website updated with (clearly marked!) upcoming events as @KarenFortunati does: karenfortunati.com/?page_id=85

Big publicity event coming up? Remember to share with your publicist and agent (who will share with Hollywood and foreign co-agents) #pubtip

#pubtip Have an online presence. Just read a short story, loved it, and was hoping to contact the author about it, but no contact info.

The Black Moment: What is it, why do you need it and how can you make it powerful? bit.ly/2deRkkL #pubtip #writing

Solid #pubtip advice here. Book marketing for 2016 and beyond.

Listen when agents say submissions are closed. Otherwise, your hard work may be ignored. Worse, it might be rejected. #pubtip

Jumping on my #submissions soapbox. Your query letter is your calling card. Inspect it as if it might be your one and only shot. #pubtip

This episode, we break down the Man Booker shortlist and, you know, get some jokes off. There's also a #pubtip at the end! Try us out.

The latest The Write Shadow Times! paper.li/TheWriteShadow… Thanks to @JustJJWriting @PositivityAngel @benraifilms #pubtip #amwriting

Worldbuilding is essential in SFF, but not an end in itself. It must allow the story & characters to live within its framework. #pubtip

If you've been published before, give us the name of your publisher in your query! Believe me, we will be looking it up. #querytip #pubtip

In an ideal world, I'd like to see full manuscript in my inbox within 48 hours of having requested it. #pubtip

Published author #pubtip = writing in a series? Clearly mark on your website which is Book #1 in the series, Book #2, Book #3, etc.