#amquerying? I have query and synopsis critiques available! kjohnsonfreelance.com #amwriting #amediting #querytip

#amwritingfantasy? Some opening pages cliches that I will probably pass on: #writetip #querytip #mswl

#QueryTip DO keep formatting in your query simple. One font, no crazy colors or different sizes. No exclamation points

#QueryTip DON'T say you've just finished your novel. It sounds like you haven't edited.

#QueryTip DO: If you are referred to an agent, put the name of shared contact in the Subject Line. Ask contact to let agent know to expect U

#QueryTip: DON'T chase trends Books coming out now were signed 12+ mos ago. So a trend is over B4 you know it's happening. Just be yourself

#QueryTip (cont'd): Keep UR comparison simple, use well-known books & consider other media e.g. TV, film, games or real-life figures (3/3)

#QueryTip (cont'd): Often have no idea what these comparisons mean. These lines can be great, but only if they work. ...2/3

#QueryTip DO: If U compare UR book to others, e,g, A+B meets Y, test the comparison by asking many people to tell you want it means...1/3

#QueryTip DO be nice & professional. Project confidence by letter your writing shine. Bluster comes across as rude and is unappealing

#querytip DO follow guidelines. Many agents delete queries that don't w/out reading them. Can't take on clients who are unprofessional

#QueryTip DON'T describe UR book as literary + genre. Adding literary is reviewing UR own writing & generally means lower sales potential

A query should have a hook, but please do not say "Hook: ___" Make it organic to the pitch! #querytip #amquerying

Know your genre! Check how Amazon categorizes your comp titles; it gives the agent a better idea of what to expect #amquerying #querytip

#querytip Try reverse-engineering the pitch. What does an agent want? What's your big selling point (the conflict or question)? #amquerying

#QueryTip DO: Incl. brief author bio, focus on writing creds (published works, education, memberships), put at end unless something big

#QueryTip DO: Set up your email to accept messages from the agents you query. Agents will not, for example, request access to email you

#QueryTip (cont'd) MG/YA means UR offering something like MG story w\YA length or MG age characters w\ YA subject matter. Who's the reader?

#QueryTip DO: Figure out what genre UR book is B4 you query. e.g. many queries say MG/YA. Doesn't work, automatic reject...

#QueryTip DO: Work UR network to approach agents thru referrals. Best way to get an agent's attn (in addition to writing a great book)