#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)

#QueryTip DO: Study query letters & use critique partners to make them perfect. Agents won't get to the sample if the query letter is bad

#QueryTip DO: If you are going to personalize UR query, be sure to get the details right. Better off w/none (which is fine frankly)

#QueryTip DO Bulk of query should your characters, what they want/conflict, stakes if they don't get it. Focus on the why not plot points

#QueryTip DO: Begin the query by talking about your book NOT yourself, why you chose agent, or reviewing UR work. And don't review yourself

#QueryTip DON'T tell an agent you are giving them an exclusive they haven't requested. To me seems entitled, automatic reject

#querytip It's important to follow sub guidelines; it helps agents get what they need when they need it & helps you get a timely response.

#querytip Saying you "just completed" this novel makes it sound like a first draft. You should never sub a first draft. #amquerying

#querytip If font of salutation and font of query are different, huge sign this was a mass mailing. At least pretend you connected with me!

#CLAqueries Hist Fic I do NOT want: Shakespeare, Henry VIII, Civil War, Greek Gods/Myths. If I think of more, I'll share =] #querytip

#CLAqueries Don't forget stakes. Telling me what happens means nothing if there's no driving reason for the MC #querytip

#CLAqueries Your bond w/ an agent shouldn't be that you both like Harry Potter. A major part of the book world LOVES Harry Potter #querytip

#CLAqueries For me, personally, diary page format doesn't click. Not engaging enough. However, other agents may disagree? #querytip

#CLAqueries Beginning with "Let me take you on a journey" is probably not the best option. Go right into story, not theming #querytip

Please query only completed (preferably thoroughly edited) novels. It makes our jobs (and your query process) a lot easier. #querytip

A #query letter that claims their book could be sold as either YA or NA, tells me this writer is not reading enough. #querytip

#TipTuesday: There are better ways to start your #queryletter than a string of rhetorical questions. #querytip

Nothing about the author, no closing (i . e "Sincerely etc). But then an attachment I did not ask for. A total #queryfail #querytip 3/3

#QueryTip DON'T get the details wrong, if you personalize. e.g. "I'm querying you b/c you love genre X" tho agent has never said that

#querytip DO: Run UR query by critique partners, test UR hook out on random people to see if they get it, polish before your send