Pet peeve: Queries that begin with,"imagine you live in a world where..." Instead, describe your characters' experiences #querytip

Query and Synopsis Critiques Available! Let's make your submission shine #amquerying #querytip #amediting #amwriting kjohnsonfreelance.com

ICYMI, I had a lot to say about writing queries over the weekend. #QueryTip #TriadaTip

twitter.com/laurenspieller…

I do not represent screenplays. Wouldn't even know what to do. Pitching me one is a waste of yours and my time. #querytip #queryfail

Also, if it helps, you can check out these summary-writing guidelines I wrote up a few years ago. laurenspieller.com/2012/11/29/the… #QueryTip

Any questions? #QueryTip

That's it. That's a query. #QueryTip

What's your character want? What's in the way of them getting it? What's at stake on an external AND internal level if they fail? #QueryTip

TL;DR? #QueryTip

And because we know what she wants/needs, we know what's at stake [internally] if she fails. #QueryTip

Establish who your MC is & what she wants, then show us how the central [external] conflict stands in the way of her getting it. #QueryTip

But I can practically hear you shouting "but how do I do that in 300 words?!" The answer? CAREFULLY. #QueryTip

"The World is Burning" will never be as compelling as "I am afraid of being a failure in my mother's eyes." #QueryTip

That's why, when shit hits the fan, she doesn't simply give up & move--there's something PERSONAL at stake for her #QueryTip

What motivates her to risk her life instead of simply moving to a new village? #QueryTip

Let's look at an example, shall we? #QueryTip

Not only does that drive the action, but it's the only way to fully understand what is at stake if she fails. #QueryTip

And yes, we need to know what the main conflict is. We need to know what *happens* in your book, especially if it's plot-driven. #QueryTip

It's Saturday, so naturally I'm thinking about querying, and what makes an effective summary. Here are a few #QueryTip -s, coming atcha...

#QueryTip DON'T say UR ms. needs editing/polish. If you need an editor hire one or work with critique partners. Agents aren't free editors