#querytip Learn your hyphens:

1) a fifty-five-year-old
2) a fifty-five-year-old man
3) a group of ten- to twelve-year-olds

No hyphen:

4) ten years old
5) ten years of age

You wrote a series. That's awesome. BUT, only focus on Book #1 in the query.

You can mention it's intended to be the first of a series, but the agent/editor is only focusing on THAT story. If necessary, they'll ask you about the series details later. #querytip

Don't tell me the book themes - loss, love, healing; give me the character, the conflict, and the stakes. When in doubt RESEARCH #querytip

So, the first six queries tonight are all one big smashed paragraph that barely tells me anything about the book. People, if you do zero research you will have zero success. #querytip

#querytip Please be aware of word count ranges for your manuscript's genre. There are exceptions to every guideline, of course, but word counts too far in either direction mean it'll need a lot of time & effort to expand or cut.

#QueryTip = Publishers Marketplace is a great place to research agents before submitting to them (note: still check agent website for submission guidelines, though):

publishersmarketplace.com/members/SaraMe…

Submit questions to @DanaLDavis and win a first chapter critique from ME. Go watch the video to find out how to do that. #WeNeedDiverseBooks #amwriting #amquerying #querytip #askagent #amediting

It is not appropriate to privately message agents on Facebook, or to DM them for updates on the status of your submission. We know you're waiting. We know you're excited. But we also need to maintain professional boundaries. #querytip

@CorvisieroLit is officially open to queries again! Check out the agent bios and be sure to submit to our Query Manager profiles! #amquerying #querytip corvisieroagency.com/representation…

Remember: while your book may be fun and imaginative, this is still a business and your letter should be appropriately professional. #querytip

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT write your query letter in the POV of your MC. Just no. #querytip

Also, comps help me see how much you understand your genre (and you should be familiar with the genre you’re writing in), so be thoughtful with the titles you select. #querytip

Please please *please* use comps. Comps help me understand your intention with the story. You can list similar books, or use the “X meets Y” formula. If you think there’s nothing similar out there, you’re wrong. #querytip

Have someone completely unfamiliar with your book read your query letter. If they understand the plot/concept, you’re good. #querytip.

That said, don’t give me the *entire* plot. Just a teaser. Read some jacket copy or watch a movie trailer if you’re not sure what I’m talking about. #querytip

If your query letter is only a few sentences, and none of those actually describe the plot, you’re doing it wrong. #querytip

First off: follow the guidelines. In my case, I ask that you submit through the website form. I don’t accept pitches over twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn (and yes, all 3 have happened). #querytip

#querytip #subtip - spell the person you're subbing to's name correctly, pls? It's a small thing, not a deal breaker, but I just CRINGE when people write "Suzanne" or "Suzan" - if you take the time to seek out 1 agent, take the time to spellcheck their name.

Writers, please remember that not all #querytip / #subtip advice is necessarily *good* advice, even from pub professionals. Agents & editors have very different rules / expectations, & sometimes ridiculous hoops—and that’s all frustrating, I know. :\

If you accidentally query an agent while they are closed to queries, never fear--you can query again when they reopen! #querytip