It's amazing to me the number of queries that say "I'm querying you because of your interest in [insert thing I have never said interests me in my whole life]." Agents talk about their interests all over, friends. Do your research. #querytip #subtip

Hi, please don't submit your work for the first time & say, "Thank you for requesting _______" - we have search function in our inbox & also communicate with each other? Come on, folks, you're not sneaky & it doesn't look good. #subtip #querytip

Just a friendly reminder that it’s helpful to include your name and the title of your work in your #query. #querytip

If we ask for a revise & resubmit, don't rush the revisions! We're here; we'll remember you; we can't wait to reread. Often I see authors scramble to finish w/n 4-6 weeks, and that can honestly do a disservice to the book. The edits often feel way too raw. #querytip

Welcome, #RevPit! This #10queries is for anyone, even if you're not entering the contest in April. We aim to instruct, to grow, and to have fun! All weekend, our editors will be chatting about queries and pages and giving feedback. #amediting #amwriting #amquerying #querytip

A #querytip re: evolving equality in fantasy:
Plz don't send me evil creatures w/defining feature of "black."There are so many ways to represent evil w/o resorting to features readers associate w/society's perception of dark color=evil/dangerous. Readers of color deserve better.

#querytip: while you are welcome to query our agency again with new work, doing so the *literal minute* you receive my pass is not the best strategy.

#amwriting #amediting #amquerying #querytip thread cuz apparently I don't know how hashtagging works ;-)

I truly love it when a query tells me the personal connection that drove you to write the book. Just one (seriously: 1) line telling me why you care about the story, or where the idea came from. It helps me see what you wanted to accomplish,&if I can help you reach that #querytip

Women's fiction needs plot. A lot of plot. Just fyi. #querytip #writerstip #WomensFiction

I've said it before & I'll say it again: there is NO REASON spend time trashing other books in your query. "My book is good unlike those frivolous pieces of crap The Hunger Games & 50 Shades so obvi you should rep it" is... not an enticing pitch. #querytip

Couldn't agree more. #querytip Skip me for these, please.

#QueryTip Know how your book compares to titles in the market. To find word counts + more of comps for your WIP, go to arbookfinder.com/UserType.aspx, search for the book, and click on the title for reading level, word count, etc. #amquerying #amrevising

#Querytip If you're writing a heroine or plot line similar to A Shadow Bright & Burning, I'm probably not a fit. Many people ❤️ this book, and I ❤️ my strong female leads. But I just couldn't connect. #amquerying

#QueryTip When I see a submitted manuscript has 140K+ words, I know the manuscript can be further streamlined and is not polished or ready for me yet. #amrevising #amquerying

#subtip Please don't spam folks with queries. I notice when I get the exact same query from you every Wednesday for 6 months at all of the agency's email addresses, & not the good notice. Especially if you don't personalize the query.... #querytip

After speaking at a conference this weekend, I want to stress that gimmicks do not make your query letter stand out. (Well, I guess they do. But not in a good way!). Agencies list what they are looking for in a submission. Take the time to follow their guidelines! #querytip

#QueryTip It's always so hard for me not to respond to queries that aren't good fits for me but have great potential. If you're querying, don't give up. Keep writing, keep revising, keep querying. #amwriting #amquerying

The passive-aggressive query never works. #querytip

Writers, if an agent gives you less than a week to accept or decline their offer of representation, that's unreasonable. Insist on at least a full week, not just to give other agents time to read, but to give YOURSELF time to make this very important business decision. #querytip