Although the title of a MS can change drastically from acquisition to publication, it’s always helpful to have a great title in the query stage to pique an agent’s interest. #querytip

Because it seems to come up over and over again: female characters don't have to be secret martial arts masters / street fighters / any good at punching things at all to be strong. #querytip

I feel like I need to make a twitter account that's just @ObviousSubTips! Friends, Put Your Name Somewhere On the Galdarn Query! You don't get credit for your math test if you don't put your name on it. Same principle applies. PUT YOUR NAME ON IT. #subtip #querytip

Another #querytip #subtip - don't bcc a bunch of agents, we can see that you didn't personalize your letter. Be thoughtful about your work, who you send to, and how you send it. It shows us you're dedicated & have done your research. Serve your work.

It is NEVER a promising sign when your query starts by alluding to the fact that this book is one of 80 you have written and completed. #querytip #amquerying #agentlife It makes me worry about things. Just query the book you want me to rep and don't mention the other 79.

The “Engine Cranking” fix: Ask a couple brand new CPs to read & ID the paragraph that starts your story.

The subtleties that follow engine cranking usually knit all that backstory dumped in those first “engine cranking” paragraphs, beautifully.

#querytip #amwriting #writerslife

First page trouble?

Axe the engine cranking!

Many authors bury their best opening a few paragraphs/pages into their MS
(thread)
#querytip #writerslife

Want to see some tidbits I'm hunting for in Fantasy (and other awesome agents on the lookout for writer!)? Check out Jody Sperling's new article! thejohnfox.com/2018/03/19-new… #amwriting #amediting #querytip #amquerying

Also, saying "My query letter and synopsis are together" will make me immediately dislike you. You clearly haven't researched me if you think I'm ok saying a query and synopsis are the same thing... #querytip

Almost every query tonight has 1, maybe 2 lines about the book. Why? Here's my structure:

1st para: personalization to agent and metadata
2nd para: introduce character and situation/conflict
3rd para: introduce 2nd POV or love interest
4th para: Stakes
5th para: bio
#querytip

Query: "I've included the first five pages and ." <-- unfinished sentence

We all make mistakes, and you gave me a chuckle tonight. But don't forget to reread a couple times. #querytip

Guys, please tell me about your book in the query. Not your aspirations or bio or life story without a scrap of story detail. And please don't then end the query saying you sent 10pgs when my guidelines asks for 5... #querytip

Hello again! Please don't query with a light, pastel font on a white screen? If I have to highlight the text to read it, it's not good? Thanks! #subtip #querytip

Hello! Me again, your friend neighborhood agent in submissions! Popping in to say it reflects poorly when your book shares a title w a bestselling or touchstone novel, esp if it's for the same age category & genre! Do your research! Serve your work! #querytip #subtip

Friends! If you are actually referred to an agency through a real person who exists, please tell us their name! Maybe tell us how you know them! Please put their contact at our agency somewhere in the query! Otherwise I think you're lying to jump the line.... #subtip #querytip

Please do not change fonts randomly throughout or partway through your query. If your query is hard to read physically, it will make it hard to read in terms of comprehension & emotional investment! Serve your work! #querytip #protip

Hello, please do not query with a link or a youtube video. If I open your email & you're asking me to click away, especially with no text in the body, I will delete. Very seriously, never query with just a link. #subtip #querytip

I’m always amused (and fairly horrified) by queries that try to insult me.

Like, has this approach ever worked for anyone? In the history of ever?

It’s not clever or funny. Don’t do it. #querytip

Your teen girl MC being "bored" by other girls is not a selling point for me. #querytip

Too often I see queries for picture books by people who are clearly not reading PBs. This goes for all writing, but if you're writing PBs it is crucial that you *study* picture books published in the last 1-3 years--for format, for voice, for content, for inspiration. #querytip