Writing a query for a book that still needs to be shaped and thought through will feel (and be) nearly impossible. #querytip

If you are struggling to make the query sound exciting, or hone in on the key points, maybe you need to rethink the book rather than just the query. #querytip

It's why I often recommend authors write the query even before writing the book #querytip

#Querytip Always know that the agent your querying represents the genre you write in!

Breaking into Publishing Means Go Big or Go Home #querytip bookendsliterary.com/2018/04/12/bre…

It's always a red flag when there are multiple errors in your query. If necessary, have someone else read/edit it BEFORE sending to agents! #amquerying #querytip

Why it's important to know your book's genre blog.nathanbransford.com/2018/04/why-it… via @nathanbransford #querytip

#querytip #subtip Please don't just share your google doc with people as a query. I delete those bc of virus potential. + unless I'm purposefully clicking on a link to a website or portfolio, I don't want to navigate out of my inbox for submissions. Follow guidelines.

#querytip #subtip #writingtip - Look at the market. How long are books in your desired age category/genre? It is UNLIKELY that the average book in your category/genre is significantly over 200K words. It is Very likely the average word count is significantly under 200K words.

#subtip #querytip (2/2) Second, don't send an envelope full of random docs & no context. I just received an envelope with replies to previous correspondence from fake news outlets. No letter, no project synopsis, fake author bio. Just don't do this. For 80+ reasons.

#subtip #querytip - (1/2) First, don't mail hard copies of submissions if the agency says they don't take mailed submissions. Wastes paper, wastes time, they're just gonna email you back if they respond. I know agencies who say they just throw paper away. Follow sub guidelines.

Things you should not put in a query letter because I don't need to know. 1) Where you found my information. 2) What genres I like (I already know this). 3) Any info directly pulled from my profile. You have limited space, don't waste it with repetitive info. #querytip

Don't forget to follow @bookendslit where you'll get all the dirt on the entire team, including #querytip & #MSWL

But in general- make sure you check out hashtags like those above (#querytip #amquerying) as well as #MSWL #AmWriting #Writetip. Check the feed of each agent you're specifically planning to query. You might learn your project isn't a great fit for them but better for a colleague

Before you hit send on that email, you should always do your research. Submission guidelines, maybe read interviews, and yes, Twitter! Because: knowing what often triggers rejection for each specific agent will help you avoid it! #querytip #amwriting #amquerying

I'm seeing a lot of YA subs starting w/the protagonists out in the woods, out of "bounds" of their village, out hunting illegally,etc. It all feels a bit too Hunger Games. If your book's doing something very specific a category killer did, start somewhere else.#writetip #querytip

A post where I explain why submission guidelines are important and then beg authors to follow them :-) #Mondayblogs #querytip

#querytip using too many proper nouns like names of ppl & places muddles a query. No matter how creative your names are,they aren't what makes me request. Show me plot. Show me stakes. Show me relationships & arc. Make me need the STORY - I may ask you2 change names later anyway.

As a rule, if we're open to considering a revision of your MS, we'll note that in our initial rejection letter -- it doesn't hurt to ask, but don't be hurt if we decline to take another look. #querytip

It is more likely for their grandparents to have been involved in the Civil Rights movement than their parents. It is more likely for their great-grandparents to have been soldiers/nurses in WWII than their grandparents. #writingtip #querytip