We all started as Literary Assistant, Editorial Assistant or other & it was there we made our first acquisition or signed our first author. One day, when an assistant requests your material, be excited. They are the future "big-name agent" you always wanted. #querytip

If you include the words “my recently finished novel” in your query it makes me think you are sending me a first draft. 😳
#SlushInsight #querytip

When starting with dialogue make sure it’s something that would make you want to listen in on if overheard somewhere.
#SlushInsight #querytip

Been thinking about this one for awhile and it's something that drives me (and others) crazy, so: #querytip time!

Make sure you are doing your proofing BEFORE you start submitting to agents -- whether it's via e-mail or at a conference. It's tough to read someone's pages

A synopsis (not the pitch in the query) needs to show the beginning, middle and ending. (Yes, I need spoilers.) I need to see the story arc. If the synopsis doesn’t tell the ending, I question if the book has one, especially if it’s pitched as a series.
#SlushInsight #querytip

Your best bet is to be specific about whom you're querying with their name, and please use correct pronouns and honorifics where applicable - if they have any online presence, you'll find their pronouns. #querytip #subtip

#querytip #subtip You can query "dear sir or madam" if you want, "mr. or ms." but it tells me you didn't do your research. If you just query "dear sir" & there are no men working at the agency, you didn't do your research and are misogynist both. Throwing it out there.

@kissedbyink this is a great idea for a blog. hollowayliteraryagency.com/2018/09/05/why… #querytip

#querytip reminder that it's a common courtesy to withdraw your query from agents still considering it if you accept representation from another agent.

hey #querytip or maybe just, like, life tip. if you're thinking of making your title a pun on the name of one of the most horrific mass murders and genocidal actions in history maybe ... don't do that thing.

#querytip Please in query ONE project at a time.

For fiction -- whether a children's picture book, a middle grade novel, a YA novel - don't write/pitch them as lessons for kids. This will = a swift rejection from me and most #literaryagents #amquerying #querytip #kidlit #amwriting @NJSCBWI

#querytip Please don’t send unsolicited queries to my direct email. Go through the agency and follow the guidelines. It makes the turnaround process smoother. If you want to make sure I’ve received your query you can always message me on Twitter and I’ll confirm for you.

.@jamerrson & I sat down to make another video for @bookendslit and we bored ourselves so much we decided not to inflict it on you. So instead our #querytip video from earlier this week will have to suffice. youtube.com/watch?v=BpQxUc… Enjoy!

#QueryTip and request: Please double space your manuscript pages and use paragraph indentions with an easy-to-read font (no italics please). Single space can be difficult to read, and I want to read your work. I'd hate to miss you due to formatting. #amquerying

Just a friendly reminder that sending a well-crafted query letter to our submissions inbox following our guidelines is the ONLY way to win me over when it comes to your project. There's no need to get creative with packages... 🙃 #querytip #dontdoit

Tip-toeing around and assuming I know what you're talking about is not enticing. Think of back cover copy. You need to get to the heart of what's happening to grab the reader and get them to read. #querytip

I'm sorry my posts are so early in the am when not everyone sees, but that's when I work. In queries, tell me what "the worst thing possible" is. In other words: Don't: She faced the worst thing possible. Do: She was devasted when her husband had an affair. #querytip

4. The accidental pregnancy/using a baby as the only tension in romance is not my jam.
5. Psychological thrillers are basically with emotional turmoil. Anything too emotionally/psychologically dark and I don't like it.
6. I don't represent PBs or chapter books. #querytip

10 things I wish writers knew about me:
1. I don't like Christmas stories, but I love Christmas as a holiday.
2. I have a horse but I don't usually like horse stories.
3. I'm not an animal main character person, even in MG. I can never connect, even though I love them.
#querytip