BookEnds switched to using Query Manager in 2016 (a free query tracking database agents) and we will never turn back. It makes it easy for authors to check on query status & ensures queries don't disappear in crowded inboxes. We can also easily check from phones, etc. #querytip

Even when submitting through a query form you should include a full query letter. Agents like to read and we like to see all the details. #querytip

I have some thoughts on queries today. If you're going to use a name in the referral line of my Query form please be sure to explain in your letter how that person came to refer you. #querytip

To clarify to writers how long it can take agents to answer queries:

- I dove into my box at 5:25
- It is now 6:30
- I have answered 16 queries
#amquerying #querytip #amagenting

Something I've seen a lot of lately.

Word count doesn't determine age category. It's not MG just because it's 50k or below. More likely, you need to edit and change that word count to accurately mirror industry standards for the true category #querytip #amquerying #amagenting

#querytip only query an agent with one MS at a time. Waking up to four consecutive emails from the same author pitching four different manuscripts is a lousy way to start the day.

#querytip If you don’t bother to follow my guidelines, I won’t bother requesting materials. Respect agents’ guidelines if you want us to invest in you

#Querytip: No rhetorical questions.

#QueryTip: Don't lead with "I have not been published." Don't get me wrong, debuts are very attractive! But if you're going to start with bio, make it relevant. However, I always like queries that jump right into the story.

When #amquerying use a font that almost every computer can read, like TNR or Verdana. I often read on my phone and if fancy fonts come through they can be difficult to read. #querytip

"Success doesn't happen to you, it happens because of you." #MondayMotivation #WriterMotivation #QueryTip

#querytip: if your book is a mystery, or has a mystery at the center, don't reveal the answer in your query. It not only undermines the hook in the query itself, but means I can't experience the book the way an editor/reader will. It also sucks the fun out of reading the story!

I am caught up on queries. If you haven't heard back from me, refresh your inbox, check your spam folder, nudge your agent. #querytip

#querytip A common theme I’m seeing today in my box—dry beginnings.

It doesn’t matter how interesting your starting point is if there’s no emotion, no sensory details to ground us.

Keep the reader immersed! Bring them into your MC’s head! THAT is what will hook readers.

It’s an immediate red flag, bc if you don’t read, if you don’t put in that SMALL BIT of effort, it makes me question whether you’re a) serious about publishing and b) able and willing to make edits.

#querytip

Seeing tweets abt "Bending query rules" to"get your foot in the door" w/agents.
Just don't, okay?
Because agents have to know writers CAN respect boundaries, like,for publisher contracts&stuff.
We establish boundaries to manage our work efficiently.We have that right. #querytip

Use all that anger and passion, and express it into your work. #querytip #pubtip #artist

A writer found my parents’ home address and MAILED their self-published book TO THAT ADDRESS with a request for REPRESENTATION.

No. Absolutely not. No. This is NOT okay. It is a huge violation of privacy. I’m appalled.

#querytip

a #querytip for you: why is this press still out here trying to dictate what counts and doesn't count as harassment? agents (many of them women) have also rec'd this sort of mail at home and felt unsafe, and now get to watch their fears dismissed as not "real".

When an author inserts "XXXX" for their synopsis, a required field on my QM sub form, rather than make an effort to properly answer, it says a lot about what it'd be like to work w/that author. Not having yet read their ms, I'm already starting out with a "no" in mind. #querytip