#QueryTip A great title really helps to pique a reader's (or an agent's or editor's) interest (even if it gets changed later). Try to craft a title that raises a question in the reader's mind, and better yet, establishes tone and style. #amwriting #amquerying

Thinking this morning about the difference, as an agent, between a good query and a GIMME query. Both are queries that I’ll ask in, but what happens after that differs pretty widely between the two. (ramblings/thread ahead) (also #querytip)

If you're wondering about genre numbers #querytip #amquerying - I'm working through mid-September queries right now. I have 368 to read, and 227 of them are adult SFF.
So THANK YOU!! Because I LOVE having so many queries!!!
But that's why sometimes it takes a while to get reply.

As a general rule, please do not submit more than one project to me concurrently. #querytip

How NOT to query an agent:

Don't tell me my smile or my young/vibrant appearance on my profile was what persuaded you to query me...

#amquerying #querytip

I have finally caught up to October in my query box! If you subbed earlier and haven't gotten a response, you might be in the Maybe pile 😉 #amquerying #amagenting #querytip

#querytip #subtip - Agents don't market your book or sell your book to bookstores. We aren't publicists. That's not what we do, loves.

#amwriting #writetip #amediting #querytip Filter words are a common problem in self editing. Look thru your MS for "felt, realized, thought, decided, understood, knew, saw," etc. Replace w/stronger verbs & vivid description to reduce distance between reader & character. Example:

You had better believe that if you address your query to me "Dear Sir" it's getting deleted unread #querytip

Hello! #subtip #querytip - if you query an agent & say someone recommended them or it's a referral, make sure that that person & the agent actually... have met or know who each other are.

Please don't just say you queried me b/c I represent YA--what other interests of mine does your ms explore? What other genres define your story? What likes or dislikes do we share? Why would we be a great fit? #querytip

Let’s just go ahead and ban the word “bildungsroman” from query letters, k? Glad we agree there. #querytip

I’ve also experienced the flip side, where a fantastic illustrator has a friend or family member write the text and the text isn’t at the same level of the art. If you are a brilliant illustrator, let your portfolio sell your work to the agent/editor. #querytip

#querytip Guys, agents don't talk about word count limits on projects to be assholes. They want you to produce work you can sell, and word count is part of that

When #Querying, make sure the stakes are clear! Who are your characters, and what do they stand to gain or lose? #QueryTip

A Friday #QueryTip from Jessica Faust... keep this in mind as you write your queries, folks! instagram.com/p/Bo1VOfZHPMY/…

I don't mind that authors query me in genres I don't represent (SFF), but it seems like a waste of your time when other great agents at @bookendslit would be better. Our query forms make it easy. If you don't see your genre on the form, she's probably not for you. #querytip

This is a fantastic #querytip. Read lots of book jackets—especially from sales comparables that could be on the same shelf as your MS. Your query is as much a sales pitch as that book jacket copy. Googling Goodreads + keywords is a great way to find comps. Put comps on query too!

You should definitely check out Query Shark for query advice, samples, and formats. #querytip You can also check out the @bookendslit blog for these things as well. #askagent

Think of your query blurb as the back cover copy of your future book. In fact, knowing that it might actually be used as the basis for your actual cover copy might help you understand its importance. #querytip