Get to know new #literaryagent Savannah Brooks @slbrooks91 from @JDLitAgency in this Agent Monday Q&A! #pubtip #MondayBlogs #amquerying #amwriting #querytip #kidlit #fiction marielamba.wordpress.com/2019/02/18/age…

What Really Matters is the Query Blurb #QueryTip bookendsliterary.com/2019/02/18/que…

#querytip following instructions isn't an arbitrary rule we set up just to sweat you. A lot of agents use keywords & filters to keep their inboxes organized, so when you ignore instructions your query can wind up in the wrong folder, in a junk folder, or automatically deleted.

The problem with starting your query with a rhetorical question is that if the question doesn’t mean something to the reader it loses its impact.
#querytip #SlushInsight

Another wonderful addition. Don't send me LGBTQA+ work that hasn't been seen my MULTIPLE sensitivity or beta readers. Just don't. You should have these readers for anything you write, so please just do it. #amquerying #querytip

It's a new year and all that but I can guarantee the one thing that I will never be looking for in my inbox: vampires. #querytip #pubtip #antiMSWL #JustCallMeBuffy

I've noticed that the amount of query space a writer devotes to his reasons for writing, the less likely I am to enjoy the sample pages. #querytip

PSA for querying writers: please make sure you don't have your anti-spam settings up so high it's impossible to get to you! If my query reply gets rejected bc I'm not on an "approved contacts" list or similar, you just won't hear from me. 😟 #querytip

WEAK character development in a pitch = "Two girls who are kids just like any other kid."

STRONG character development in a pitch = "Two girls with powers in a land that has lost its magic."

#querytip
#agenting

ex. from THE DOOR TO THE LOST by @JaleighJohnson

Just an FYI to all those querying me right now, my replies may be a bit later than usual since it's #PitchWars time! Trying to read as fast as possible, though ❤️ #querytip #amquerying #amagenting

Do not recommend addressing an agent as “Hi dear” when querying. #protip #querytip

When submitting sample pages always submit the first pages or chapter. If you feel that material is not important to the book then it shouldn't be in there at all. #querytip

Follow-up: if your background/experience plays into elements of the manuscript (your MC is also a graphic designer, studied biology, has a child w a disability, plays X instrument), that's HELPFUL to know in the query. It means you know what you're talking about. #querytip

It is NOT a negative. It won't matter one way or another if you mention in the query, but we will ask when we offer rep what you do for a living (out of curiosity, getting to know you/your background, etc). Publishers also work with your schedule re: promotion. #querytip

To those worried that an agent might not want to rep you if you've parted ways with an agent before, this isn't true. I've signed authors who previously had rep. One of my best examples is the fabulous @nickipaupreto, whose debut, CROWN OF FEATHERS, comes out tomorrow! #querytip

WEAK pitch = "Protagonist was surprised when a meteor landed near their house."

STRONG pitch = "Protagonist was just outside the blast radius when a meteor landed near their house."

#agenting
#querytip

If you were agented before and you're querying new agents, please mention that you had representation in your query letter. Also, it'd be very helpful if you mention who your previous agent was. #querytip

Please pay attention to submission guidelines when #amquerying. I ask for everything I need to properly review your work. If the query is nondescript, there's no synopsis *and* no sample pages, I don't really have anything to evaluate and it'll be an automatic pass. #querytip

#querytip no short story collections or novella submissions for me, please. I love to read them, but they're almost impossible to sell, especially from debut authors.

Advice for querying writers: Write short, professional emails to agents you respect. Copy the language, style & format of backcover copy. Then: keep writing, reading, critiquing. #keepon #querytip