#Querytip: stick to a plain, legible font. Your creativity should come through in your writing, not in your liberal use of wingdings!

#querytip
An entire paragraph of comp titles, even more than a few, begins to feel like nothing in your book is unique.
It's a balance, familiar but different.
#amquerying

Still catching up on queries, but looks like I’ve answered everything through May 15th. If not, then I didn’t get it and please try again. #amagenting #querytip

Our talented @PSLiterary crew has grown recently!

If you're querying be sure to research our new associate agent additions: psliterary.com/who-we-are/

#amquerying
#querytip
#newagentalert

How I Personally Feel About Comp Titles in Query Letters (with the caveat that not all agents feel this way) #amquerying #querytip #amwriting tracymarchini.com/2019/06/03/per…

#writetip #querytip When introducing your main character, showing them involved in action rather than standing by and observing the actions of others, can help show readers their personality and spark interest

Picture books are being bought now for publication in 2021, so if you're trying to hit an anniversary, keep in mind that pbs usually take 18 - 24 months to produce! #askagent #querytip #amwriting

Don't break the fourth wall. Don't do it. Do not break that wall. A thread. #writingtip #querytip

Breaking the fourth wall (having the MC speak directly to the reader) is a very difficult thing to do in writing and should only be used for specific themes and voices. 1/3

#querytip Thread
If you're going to use a comparable title that's epic (like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Shadow and Bone), you're setting the agent up to have huge expectations.
If you must use that title...

#amquerying #writingcommmunity

I’m not sure I’ll ever understand people’s loose relationships with font sizes. Just…keep it all the same? #querytip

#querytip I am NOT the right person for books heavily focused on pregnancy. And definitely do not want an opening scene featuring an intense, painful birth.

A pregnancy in the book is okay! Just stories centered around it and the birth process—not for me.

#querytip Make sure I know why the stakes are important to the MC!!

It’s all well and good to have apocalyptic stakes—but if the MC doesn’t have a REASON to care about them, a reason to fight and risk their lives, it’s much harder to connect and make the tension feel palpable.

#querytip If you’re asked to include the first 5 pages as a sample, don’t pull a random chapter from further into the book instead.

If you sent a mid-book sample bc your MS doesn’t pick up traction until then? Probably a good sign you need to re-evaluate your first pages.

#QueryTip for all authors struggling to choose a genre when #amquerying! -- A Rant: Authors MUST Define Their Work! youtu.be/-CCw5fcBMPw via @YouTube

#QueryTip – Research your agent in advance. Searching #MSWL posts and understanding what the agent wants will increase your chances of success. #amquerying

AMAZING thread.

You’re not weak if you can’t look at rejections right away, or if you need someone to be your buffer.

Take care of yourself. Set boundaries. Your mental health is more important than ANYTHING pub related. ❤️

#querytip #amquerying #amwriting

In queries, if you have *very* disparate comps (made-up ex: Shakespeare's Macbeth and "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?"), try to explain your reasoning. Otherwise it's a red flag for me, in that the book doesn't seem to know what genre it's in. #querytip #amquerying

#QueryTip Use a distinctive subject line for your queries! It’s a small way to show you are savvy.

Subject lines like “Query” “Submission request” “PB submission” don’t catch my eye.

Use reading level + genre + title:

“Query for MG Fantasy - MISS MARGARET'S MAGICAL UNICORNS”

Join @bookendsjessica, @bookendskim & @jamerrson as they discuss the 6 Things That Break Your Query Blurb #AmQuerying #QueryTip youtu.be/mrLJgnXuMRg via @YouTube

Friendly reminder:

Query = pitching your book (introduce characters, conflict, tension, hook, leave the reader wanting more)

Synopsis = literal (polished and readable) list of the plot points in your book (not meant to hook or entice, should give EVERY spoiler)

#querytip