#querytip, if the agency policy is that you can only query one agent per MS, please don't query multiple agents. We can see this, and it doesn't look good.

Pitch events are the exception. Or if you have made significant changes to the MS. Thank you!! 😊

LOL at the guy in submissions who just put Susanna, Shana, and Susan in the subject line of this email & began it with, "Gentlemen." 101, kids. Pick ONE person, and research their gender. #subtip #querytip

Think of a query letter like a cover letter. It is your first professional introduction. #querytip

And while we're here: 10 passes on your query is NOTHING. Keep trying! #querytip

I've had an upsurge in people responding to my query passes asking why, and honestly the primary reason is always going to be this: I get about 300-400 queries per month & can only read about 15-20 manuscripts per month, including clients'. The numbers are just hard. #querytip

Lately I've been getting quite a bit of subs with word counts that are way off for their genres, so here's the classic but ever relevant post by @ChuckSambuchino on word count that all querying authors should read. #querytip #writetip twitter.com/WritersDigest/…

Do You Know The Difference Between Literary, Upmarket and Commercial Fiction?

Knowing how to categorize your work is one of the most important skills a writer needs to know–especially while querying. Here’s an infographic to help. bit.ly/1WLrOpD #writetip #querytip

Dear Writers,

I am currently caught up to JUNE in my Maybe Pile and AUGUST in my General Pile! =] #querytip #amquerying

I LOVE it when a query is short, around 500 words or so, and the writer brilliantly includes: appropriate greeting, hook, genre, length, protagonists, conflict, comps, info about them, appropriate sign off. #querytip

Someone referred to personalizing the query as "tush-kissing."

That's a bitter misconception. We aren't looking for ego-stroking. Personalization is stating the reason you want us to be your literary agent. Often it's simply because we rep what you write. #querytip

#querytip Resist the urge to have your subject line look like spam (thank you, no, I am not in need of male enhancement).

Also, don't call me "gentlemen" in your salutation.

Wait, maybe this book really *is* for male enhancement.

Real talk right now #authors: if you submit a manuscript to a publisher (or agent) via an open call/website, it is CRUCIAL that you follow their criteria. It's step #1, the easiest part, and willfully ignoring guidelines is a waste of your time (and ours). #querytip #pubtip

Last week, fiction. This week: Do Author's Need a Platform for Non-Fiction? #WritingCommunity #QueryTip youtu.be/2ZnV8BDjaPk via @YouTube

We don't restrict whom you submit to, as your process is entirely your own. However each agent you choose to query should be properly targeted and addressed in a single e-mail so you can show them that they are the best match to represent the work. #Querytip #WritingCommnunity

I’m so frustrated, so random #querytip, DO NOT email 100-some agents and tell them to start bidding money for your query, and that for each bid, you will release one word of your manuscript. It cracks me up that you all think we’ve got thousands of dollars lying around to—

Don't do this - EVER!
#Querytip #SlushInsight #WritingCommunity

Generally, a rejection is a rejection unless we've asked to see the project again after a revision. Unless it's undergone a major overhaul (which generally does not happen in a week), please do not resend. #querytip 2/2

I'm seeing a lot of quick repeat queries lately. As in, one of our agents rejects a project, & the author resubmits within a few days/weeks that they have done a fast edit based on the rejection feedback. Please pay attention to sub guidelines on agency sites. #querytip 1/2

A little clarity for you: my query reply rate is 88.3%; my submission reply rate is 84.4%. Meaning, I answer rather quickly. But I STILL have 312 unread queries, 61 others in the Maybe pile, & 23 submissions to read. Plus life, current clients, & 2nd job.

IT IS A LOT. #querytip

Agents don’t live in their inbox, nor do we answer emails within ten seconds. #querytip