Catching up on queries, and I found 17 in a folder they shouldn't be in because my name wasn't in the subject line. If you want your queries answered: Please 👏 Follow 👏The 👏 Instructions 👏. Added bonus: you won't get mad at me for never answering you! #querytip #pubtip

#querytip #query

Make sure the tone of your query letter matches the tone of your submission. Don't let there be a miscommunication between the two like there is between this scuba diver and shark.

#amwriting #amediting #writers #WritingCommunity

When you transition from one line to the next in your query summary/pitch, the relationship between those two lines is dictated by how your story unfolds ("But" vs "Therefore"). If you're not sure what I mean, I suggest watching this: youtube.com/watch?v=vGUNqq… #querytip

Something I really enjoy seeing in a query is when someone tells me why they thought I would like their MS. Referencing my MSWL or my profile means you took the time to research your agents. These queries are my favorite, and I thank you for it. #querytip #amquerying

Comp titles are there to help agents/editors see how a book will fit on shelves/into the CURRENT market, so it’s important that the ones you provide be both *relevant* and *recent* #querytip

When #amquerying an agent be specific with your target audience and CONFIDENT that it will gain a fanbase! Ex- Is your book for obsessive cat lovers? Say so! #querytip

I will say it again and put you on blast this time, DO NOT MASS EMAIL AGENTS your unsolicited query, JERRY! It is an automatic delete! #querytip

The age old question- "Do you accept queries from writers in X?" Short answer: YES. Long answer: Does Where You Live Matter When Querying? #QueryTip #WritingCommunity youtu.be/srwpN6Uhdmw via @YouTube

Note to writers: don't EVER mention your genitals in a query. Just...don't #querytip

Advice! Don't email agents like you know us, please, especially if you get our name wrong, and don't assume we know what you're talking about if you ask us a question about the industry with no context. #subtip #querytip

#querytip I know agents give out a lot of tips around querying, but honestly, we just want to know you tried. It's ok if your query isn't perfect. Give it your best and it'll show.

Best of luck #amquerying

Y’all.

If you’re going to write a story about the horrific genocide of an entire community

maybe

JUST maybe

don’t write it from the POV of a white character directly involved carrying out said genocide???

#querytip

This has been First Paragraph of a Query Letter 101 with Adria Goetz. Remember to list your basics and nail down your elevator pitch and you’ll be golden! Go get ‘em! You’ve got this! #querytip

Other common querying mistakes: bashing other books in the same age group/genre as yours, word count too high/low, not including the basics, and when it doesn't feel like a professional email. #querytip

This looks like: “My novel is about love and fear and forgiveness and mental health issues and my protagonist overcomes many obstacles to accomplish her goal.”

This doesn't give me any sense for what actually happens in your book! #querytip

Now let’s talk about what you ~shouldn’t~ do in the first paragraph. A common mistake I see is when writers use this precious real estate to list the themes or issues explored in their project. This feels vague and fluffy to me. #querytip

The first paragraph is also the right place to mention any specifics on why you’re querying the agent in question—referred by one of their clients, saw something specific on their MSWL, etc. Keep it professional though! #querytip

I look for the first paragraph of a query letter to include a birdseye view of the project—AKA the basic stats (title + age group + genre + word count), as well as a sentence-long elevator pitch. This grounds the agent in the project + shows that you know your stuff. #querytip

Formatting, font and design matter. Obviously we read with our eyes & if we are reading submissions with poor margins, inconsistent formatting, or a weird font it gives us an impression before we even read a word. #querytip

All of us as readers respond to voices. The writing you create doesn’t have to be full on business mode. Your voice should shine through. #QueryTip youtube.com/watch?v=AYyw78… via @YouTube