One of the most simple forms of success with querying is just following directions. Use the proper query layout; address the agent or editor personally; state your genre, age range, title, and word count first or last in your query; include the asked for content! #querytip

Hi loves, ELM does Not take submissions by mail. If you are an illustrator, please don't send me your postcards, etc, delightful as they are. Please send me your query telling me what you're looking for & what projects you want to pursue. Thank you! #subtip #querytip

Most of my requested partials and fulls go onto my e-reader for later. #querytip: label files with last name/title/partial (or full) so I can find your project in the mix. "3chap.docx" gets overlooked easily because I don't know who sent it and I'll move to the next.

Authors: If you sign with an agency and have your query out to other agents, remember to pull the submission from those agents who still have it. #querytip

Just FYI, I'm closed to all queries except requests from conferences/contests. Trying to clean the box out! #amagenting #querytip #amquerying

Remember, when you receive form rejections, that they may have to do with the agent, not the book. I often see concepts, especially in PBs, that are WONDERFUL, but simply too similar to something already on my list. #querytip

This is SO IMPORTANT. A common mistake I see is that instead of outlining clear stakes, the author writes, "The protagonist must face a series of obstacles. Will they X or X?" Don't speak in generalities; give us the most specific logline you can. #querytip

Your query should be written by you, not your dog. Even if it IS their story. #justsayin #querytip

Relatedly, I've seen an uptick of comp titles that are only TV or Movies. While these can be helpful, I do still want to know where your book fits in the current Book Market! Pop culture comps are most helpful when paired with a thoughtful and recent novel comp! #querytip

#querytip Be sure you’ve READ the books you’re using as comp titles

I’ve been receiving a lot of emails from writers (very politely!) requesting feedback, referrals, or explanations after I’ve passed on their query. I understand wanting these things but agents receive more than 30 queries a day—we unfortunately don’t have time. #querytip

#querytip #amquerying please don’t bash other writers in your market in your query letter. It won’t make you sound better than them, it will make you sound like a jerk to me.

6. Remember that this is a very subjective business. Even if you do everything right in a query it's possible that your work might not be right for me. That doesn't mean your writing is bad or your work will never sell. It just means that I'm not the right agent for it. #querytip

5b. Most common bit of feedback I have for authors outside of word count/genre is: I don't think you are starting this story in the right place. #querytip

5a. Also don't send me 3 random chapters from the manuscript. if the first 3 chapters have nothing to do with your blurb, consider whether the blurb needs to change or if you actually need those chapters. #querytip

5. Pay attention to what agents ask for as a sample. I request first 3 chapters. If you start with a prologue (why?) then send prologue, ch 1 and ch 2. If you question whether sending the prologue is a good idea then consider if it's necessary or if you should scrap it. #querytip

4. Things that should be in your query: title, genre, word count, comps if you know them, a brief blurb & a bio that includes any publishing credits/awards. (That may seem formulaic, but there are ways to tailor a standard query to make your voice shine through.) #querytip

3. When querying don't self-reject! Follow submission guidelines and don't start off your query telling me how you know you aren't a very good writer! If you don't believe in yourself, how can I believe in you? #querytip

2. I represent romance, young adult and science fiction/fantasy. My #MSWL can be found here: manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/eva-…

The categories are broad, but as a general rule I do not represent nonfiction, middle grade, picture books, literary fiction, poetry or screenplays. #querytip

Hi writer friends! I'm opening back up to queries tomorrow: OCTOBER 1ST and I wanted to do a quick #querytip thread to remind and help you through the process.

1. Follow my submission guidelines! Query + first 3 chapters may be submitted here: QueryMe.Online/evascalzo