#querytip #writingtips For a work of speculative fiction to hook me, it has to feel genuinely new and high-concept, and the novelty must distill to a 1 or 2 sentence elevator pitch

#querytip a reminder that I DO NOT represent MG.

Slipping into my QueryManager under YA will not get you anywhere. Don’t waste time querying an agent with something they explicitly don’t represent—use the time to find agents who DO and give yourself the best chance possible!

I guess I need to post this once again. PLEASE do not try to pitch to me, tell me about your book, or give me your bio on social media. This means FB, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Your message will 100% be deleted immediately. #amagenting #querytip

Trying to craft your query letter? Check out @ericsmithrocks website for a whole collection of client query letters complete with commentary on why they were successful: bit.ly/35ugy9r #amquerying #querytip

So #subtip #querytip - Please don't query with a manuscript already under contract with a publisher because you're unhappy with your publisher?????

#19 Lastly, try to be part of the community. Conferences are WONDERFUL places to gain critique partners or writing groups. Success from your writing mates only gives those conferences better support, too, so share your steps forward! #amagenting #querytip

#18 Ask questions in sessions if there is Q&A! We love engaging w/ audience and clarifying confusing bits. And, if there's extra time, don't be scared to ask if questions can be on anything industry-related, not just the session topic. Some will say yes #amagenting #querytip

#17 Find places approved for socializing. Mixers/group dinners. Don't grab us in the hallway (or bathroom!) . Especially for some, this can be seen as a risky situation, pulled into a corner by a stranger. We love talking to you but judge the moment #amagenting #querytip

#16 If you query the agent following the conference, don't forget to mention you either met them or attended their session! That's a great personalization for your greeting. We love seeing connections from these events #amagenting #querytip

#15 You're allowed to network and be social. But we appreciate not being pitched to unless a) we ask what you write or b) you have scheduled time with us already. We're there to find authors, so we'll ask, but the timing needs to be right #amagenting #querytip

#14 Give the story first. That's what we'll fall for. Save the bio/inspiration/motivation for if we ask. We love you, but we need to love your story first. Plus, you want to get that in before time runs out, and bios take up a lot of time #amagenting #querytip

#13 Start the pitch with genre, age category, & word count. Then give character, conflict, and consequences/stakes. After that, the agent will usually ask questions and guide you into more explanation. This isn't a one-sided convo. We are involved to help! #amagenting #querytip

#12 See live pitching as a way to improve/gain feedback. Don't go in thinking it's your 1 chance to get representation. It's not. We may request, but we're there to give advice, sharpen your query/pitch, or point out areas of your story that aren't clear #amagenting #querytip

#11b Ex: When 2 women are talking and one mentions "you can totally pull that outfit off!", don't jump in as you're walking by and say "but that would make her naked!"

Gross. Rude. Unprofessional. And yes, this ACTUALLY happened
#amagenting #querytip

#11 OKAY, here's the big one. Do not jump into someone else's conversation and sexualize it. This is rude, gross, and makes everyone feel uncomfortable. (explained next) #amagenting #querytip

#10 Yet again, don't argue! We give advice, feedback, direction. Go ahead, internalize it, write it down, go complain in the privacy of your room on the phone with someone. Be professional. You don't have to take the feedback but be polite. #amagenting #querytip

#9 Avoid saying "I don't want to waste your time" in your pitch. That immediately brings negative context into the room. Smile, say nice to meet you, and then dive into the pitch. Leave no room to put yourself down! #amagenting #querytip

#8 If the agent details problematic areas (or themes they don't read i.e. rape or incest or self harm) don't argue! Don't say "but this is different so you should give it a chance." We have reasons and won't change our mind because you think "it's the best" #amagenting #querytip

#7 Immediately tell us if your title has been self published before. Don't wait until the very end when you're rushing to finish. This could affect the agent's answer depending on if it was recent, still up, or has been completely revised and change #amagenting #querytip

#6 If an agent doesn't request, don't be rude/mutter complaints under your breath. Whether in front of agent OR when leaving the room. Volunteers hear you, and word gets around. We will find out and your pettiness won't be forgotten #amagenting #querytip