This all comes back to point #2, which is KNOW YOUR GENRE. #querytip 3d/10

First & foremost publishing is a business. On the craft side, if your Adult SFF is clocking in at 50K, that alerts me that not enough work has been put into worldbuilding. Your YA romcom at 150K says to me that not enough has been done to address pacing. (cont.) #querytip 3c/10

Usually, exceptions happen for ESTABLISHED authors. The thing about word count (outside of craft) is that you must consider the ECONOMICS of publishing. The higher the word count the more $$$ is costs to produce your work and the less $ everyone earns. (cont.) #querytip 3b/10

WORD COUNT. There are so many resources out there for writers that offer guidance on appropriate ranges for debut authors in different genres. One response I see a lot is x publisher printed a 400K work, so why can't I? That is the EXCEPTION. (cont.) #querytip 3a/10

Number one thing is know your genre & also know what genres I REPRESENT. Your literary fiction has elements of romance, that's great, still not a good fit for me as I do not represent literary fiction. Don't try to pretend your work is something other than it is. #querytip 2/10

Just realized that February 1st is in ONE WEEK and I'm re-opening to queries. I wanted to do a quick #querytip thread to avoid seeing some common mistakes/pet peeves/problems in the queries I get. #amagenting 1/10

#QueryTip

Even though agents want you to include a summary of your manuscript’s plot in your query letter, it is important to keep it to a minimum. Less is often more as it proves that you make every word count.

A reminder writers that you are so brave. Putting your work out there to be evaluated and criticized by others isn't easy. It take so much courage. You should be proud of yourselves.
#querytip #WritingCommunity

Read a query this morning that was intriguing, and I was excited to look at the pages, but they didn't include any or a synopsis - Reject.

Writers, follow submission guidelines, please.

#Querytip

"Prepare for the worst but hope for the best"...but then what plan do we have if the best happens? Always be ready to go. An agent wants a phone call? Make sure to have several other book ideas on hand so that they know you are more than just your one book. #querytip

#querytip If your query blurb is overly long, it will seem that your book doesn't have a clear focus/or you don't have a clear idea of how to market it. If your query blurb is too short or focuses only on character, then it can appear that the story, itself, is weak.

#querytip Taking time to craft your query blurb is important. Agents base their decision both on what your book is about AND your ability to describe it. We want to see that you a) know the hook of your book b) can show there's a clear plot line and c) use your words wisely.

Same for voice, especially in MG. The lower the count, the more likely it's for a younger reader and has a lighter tone or subject. I often prefer upper MG to be no lower than 35k. #amagenting #querytip

Certain genres tend to skew higher in word count. Sci Fi and Fantasy for YA or Adult should really not be lower than 85k, and that's still a bit low. I'd shoot for 95k as a sweet spot. #amagenting #querytip

Here are some basic counts to keep in mind. Remember, these are averages, so some outliers do exist.

MG - 20,000 - 65,000
YA - 65,000 - 110,000 (I have seen a bit lower, but no lower than 55,000)
Adult - 65,000 - 120/130,000

#amagenting #querytip

Having an Adult Fantasy higher than 130k? For a debut, that's hard to sell. For someone with a long list of proven titles? Maybe less difficult. Same with YA over 110k #amagenting #querytip (2/?)

Word count, word count, word count!

Seriously, writers. Please research your genres and the word counts that accompany them. If you're a debut, these actually are very important #amagenting #querytip

TL;DR word count, esp as a debut author, is ridiculously important KNOW THE ACCEPTABLE RANGE FOR YOUR GENRE

Just remember—word count matters for a reason. Agents and editors harp on it because we WANT you to succeed. And it kills us to see so many shooting themselves in the foot right out the gate.

So do your research. Take a hard look at your word count.

Too high:

What do I have in excess? Do I need to cut down on world building to keep everything streamlined? Do I have too many sub plots? Are there any scenes that aren’t doing work? Am I spending time in an area that the book could do without?