Friday writing quote:

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” - Stephen King

#amagenting #literaryagent #amquerying #querytip #amwriting #WritingCommunity #writers #quotesoftheday #writing #writers #amediting

I've said this before, but have someone who hasn't read your book read your query letter. You'll want to make sure it makes sense to someone who isn't familiar with your story. I get a lot of queries that seem to assume I know more about your world than I do. #querytip

Recently, almost every querying author who I ask about their goals says they want to quit their job and write full time. This is a fantastic goal, but please do your research, because the financial realities of this industry may not be what you think! #QueryTip #WritingCommunity

Query box update!

I have finally gone through ALL QUERIES.
Currently, I have 60 in my Maybe box; I also have 39 submissions needing to be read/reviewed.

PLEASE be patient with me 😓
#amagenting #querytip #amquerying

#querytip for when an agent has your partial/full: unless you are making *really* substantive changes to an MS, we don't need to see multiple iterations/drafts while considering -- being sent constant updates is both overwhelming and hard to keep track of in terms of dates.

I’ve been spending my tea hour catching up on queries this week (sorry, Merge Dragons) and here’s another hot take: you don’t need to bend over backwards for a catchy logline. Most queries don’t need it! #querytip

ICYMI! #QueryTip #AmAgenting #WritingCommunity

This is good advice! I literally am always advising people to be more specific in their queries. Themes are vague! They don't communicate the shape of your arc. And often, they are generic. Character, goals, obstacles, stakes--those should be the focus of your letter. #querytip

Summertime! ☀️☀️☀️

Which means Dunham Literary will be closing to *unsolicited* queries next month (July 15th-September 7th).

If you have a referral, a conference code, or a pitch contest ❤️ (heart) - those are solicited queries & you can still send one.

#querytip

Here's a #querytip for those in the #querytrenches: Always take the time to research who you are sending to. I can't tell you how many people send me "I'm looking for representation" or YA or 100000 word novel. I can't take those and I don't represent, I'm with the publisher. <3

Lots of varying answers here because let’s face it publishing is weird.
But for most, a self published book will NOT be picked up by a traditional imprint.
Are there exceptions to every rule? Of course. The trick is to not assume you are the exception.
#askagent #querytip

A #querytip that I'm reading April queries right now.

It's veggie burger night in the Nordstrom household, and I can smell the burgers but they're not ready yet. I'm going to do one of those threads where I tweet about my queries and try to get through a handful before the burger lands in front of me. Ready? #QueryTip

For authors querying me personally: I get a lot of stuff where folks are worried about triggering content in my inbox. My past life is as a crisis social worker, so I'm good to read what you send me, and I put detailed CWs on all my submissions to editors! #QueryTip #AmAgenting

I'm not sure when exactly, but I'll be closing to queries at some point this summer. Likely late June/early July. Just a heads up. #QueryTip

How Literary Agents View Comp Titles youtu.be/tJY9fSIGJJY via @YouTube #writingcommunity #querytip

I will also be removing this verbiage. Please note that for queries, I prefer diverse and inclusive, identity-driven stories, that reflect the first-hand, lived experiences of the author/s. ✌️ #QueryTip #AmAgenting #WritingCommunity

Please make sure to read agents' submission guidelines! It saves everyone a lot of time and trouble. #amquerying #querytip

Are you using a template to send out your query letter to multiple literary agents at once? Be sure to double check that the information is correct for each agent. #QueryTip

Worth a read to help create a strong opening
#querytip #amquerying #WritingCommunity