I know the constant rejection can feel demoralizing, but please don't insult agents who reject you. I often request new MSs from people whose previous queries I rejected. But if you call me nasty names or insult me, I'm just going to ask you not contact me again. #QueryTip

"How do I know a publisher/agent is right for me and my books before I query with them?"

Read the "about us" page and look at their current catalogue. Do they publish books you would compare to yours? Same genre and target audience? Are they active on social media? #querytip

Tip to write a great synopsis: write a couple of sentences for each chapter, don’t worry about writing big paragraphs for your entire book; it’s easier to break it down per chapter and then merge it. #writingtip #querytip

For those following along at home, I'm at 730 queries so far in the month of March. I've answered everything through March 16th (over 600). About 100 or so are unread—the influx has slowed to a more normal pace, thankfully. #WritingCommunity #querytip

Query tip: Economy of words in a small space. Remove unnecessary passive voice from your query summary so that every word contributes to relaying your story & your sentences have a nice, tight flow. #WritingCommnunity #writingadvice #writers #amquerying #amediting #querytip

Vagueness is the enemy in a query letter. If you bring up obstacles, tell us what they are, if you make bold statements, clarify them with details. We have to read letters so swiftly, and it's easier to comprehend if you are specific. #querytip

Quick #querytip: When sending requested materials, save the file name similar to LastName_DOCUMENTNAME_Full so I can find it in my files. Names like 10pgs.doc may get shuffled in the mix and overlooked if I can't find your last name on my ereader. Kthxbai

So this question deserves an entire workshop. I have one on this LOL, but the biggest thing I can say in a tweet is to make sure you've edited, had other eyes on it, and it's well written and relevant/necessary to the story. It's a promise to the reader #querytip #asktheeditor

Perhaps start thinking of querying as "query and pages" instead of just query letter. I'm seeing some writers only referring to the query and acting like it's the end all be all and, for many agents, it's not
#amquerying #querytip

Noticing some interesting writer thoughts today so to clarify a couple things:

Querying works. End of day, it's the most dependable

Querying isn't always just a query. Many ask for some sample pgs and/or synopsis

#amquerying #querytip

Check out the @belcastr YouTube for our newest video: Agent Expectations - What Can an Agent Do or Not Do?
youtube.com/watch?v=wq9mx7…

Big thanks to @annmrose and @evascalzo for joining in and answering questions!
#amagenting #querytip #amquerying #writingcommunity #amwriting

I've been catching up on queries and submissions this evening. One thing I'm noticing a lot of is queries without an actual blurb. Tell us what's *happening* in the book, not what the themes or takeaways are. Not sure how? Read the jacket copy of your favorites #QueryTip

Always make sure to query in batches and to keep a positive mindset. Success doesn’t come overnight!✨
.
.
.
.

#writingtip #editing #editingtip #literature #reading #book #books #authors #Writingcommunity #WritingLife #query #querytip #querymotivation

Hey all! So, since I'm having surgery next week and will be pretty mia in the query box due to it, I'm closing to queries for a bit starting Monday so I can be sure to catch up.

Send in those queries now!
#amagenting #querytip #amquerying #WritingCommunity

There's no secret trick to getting to the top of our slush pile. Sometimes it really comes down to whether or not we find these "errors" in your manuscript. #querytip

Here's a big #querytip for you from #asktheeditor
If you've already queried me, UNLESS you've significantly revised the manuscript (& I've signed some so that's a real thing), please don't try again thinking I'd forget, or worse yet, forget to track who you've queried already

If anyone wants to tune in I recorded myself on IG answering 90 questions on “Querying 101” >>> instagram.com/tv/CanLs54pcNl… #querytip

#QueryTip: For nonfiction manuscript proposals, be sure to highlight why you are the PERFECT person to write this book. What makes you uniquely qualified on the subject, and how will you bring something new to the discussion?

Gonna add one more: check spellings on names one last time before hitting send. My name auto-corrects to Elena a lot. It’s not Elena. Just…double-check.

Be patient! There's been a serious slow-down industry-wide in reading time starting at the publishers. The trickle down effect is real.