This week alone, Westwood received 12 queries for agents who aren't open. Save yourself, and the agency, the effort of sending a query that has to be read and responded to and filed, and double-check the status of an agent who you are querying before you hit send. #QueryTip

Synopsis tip for #AmQuerying writers - When introducing your character for the 1st time in a synopsis (not talking about the query letter) put their name in ALL CAPS. This is super helpful when reading.
#QueryTip #WritingCommunity

#QueryTip ❤️

1. Address the person.
2. Mention why you are querying that person (e.g. specific to #MSWL, tweet)
3. Hook--pitch
4. Book--what it's about (short, sweet, simple)
5. Cook--YOU (credentials, education, mention why you are writing/wrote said book
6. Name (contact info)

As I'm doing query critiques for a conference, I'm reminded that it's often the simple things that make the most difference.

#querytip

Use an easy-to-read font like 12 pt. Times New Roman. It makes a big difference.

FYI, don't send me these when I open to queries again. Auto reject

#amquerying #querytip

Super excited to be presenting at @SCBWIHouston monthly meeting. @SydneyDunlap16 & I will be talking about "What Happens Next" -- after signing with an agent & what that relationship looks like.
Come armed with all the questions!
#AmQuerying #QueryTip #WritingCommunity

#QueryTip - I’ve seen a lot of rhetorical questions in query letters so let me ask 1, do you want agents thinking about how they’d answer that question or reading & wanting to understand your story?
What if they don’t answer the way you need for them to go along w/ your premise?

#querytip: You can't sell the bacon if they can't smell the sizzle. Spend time perfecting the hook so the agent knows what the stakes (HA! meat humor) are and how your characters are going to get out of this pickle.

Okay, I may be hungry.

#querytip A query is not back cover copy. Lay it all out for your prospective agent so we know what the stakes are, who gets hurt, who doesn't come home, who falls in love. Now isn't the time to be mysterious.

Reminder authors: you don’t need my permission to query me. My query manager is open and if you have a project you think we will be a match on send it! I respond to all queries sent there even if it takes a minute 😉❤️ #QueryTip

Feeling burned out from querying? Take a break and find out what made you fall in love with your novel in the first place! It may give you some new perspective to help in queries. #querytip #writing #writerslife #books

We ask for the 1st 3 chapters with every submission. We never ask for material just based on a query letter. #querytip

#querytip: if you hire someone to query for you (don't), at least make sure it's someone that doesn't spam agents--I block some of those "services" that send literally anything to literally anyone, and I'm guessing you don't wanna pay to end up unread in spam/trash

All novels are fiction, and in some genres, fiction is implied. So, for example, you don't need to pitch your "romance fiction novel." That's redundant! Save your extra words for plot :) #querytip

Want to know who at Friedrich cries at commercials? Can cuss you out in Mandarin? Loves her French book club even though she can’t speak French? (Me. That last one is me.)
Well, check out our new and expanded bios below.
#MSWL #querytip
friedrichagency.com/about

Querying writers! In an effort to help guide your submissions, we at The Friedrich Agency have just posted newly expanded bios for our whole team-- these showcase not just what we're looking for, but who we are. Hope to hear from you! 💙 #querytip friedrichagency.com/about

#QueryTip: I am one of those weirdos that not just asks for a synopsis but I read them as part of the submission process. If you don’t include one, I can’t review your project the way I need to know if we’re a good fit. If writing a synopsis is a deal breaker, I get it…

Make your query letter stand out by telling us about you! What are your hobbies, interests, and favorite books. Extra points if it relates back to the ms you are submiting #querytip #writertip #queries

A gentle reminder... to include your name in your query! You wouldn't believe how many people forget this 🤦‍♀️ In a business where it's frankly impossible to personalize every response to a query, I at least aim to address all my queriers by name. Please include! #mswl

A gentle reminder that calling YA "NA" does not make it so. #Querytip #querytrenches #asktheeditor