ICYMI: 8 Query Tips No One Tells Writers wp.me/p1EorO-1sB #querytip

New blog post: How to Query a Nonfiction Project bit.ly/1C0FUJo #querytip #askagent #nonfiction

Please no spy thrillers/action-adventure-thrillers/techno-thrillers. They just aren't my thing.
#querytip

Friends, if you only knew how I felt about Courier New. &I'm pretty sure I'm not alone. #writers #querytip

Don't praise your story in your query. It's not a real validation. It's also wasted space in what should be a concise letter. #querytip

In case you missed @carlywatters’s blog yesterday: 8 Query Tips No One Tells Writers bit.ly/1subayf #querytip #askagent

Degrees don't make great writers. Great writing makes a great writer. Persistence, too. #querytip

Remember that your letter is our first look at your writing, and we're looking to fall in love. #querytip

Starting your query w/ "my book is way better than all the other garbage currently published" = still maybe not the best strategy. #querytip

You do not need a degree, to "know" someone, or have publishing credits to get an agent or book deal. Those are pish posh myths! #querytip

The number of sample pages (if any), synopsis or not, etc. varies by agency. Researching submission guidelines is important. #querytip

What DOES belong in a query: title, genre, word count, pitch, pub credits (if any), contact info/online presence links, sample pgs #querytip

Sounds harsh, but it doesn't matter (pitch-wise) if you've been writing stories since 1st grade or your friends love your novel. #querytip

#querytip: Follow the guidelines! Every agency is different and it is easier for agents to consider a MS that has been properly submitted.

A query is not a summary. It's an introduction and hook to capture an agent's attention. Do ur research. Study successful queries. #querytip

We should know who your protagonist (at least one) is by the end of your query. If not, something's wrong. #querytip

If the first lines of your query are also the first lines of the novel, it's likely your novel opens w/ too much summary. #querytip

Not sure if you should reply to a rejection? Don't. Just don't do it. Also, nasty replies are biting the hand that feeds you. #querytip

Here's your regular reminder not to deliberately misspell "query" to try to trick agent email filters. #querytip

If you want to be a professional writer you need to be able to tell me something concisely & convincingly. Cut those long queries. #querytip