Telling me you're going to change the very definition of a word is ... silly. Just don't do it. #querytip #lifetips

"Successfully Publishing Your 1st Novel" my @writersdigest webinar is on Thursday! w/ 5pg crit! Sign up: ow.ly/IaJKC #querytip

Authors: Be sure you research potential agents BEFORE signing. karaleighmiller.com/2015/02/do-you… #MondayBlogs #querytip

How well do you know your agent?karaleighmiller.com/2015/02/do-you… Know who you're signing with. #MondayBlogs #querytip

Accusing an agent of potentially stealing the ms you're querying them about is not a way to find representation. #querytip #IsThisRealLife

Steps to research your agent: karaleighmiller.com/2015/02/do-you… #MondayBlogs #querytip Know who you're signing with before you sign!

I am. A man. #querytip

When my name's misspelled in a query, I won't reject for that reason alone but it doesn't help. Reread before you hit send. #querytip

Take steps to ensure you know your agent & whether s/he is reputable. karaleighmiller.com/2015/02/do-you… #MondayBlogs #querytip

Dissing books in your pitch isn't only rude, you may be talking to an agent/editor/fan of that book. Be positive w/ comps! #querytip #pubtip

Agents have submission guidelines for a reason. The first test is showing us you are able to follow guidelines. Period. #querytip

Also, never pitch an unfinished work of fiction. Proposals are for non fiction only! #querytip

Don't have someone else send a query on your behalf. Queries may be painful, but only you can give your book the one it deserves. #querytip

I'm happy to hear that a manuscript may be part of a series! But if the projected series is 10+ books long, I'm just concerned. #querytip

Folks, "50,000 plus" is not a word count. #querytip

Friendship, love, magic, mystery, adventure... Great story elements, but as far as *words* go, they make for very vague pitches. #querytip

Yes, interesting things happen when people move. But please don't make me read another submission that opens w/ someone moving... #querytip

#querytip Unless you're awesome at it don't query in your MC's voice. It's not as original as you'd think; don't bank on the brownie points!

I know people say a query should have a hook, but PLEASE do not say "Hook: ________" Make it organic to the pitch! #querytip

Writers please don't include attachments or links as way for agent to see your query or sample pages #querytip #whynoagentsrespond