A synopsis should tell me what happens in the book. Description of character emotion is good but it can't be ALL you include. #querytip

Sending insulting emails to agents is not the way to get an agent, or succeed in the publishing industry. #querytip #CommonSense

Your query isn't the place to tell me how your book begins or how you're tired of such and such genre. Just give me a killer hook! #querytip

"Although this isn't what you asked for, I hope y—" Stopstopstop. Pointing out that your book isn't on my wishlist won't help you. #querytip

Comparing your novel to FRANKENSTEIN will likely result in a rejection. You can't measure up, so why set an impossible bar? #querytip

"Would you be interested in [x] genre?" as the email is NOT a query. #querytip http://t.co/JTqPlohp9A

Sample pages really are crucial for me in what I request or don’t. Make sure yours are awesome. #querytip

Your query says a lot about your voice and style, and thus your manuscript. Avoid sloppy and long winded paragraphs. #querytip #writetip

I am tougher on first lines than I am on query letters. #querytip

And if you've queried me in May-July, I'm still reviewing them. #querytip

FYI, I do not represent screenplays or plays and am not seeking works that are already published. #querytip

For example "I queried you w/ an earlier vers of this ms in Dec'14, but have since reworked the entire plot based on CP feedback." #querytip

Seeing lots of repeat queries lately. Best not to query an agent 2x on the same book unless VERY revised (& in that case, tell me) #querytip

#querytip: Send yourself an email from yr query address to another acct, to check formatting & the name that pops up. Should be name/pseud!

Being thanked for having taken the time to craft a thoughtful rejection is such a classy gesture. We agents keep track... #querytip

When submitting magical realism, make sure you understand the genre and that it actually is magical realism. #askagent #pubtip #querytip

A #querytip for your Friday afternoon: A Guide to Manuscript Formatting & Submitting Sample Pages mariavicente.com/post/118855690…

#querytip: don't tell me what other books don't have, tell me about yours!

Please send files in the format requested! If I can't read your ms on my iPad, the odds of me reading at all drop significantly #querytip

This week on the blog: How to Query a Picture Book mariavicente.com/post/124741503… #querytip #writerwednesday #kidlit