The recurring theme of @ATallOrder and my query critiques today was "be specific, not vague." #querytip

A necessary read for querying writers: The Complete Guide to Query Letters by @JaneFriedman bit.ly/1saDi3m #querytip

#querytip I'm told that @WallyLambAuthor wallpapered his entire classroom with rejection letters before he finally got an agent. DON'T QUIT

Use great care and respect when writing about another culture, and NEVER fall back on the “magical Negro” trope. #querytip #AntiColonialism

#querytip: Don't let your protagonist write the query letter. Introduce your book first, and THEN the people that live in your head.

It shouldn't take you 30 words to tell us your manuscript's word count. Brevity shows you possess insight and an ability to edit. #querytip

Don’t spend your time explaining how fabulous your book and/or writing is. SHOW us with a great query and even better writing. #querytip

Querying an agent? Check their twitter for any tips or submission calls. Check out Nicole @NicLitAgent & Mary Sue's @AgentMarySue #querytip

Don’t send ur query out when u finish it, or even an hour after. Take a break and come back to it later. Double check everything. #querytip

#querytip email yourself a copy of your query letter before you send it out. That way you can see exactly how it's going to look to an agent

Think of your query letter as copy on the back of a book – you don’t have to describe the whole story. #querytip

Share your query with a friend who hasn’t read your book. Capturing interest of someone with no advance knowledge is key. #querytip

Leave us wanting more, not wondering, "huh?" (conciseness > vagueness) #querytip

Know what's new in your genre. What are people reading? Also, the classics. If anything, just to be able to chitchat w/ others. #querytip

Also, if we don’t want to rep your story why would we want to steal it? #querytip

We are not going to steal your story. The thought has not crossed our minds, and using the © symbol implies you think we might. #querytip

There's no reason to use the copyright symbol (©) in your query or on your manuscript. When your pen hits paper, it’s copyrighted. #querytip

#querytip most agents' submission guidelines are very clear & easy to find; don't send an email asking how to best submit. Do your research

Asking the agent to not rip off your stories just sets off the crazy alarm. #querytip #amreadingslush

Know and define your audience. "A family member or friend" isn't enough. #querytip #amreadingslush