The #NaNoWriMo finish line is in sight. (huzzah!) Authors—don't hit send on your queries December 1. Take time to revise first! #querytip

I am really tired of getting queries without a greeting. Mass queries are an automatic delete. #querytip

Prefer ms subs without any front matter (quotes, TOC, cover page etc) in the way of the first sentence. Want to get right to it. #querytip

A few queries each month tell me how many copies HUNGER GAMES sold as evidence that people buy YA bks. Um. This is my job. I know. #querytip

Since all novels are fiction, saying you are querying about a fiction novel is redundant - #petpeeve #querytip

#querytip if you're going to just cut and paste agents' names into the same query and blast it out, at least make sure it's the same font.

#QueryTip: don't send me a personal message on LinkedIn. It's weird.

#querytip: don't explain why you're looking for an agent. I know what I bring to the process, & if you're in my inbox, I assume you do too!

Mentioning a twist in your synopsis without detailing what it is=not best practice. Synopses are for details! #querytip

Authors! Please don't attach things to emails unless agents request materials. We don't open unsolicited attachments! #querytip #pubtip

With few exceptions, I reply to queries within 2 weeks. Would it kill you to notify me you've gotten an offer within that time? #querytip

#querytip: SP may be a great option for you, but it's not a stepping stone! More difficult to sell to a trad pub than unpublished work. 2/2

#querytip: Here's your regular reminder that self-publishing a book is not the first step to getting the work traditionally published. 1/2

In a batch of about 15 queries: Dear Sara, Dear Jessica, Dear Michelle, Dear Sir/Madam. Sigh. #querytip

#querytip: citing only MAJOR bestsellers (Twilight, 50SOG, Gone Girl) may send message that you don't read much/don't know category well.

#querytip: if you choose to compare yr work to others', make sure examples are recently pubbed (no more than 5 years old). Trends do change!

#querytip: things I won't do before reviewing your proposal (which came in via the query inbox): sign a non-disclosure agreement. *headdesk*

Many queries this week wi writers looking for advice abt WIP (book not complete) & how to find agent #querytip - query when done, done!

If your synopsis doesn't explain how your prologue sample pages tie into the novel, maybe you don't need a prologue. #querytip

Rhetorical questions often don't work in queries. Never with me. They're a pet peeve. #querytip