#Querytip

Something I never thought I would have to say—a query is not an application for a dating site. 🙃 #QueryTip

Don't do this - EVER! #Querytip #SlushInsight #WritingCommunity

Hey, quick #QueryTip: don't comment on how an agent looks in your query.

Hard truth (a short 🧵): I have to reject really amazing sounding books everyday. Think about it this way, if you were handed 100+ books a week (every week) could you realistically read them all? … #QueryTip #WritingCommunity

I’m always amused (and fairly horrified) by queries that try to insult me. Like, has this approach ever worked for anyone? In the history of ever? It’s not clever or funny. Don’t do it. #querytip

Do not query before you have a) finished writing your book, b) revised your book, c) shown your query to someone unfamiliar with your work who can point out confusing bits. #querytip

#QueryTip for #AmQuerying authors Your query letter should have Who is the MC? What do they want? Goals What stands in their way? Obstacles What happens if they fail? Stakes Also meta data- WC, genre, age group (if nec), comp titles, author bio You got this! ❤️

Based on the *massive* volume of queries that arrived yesterday, it's clear that this week is the chosen moment for many new authors making their initial approach to agents... great! So I thought a quick #querytip thread might be helpful for some.

25% of the queries I looked at this morning started with the character waking up. Authors - You can do better. I promise. #querytip #SlushInsight

Just remember your query is the place to give us a short plot summary, but you must ALSO include the STAKES of your story. If I'm curious about your "hook," but you don't tell me what's at stake for your characters, I don't have time to read 90,000 words+/- to find out. #querytip

When querying a YA, don't lead with the moral/lesson of your novel. First, it's telling us instead of showing us, and second, a novel for teens shouldn't feel like a lesson--they'll see right through it, and stop reading--so your query shouldn't either. #querytip #writetip

don't comment on an agent's looks in a query. #QueryTip #LifeTip #ComeON

#QueryTip: making the font on your query letter smaller so it will all fit on one page just in fact makes it harder for me to read 🔎 #WritingCommunity

Authors: Reminder to double check the file you're attaching when you submit is your MS and not your History homework 😬 On a side note, I think you deserve an A. ❤️ #QueryTip #WritingCommunity *If this does happen to you just resubmit, no worries. We all make mistakes ❤️

Here's a reminder to keep trying agents with your next books, because even if they've rejected you before, they might love this new project. And...they just might remember you from your last queried book! #amquerying #querytip

FYI: Out of the 20 queries I’ve read so far today, 3 started with a character waking up, and 2 started with a dream. Authors, I promise there’re more interesting dropping in points. This is such a common used opening it just doesn’t stand out. #QueryTip #WritingTip #AmWriting

#querytip querying authors, in your bio if you don't have writing accolades, I still love knowing your day job and some tidbit about you. I read samples first and if I go back to your query, that's often missing (probably to keep things short). I mean, give me a sentence or two!

When you tell me your book is MG/YA, it sends the message that you haven't done enough research. Remember, your book can only sit on one shelf. So which one is it? #querytip

#QueryTip: I heard a rumor that there's some advice floating around to close out a query as no response after 2-4 weeks & well... You should NOT. Unless the agent specifically says, they likely haven't seen your query yet or are still considering it. (Quick 🧵)

For funzies: I’m going to give a query critque away for someone who has voted in this election cycle. Post #IVoted below and I will pick a winner at random. #WritingCommunity #QueryTip #AmQuerying