Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #AmQuerying
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Hi new friends! Thanks for joining conversation here, typically re:
-survivor care & abuse in churches
-critical analysis of “biblical” family life teaching & high control religion
-advocacy for children
-OCD/scrupulosity
-storytelling Scripture
#amquerying #amwriting ⬇️🧵
-survivor care & abuse in churches
-critical analysis of “biblical” family life teaching & high control religion
-advocacy for children
-OCD/scrupulosity
-storytelling Scripture
#amquerying #amwriting ⬇️🧵
#amquerying my novel THE DAUGHTER:
SPEAK+#shinyhappypeople: Stay-at-home-daughter Hope grapples w/religious OCD, forbidden ministry ambitions, & web of abuse cultivated by her Christian dominionist community as she fights to find the self she was always taught to put to death.
SPEAK+#shinyhappypeople: Stay-at-home-daughter Hope grapples w/religious OCD, forbidden ministry ambitions, & web of abuse cultivated by her Christian dominionist community as she fights to find the self she was always taught to put to death.
#amwriting:
-#greatparentingrescue-esque non-fiction book critically analyzing theological/sociological influences on "biblical" family life/parenting ideology.
-MG fantasy: Hobbitish hedgehogs & ornery feline steeds save fairyland from moths that steal all the animals' tears.
-#greatparentingrescue-esque non-fiction book critically analyzing theological/sociological influences on "biblical" family life/parenting ideology.
-MG fantasy: Hobbitish hedgehogs & ornery feline steeds save fairyland from moths that steal all the animals' tears.
I see a ton of query letters where the author isn't just pitching a book but an entire series. We all love a good trilogy, but how do agents and publishers feel about them from debut authors? Let's have a look at how to approach pitching a series to an agent 🧵
#amquerying
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#amquerying
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When you are querying a book, you are querying THAT book as a standalone. It absolutely can be the first in a series, but an agent is looking to see if they can sell this individual story. In your query, make sure Book 1 stands well on its own.
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The only thing you should say about future books when querying is this: "series potential." You could write something like:
THE WOUNDED GODDESS is a 90,000-word adult fantasy novel with series potential.
That's literally it. Everything else should focus on Book 1.
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THE WOUNDED GODDESS is a 90,000-word adult fantasy novel with series potential.
That's literally it. Everything else should focus on Book 1.
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I'm going to break some hearts today. Your query letter is probably too long. How long SHOULD it be? Let's look into why shorter is better, and why. 🧵
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#AmQuerying #AmWriting #AmEditing #WritingCommunity #RevPit
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#AmQuerying #AmWriting #AmEditing #WritingCommunity #RevPit
Before I give you a tangible word count goal for your query letter, a few words about diction: Writing MORE doesn't mean you're writing BETTER. We novelists are, by trade, wordy people, and sometimes trimming things down to their essence is the hard part.
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Diction is the process of carefully choosing words, which means keeping only those words that BEST communicate your ideas and stories. I've seen a lot of queries written by folks who were told to keep it "under one page," but then filled up that page to the damn brim.
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How should you address an agent at the beginning of a query letter? Well, folks, I don't have an easy answer for this one, but I'll do my best to break down your options. 🧵
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#AmQuerying #AmWriting #WritingCommunity
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#AmQuerying #AmWriting #WritingCommunity
The very first thing I'd do is check the agent's Twitter bio if they've got one. Agents with clear pronoun preferences will almost always list them there. This will keep you from using the wrong Mr./Miss/Mrs./Mx./none of the above.
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You can also google their name with "MSWL," and oftentimes you'll find search results with pronoun preferences there, too. Try really, really hard not to misgender someone. It may sound trivial to some, but for some agents, that can be an automatic "no."
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To spoil, or not to spoil? When it comes to writing a query letter, that is the question.
There is an answer ("No, you shouldn't"), but let's break down why that is. 🧵
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#AmQuerying #AmWriting #WritingCommunity
There is an answer ("No, you shouldn't"), but let's break down why that is. 🧵
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#AmQuerying #AmWriting #WritingCommunity
Many agents will ask writers for two submission documents beyond their manuscript: a one-page or two-page synopsis (which will spoil everything), and a query letter (which will not).
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Many agents start with the query letter (the one that doesn't spoil), and that's a good thing because we're aiming to engage them at that point. We WANT them to want more. The more materials you can get an agent to read, the better your chances, right?
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I've seen an alarming amount of new literary agencies pop up that have many red flags. Here's a little thread on some things to look out for while querying from a writer who has queried four times and has seen and heard...many things.
#amquerying #querytip
#amquerying #querytip
There are two main rules I follow when choosing which agents to query. Each agent must pass these two qualifications
1. Has experience behind them
2. Has a matching manuscript wishlist to my book/career path
1. Has experience behind them
2. Has a matching manuscript wishlist to my book/career path
The fact that an agent can actually sell my book to where I want is a non-negotiable skill. Seems straightforward, but so many people see an agency website and just submit without looking deeper. Please. Not all agents are created equal.
THREAD:
1/ #AmQuerying Authors: I'm going through queries now, and I can't tell you the number of passes I've sent because I don't know what the story is about. PLEASE don't give agents a reason to pass before reading your opening pages. PLEASE make sure your queries include...
1/ #AmQuerying Authors: I'm going through queries now, and I can't tell you the number of passes I've sent because I don't know what the story is about. PLEASE don't give agents a reason to pass before reading your opening pages. PLEASE make sure your queries include...
2/...all necessary information. MOST IMPORTANTLY, please make sure it reads like the back of a novel you might buy in a store, COMPLETE WITH STAKES! Without the stakes, there really is no story at all. And, surely, your story has stakes but we don't know what they are unless...
3/...you give us that information in the query.
What are the states? The stakes are, quite simply, what the character might win/lose by gaining whatever it is they're trying to accomplish within the pages of the novel. Without it, you might as well be pitching a diary...
What are the states? The stakes are, quite simply, what the character might win/lose by gaining whatever it is they're trying to accomplish within the pages of the novel. Without it, you might as well be pitching a diary...
I'm sitting down to read 50 queries + Tweet some of the positive thoughts I have while reading. #amquerying is TOUGH, and I want you to know what things hit in a good way whether it leads to a request or rep or not. #querytip
🧵
🧵
Comp titles used well! "The *atmosphere descriptors* and *character stakes* of X Title meets the *writing quality* of Z Author."
Nicely done.
Nicely done.
Really focuses on the plot beats, rather than the themes or the author's intentions! This tells me what actually happens in the story, which differentiates it from the swaths of queries with similar themes. Also done in a voicey way that makes me want to read more.
#QueryTip What to include in an author bio when querying a #fiction project:
A few sentences about you
A last sentence that connects you to your project
All written in a way that showcases your writing
Here are some quick tips to get you started... 🧵
A few sentences about you
A last sentence that connects you to your project
All written in a way that showcases your writing
Here are some quick tips to get you started... 🧵
#QueryTip for Author Bios
If you have education that is pertinent to your writing, include it. If not, don’t (and don’t worry).
If you have experience that is pertinent to your writing, include it. If not, don’t (and don’t worry).
2/5
If you have education that is pertinent to your writing, include it. If not, don’t (and don’t worry).
If you have experience that is pertinent to your writing, include it. If not, don’t (and don’t worry).
2/5
#QueryTip for Author Bios
Add a clever, memorable last line about yourself that ties you to your story.
Ex. "Like [CHARACTER], I fought in a Golden Gloves championship against a boxer who would later go pro. I lasted a minute and 36 seconds before she broke my nose."
3/5
Add a clever, memorable last line about yourself that ties you to your story.
Ex. "Like [CHARACTER], I fought in a Golden Gloves championship against a boxer who would later go pro. I lasted a minute and 36 seconds before she broke my nose."
3/5
#QueryTip When you write a pitch, give more than story + hook. Craft 1-2 sentences to position your project in the market, plus share the themes explored in your story-–family, friendship, self-discovery--and why your readers will care.
Here are formulas to get you started...🧵
Here are formulas to get you started...🧵
#QueryTip Theme Positioning Statement Formula
[Adjective] and full of [noun], [TITLE] shows us [main emotional truth]. The story explores themes of [theme], [theme], and [theme].
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[Adjective] and full of [noun], [TITLE] shows us [main emotional truth]. The story explores themes of [theme], [theme], and [theme].
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#Querytip Market Positioning Statement Formula
This [adjective], [category] is a [positive adjective] [genre] with the [element] of [COMP] and [element] of [COMP], in a [style] perfect for fans of [COMP].
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This [adjective], [category] is a [positive adjective] [genre] with the [element] of [COMP] and [element] of [COMP], in a [style] perfect for fans of [COMP].
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Back on the elliptical—or in other words, back to my BS—and thought a good distraction could be a thread about the R word (rejection) anyone up for it? #QueryTip #WritingCommunity #AmQuerying
So first the disclaimer, like I mentioned I’m on the elliptical so typos will inevitably happen… otherwise off we go..
All agents tackle their query boxes differently so this isn’t a one size fits all thing, but hopefully it can give some insight.
What does it mean when an agent says, “this is not a right fit for me” or something along those lines…
What does it mean when an agent says, “this is not a right fit for me” or something along those lines…
The number of queries I’ve seen lately with 200k & 300k words has been a little concerning so I thought I’d try to take a moment to chat about high word counts… a 🧵
#amquerying #QueryTip #WritingCommunity
#amquerying #QueryTip #WritingCommunity
First, I’m on my elliptical so apologies for any typos…
Many people say that a story needs to be as many words as necessary to tell it and in some respects this it true, but if the goal is traditional publishing there are standards and guidelines for word count…
📚Questions to ask a literary agent on The Call: a 🧵 for #amquerying authors with tips from an agented author & book editor [not an exhaustive list] (1/10)
#writingcommunity #querytip #amwriting
#writingcommunity #querytip #amwriting
First up: the mere fact that you’re #amquerying is something to be proud of. Rejection is normal in this industry but know that the right agent for you is out there, whether it’s for this book, the next one, or all of them! (2/10)
#writingcommunity #amwriting #writersoftwitter
#writingcommunity #amwriting #writersoftwitter
THE BASICS
1) Do you use a written contract/agreement? (I personally think this is a must)
2) Are you signing me for this one book or are you a career agent? What if you don’t like the next book?
3) Will I be working with any interns/assistants/co-agents? (3/10)
#amquerying
1) Do you use a written contract/agreement? (I personally think this is a must)
2) Are you signing me for this one book or are you a career agent? What if you don’t like the next book?
3) Will I be working with any interns/assistants/co-agents? (3/10)
#amquerying
To personalize or not to personalize: That is the question.
Let's talk personalization in queries.🧵
#amquerying #WritingCommunity
Let's talk personalization in queries.🧵
#amquerying #WritingCommunity
One piece of common querying advice is to personalize your query letter for every agent you query. This usually involves researching agent bios, interviews, blogs, podcasts, social media, and more. It's a lot of work! And some agents have less of an online presence than others.
Another piece of common querying advice is to query widely. This means even MORE work for writers as they seek to find details of personalization for 100 agents (or however many they query). This is exhausting!
🚩 How to spot a schmagent (aka, a bad agent): an #amquerying 🧵 on literary agent red flags I’ve personally seen (feel free to add more in the replies!) (1/9)
#writingcommunity #querytip
#writingcommunity #querytip
🚩 Red flag 1: They charge upfront fees of any kind, including reading fees, before they sell your book to a publisher. This is NOT okay because money always flows to the author! Literary agents only get paid in the form of commission when you get paid! Schmagent. (2/9)
🚩 Red flag 2: They have their own literary agency despite having zero publishing experience or sales. Such agents often have good intentions--they love books & want to champion authors, etc., but good intentions won't sell your book. Schmagent. (3/9)
While we are talking about query trench frustration: I've been mulling over some thoughts about form v. personal response, how much feedback to give in a pass, and my own personal conflict with the idea of giving a lot of "helpful" feedback in a pass. 🧵
#amquerying #querytip
#amquerying #querytip
A disclaimer: just speaking my thoughts here, which do not reflect a challenge to any other conversation on the topic. I don't scroll here a lot lately because my own mental health has been a significant challenge since my Jan surgery. I'm not trying to speak with authority.
There was a time when I really felt obligated to give as much feedback as I could in every pass, be it on a query or a full. Over time, I watched the comments online, and was unnerved when my baby-agent naiveté turned up some sharp responses to my well-meaning feedback.
I was lucky to be in Pitch Wars with a mentor and writing peers for querying+call help, and it was SO HELPFUL.
But not everyone has those connections, so instead of a “how I got my agent” post, I thought I’d share some things I knew, but didn’t KNOW about The Call.
But not everyone has those connections, so instead of a “how I got my agent” post, I thought I’d share some things I knew, but didn’t KNOW about The Call.
1. The email for The Call really is pretty simple. One day you’re neck-deep in querying woes, trying to forget that last stinging rejection, and BAM. Your inbox pings. Someone loved your full, and they want to know if you have time in the next few days to talk.
2. Rarely will the email say, “I want to offer you rep.” Many PW friends had to ask if it was an R & R or an offer. The Call is to make sure you’re not an axe murderer, but the agent will be looking for vibes to ensure you click. They might not use the O word right away.
Looks like the last thread was good timing for thirsty #amquerying authors in the #WritingCommunity so how about another on more edits I see often in opening pages?
Basically, you need to build tension from your opening paragraph/lines, and there are so many excellent ways that I can’t name, but here are a few that typically don’t work:
Opening your scene with something shocking/frightful/eye-catching…before your reader has a clue what they’re looking at, what the stakes are, and even who the MC *is*
Boom—you just wasted your energy because any amorphous action isn’t delivering the tension you want
Boom—you just wasted your energy because any amorphous action isn’t delivering the tension you want
Writers, I know hearing about submission overload and industry burnout can be SUPER discouraging and make finding an agent or publisher feel impossible right now. So here’s my biggest piece of advice to help yourself get noticed anyway— work on your pitch! 🧵
First of all, let me say— you don’t need to feel guilty for querying agents or editors right now. This is a systemic problem, not a problem you can individually fix by not subbing your book. Your story is still important and industry people still want to find great books to rep!
HOWEVER now is a good time to read submission guidelines really closely! Making sure agents are open to queries, looking for your genre, and that you follow their guidelines will save them time and you rejections!
All right folks. I'm sick, in bed, unable to work, so it's the perfect time for a #RevPit #RevThread! There were a lot of calls for this one, so today, let's talk about the dreaded...SYNOPSIS! #amquerying
Fact:
😭 You still have to write them even when you land an agent (sorry!)
Fact:
😭 You still have to write them even when you land an agent (sorry!)
Step One: Open a blank document
Step Two: **stare**
Step Three: **stare**
Step Four: **stare**
Step Five: **sob**
Step Six: Repeat steps two-five
LOL jk. First things first. In a synopsis, everything from your main plot MUST be revealed #RevPit
Step Two: **stare**
Step Three: **stare**
Step Four: **stare**
Step Five: **sob**
Step Six: Repeat steps two-five
LOL jk. First things first. In a synopsis, everything from your main plot MUST be revealed #RevPit
This does NOT mean every twist and turn/arbitrary thing/fun event that happens from main plot to sub plots are revealed.
It means you have to focus ONLY on the main plot, and give everything away. Think of a synopsis like a business plan. #RevPit
It means you have to focus ONLY on the main plot, and give everything away. Think of a synopsis like a business plan. #RevPit
HEADS UP to #amquerying authors! @KereahEKeller just announced that she’s now an editor at BSC Publishing Group and is now soliciting queries under the guise of being a traditional publisher. BEWARE of this publisher before you submit! Thread. 1/20
@KereahEKeller was a client of @brestephens (Yes, that Bre Stephens), and upon further examination of this BSC Publishing Group that she is suddenly the editor of, you’ll find that they are the publisher of The Dark Sire literary magazine. 2/20
What’s that you ask? Well, boy, let me tell you, The Dark Sire Literary Magazine is the very magazine founded by @BreLStephens ! 3/20
Writing Tip 17: Querying an agent
This isn't really a writing tip, it's more of a process tip. I'm not an agent, so bear that in mind, but I'll outline my process and how it worked for me. My successful cover letter is used throughout the thread.
#amquerying #amwriting
1/18
This isn't really a writing tip, it's more of a process tip. I'm not an agent, so bear that in mind, but I'll outline my process and how it worked for me. My successful cover letter is used throughout the thread.
#amquerying #amwriting
1/18
First of all:
Write an amazing book. Your book doesn't just have to be a good book; it needs to be an amazing book, in the top 0.1% an agent will read of 1000's. The opening chapters need to be extraordinary. If you don't feel it's the best book you've read, keep revising.
2/18
Write an amazing book. Your book doesn't just have to be a good book; it needs to be an amazing book, in the top 0.1% an agent will read of 1000's. The opening chapters need to be extraordinary. If you don't feel it's the best book you've read, keep revising.
2/18
If you don't LOVE your book, and believe in it, then why would anyone else?
Your goal is to persuade a professional agent that your book will make them money. The number of passion projects they can spend their working hours on are limited.
Think business.
3/18
Your goal is to persuade a professional agent that your book will make them money. The number of passion projects they can spend their working hours on are limited.
Think business.
3/18
thread for #amquerying authors of kidlit (YA and under) who want to look up agent deals but don't have money for publishers marketplace!
(this also works to look up editors but i will speak about agents from here on out)
this does NOT work for adult books, sadly
(this also works to look up editors but i will speak about agents from here on out)
this does NOT work for adult books, sadly
long story short: use boolean search terms on www dot publishers weekly dot com, which has a newsletter that puts out *most* children's deals (some agencies don't report there though). keep scrolling for more step-by-step instructions w/ explanation!
there are 2 main websites where book deals get reported: publishers marketplace and publishers weekly. PM costs money :/
but you do not have to pay for PW's rights report, where children's deals get announced! unfortunately there is no equivalent for adult books :(
but you do not have to pay for PW's rights report, where children's deals get announced! unfortunately there is no equivalent for adult books :(
Our agency has a relatively large sample size for our queries (50 pages). Sometimes I read to the end of this sample before requesting, sometimes I request after just a few pages. What's the difference? #amquerying
Some voices are so strong that I just must must read more of them. This is usually when I will request right away (but I always double review the query and synopsis to make sure I think they can stick the landing) #amquerying
And some I'm more on the fence about. But I am lucky to have a large enough size to see if they can pull me in. But based on how many I have to review, if it isn't clicking by page 20 I tend to reject. Keep this in mind when you're revising for subs! #amquerying
