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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.
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].Â
2/4
[Adjective] and full of [noun], [TITLE] shows us [main emotional truth]. The story explores themes of [theme], [theme], and [theme].Â
2/4
#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].
3/4
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].
3/4
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
🚩 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
đźš© 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)
đźš© 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.
Many writers ask me if I can "find them an agent." But I'm not a matchmaker and it's really best to undertake this research yourself. It's about more than just who represents work like yours. It's about personality, fit, and what you're looking for in the relationship.
IMHO, the best agents are akin to career managers and often take on the role of informal therapist as well, helping you through the highs and lows of your book's lifespan. This is someone you should be able to trust—they are a fiduciary.
While you may end up changing agents over the duration of your career (there are many reasons this might happen, and not all of them bad), the agent who sells your books will typically remain tied to those deals until the contract terminates with the publisher.
I am so, so thankful for the queries I have been reading while recovering from surgery. And the full manuscripts. I've noticed some trends for what catches my eye in a positive way in a query, so, a thread! As always: just my opinion. There are many right ways to do things.
🧵1/
🧵1/
Brief intro: "Dear Naomi, I'm pleased to send you my GENRE novel, TITLE. Packed with THEME/MOOD/GENRE-EXPECTATIONS, this ADJECTIVE story will appeal to fans of COMP TITLE and COMP TITLE." And from here, immediately into the blurb about the book.
2/
2/
"I'm pleased to bring you this crossover space opera: STAR WARS. With layers of found family and a steady stream of high-stakes action, this expansive story will appeal to fans of the space exploration in STAR TREK blended with the adrenaline of DIE HARD."
2.5/
2.5/
SQL INTERVIEW QUESTION CHEATSHEET
SQL(stands for Structured Query Language)is the popular query language to manage databases. So, here is a collection of the most asked SQL interview questions to help you prepare
Please Like & Retweet
🧵A Thread 🧵
#100DaysOfCode
#SQL #Coding
SQL(stands for Structured Query Language)is the popular query language to manage databases. So, here is a collection of the most asked SQL interview questions to help you prepare
Please Like & Retweet
🧵A Thread 🧵
#100DaysOfCode
#SQL #Coding
What is Database?
A database is an organized collection of data, stored and retrieved digitally from a remote or local computer system. Databases can be vast and complex, and such databases are developed using fixed design and modeling approaches.
#100DaysOfCode #SQL #Coding
A database is an organized collection of data, stored and retrieved digitally from a remote or local computer system. Databases can be vast and complex, and such databases are developed using fixed design and modeling approaches.
#100DaysOfCode #SQL #Coding
What is DBMS?
DBMS stands for Database Management System. DBMS is a system software responsible for the creation, retrieval, updating, and management of the database.
#100DaysOfCode #SQL #Coding
DBMS stands for Database Management System. DBMS is a system software responsible for the creation, retrieval, updating, and management of the database.
#100DaysOfCode #SQL #Coding
I woke up super early and was going through my queries because none of the pets wanted to hang out with me (and also capitalism) and I wanted to talk for a minute about how agents talk about queries on social media (#querytip)
Many agents, myself included, have built up our brands/social media platforms talking about queries (see my #500queries as an example). And sometimes, the tips are honestly helpful, or they shine a light on an otherwise murky process. Plus, it's quick and easy to do!
But here's my hot take: a ton of the time, the way agents talk about queries on social media is not helpful. In fact, it's actively bad for writers.
Let me explain.
Let me explain.
Let’s talk about the first paragraph of a query letter! In my mind this is the most important part to get right, and I want to share some thoughts on how to make it strong.
#querytip #amquerying #amwriting #amediting
#querytip #amquerying #amwriting #amediting
I look for the first paragraph of a query letter to include a birdseye view of the project—AKA the basic stats (title + age group + genre + word count), as well as a sentence-long elevator pitch. This grounds the agent in the project + shows that you know your stuff. #querytip
Something like: BIPPITY BOPPITY BOOP is a YA Romance at 80,000 words in which a young magician enters a televised magic competition only to find out that the competition is rigged to make the producer’s son win—and even worse, she’s falling in love with him. 🧙🏼‍♀️🧙🏼‍♂️✨💜
Okay so this is a thing I’ve wanted to say for a bit, but after several friends experiences similar things in the past few weeks, I have to say something bc the publshing industry being what it is, querying writers just can’t complain on here. So here I am with a #querytip.
When you’re querying, I always advise to reach out to authors who are currently AND formerly represented by an agent who has your full and maybe has expressed more interest than that. They’ve given a R&R or emails multiple times to update you as they’re reading. Why?
Because you can follow an agent and their career for years and still have no idea what it’s like to work with them. OBVIOUSLY, you take what you hear from current and former clients with a grain of salt and make your own judgments based on your interactions...but
Alright friends, since query structure dominated in this poll, this thread will be about what to put in your query!
#WritingCommunity #amediting #ontheporch #querytip #pubtip
#WritingCommunity #amediting #ontheporch #querytip #pubtip
First and foremost, please put the name of the agent you're querying to start. Not dear agent or dear person (yes, I've seen it).
If you're querying them via a contest or con, add a line about that in the beginning.
#WritingCommunity #amediting #ontheporch #querytip #pubtip
If you're querying them via a contest or con, add a line about that in the beginning.
#WritingCommunity #amediting #ontheporch #querytip #pubtip
So how do you start your query?
Don't sugarcoat it. Introduce your character immediately. Who are they? What makes them unique or sets them up for what's about to happen?
#WritingCommunity #amediting #ontheporch #querytip #pubtip
Don't sugarcoat it. Introduce your character immediately. Who are they? What makes them unique or sets them up for what's about to happen?
#WritingCommunity #amediting #ontheporch #querytip #pubtip
