It’s Aliveeee: Query Tips Are Back!
- 22
- Feb
Dear Readers,
I’m sorry for being a horrible blogger in the past month and a half. Please forgive me and take these query tips as my peace offering.
Love,
Ayesha
@johnmcusick “QueryTip Avoid terms like “slowly” or “gradually.” They suggest your story unfolds at a sluggish pace.”
@MJsRetweet “If your book is a mainstream paranormal romantic suspense science fiction thriller with mystery elements – you may need to focus.#querytip”
@MellyMoulton “Never ever start a query letter with “To whom it may concern.” You’re just shooting yourself in the foot. #querytip”
@jawlitagent “So, here a gentle reminder for all you writers out there. Please number the pages of your manuscripts. Always. #writingtip #querytip”
@JillCorcoran “send your query and ms pages in Times New Roman 12. I can’t read so many of the odd type faces & sizes I get #querytip #askagent”
@dreamoforgonon “Don’t start your novel with the weather. There’s a reason “how about this weather we’re having?” is an awkward small talk joke.#querytip”
@AgentShea “I can know in one sentence if something is right for me. #querytip”
@sztownsend81 “I love it when queries are concise but also have voice that matches the tone of the ms. #nanowrimo #querytip #NanoNewLeaf”
@jawlitagent “Don’t confuse a query with a synopsis. Query letter = should hook me, make me wanna read more. Synopsis = rather dry plot outline.#querytip”
@byobrooks “From a query with no salutation: “If you are not interested, don’t bother to reply.” #Querytip: If you’re not polite, don’t bother to query”
Always great tips. I saw some of these tips on Twitter. I like the one about the weather. I remember the old saying in England: “If you cannot think of something to say, then only discuss the weather.”
Haha! That goes here too. Sadly it’s one of my go to conversation starters.
Haha! Sadly the weather is one of my go to conversation starters.
When I read your query tips posts, I often wonder how many mistakes I’ve made/will make. For #2, I’ll say, “Dear MJ, My book is a crossover. I like to call it a romanscifithrillspense. That’s Latin for ‘Dump Cake.’” But, really, I don’t think I could write “To Whom It May Concern” to anyone named Melly. I might be tempted to put “Whoa Melly Jo!” in the body of the letter, though.
Oh, #4 is very helpful! It also helps if you don’t number each page manually. Not that I’m saying I’ve done that. Not that I’m saying that.
Is it crazy that I want to see the manuscript that begins with the conversation about the weather?
I always love these! Thanks again!