To the writer wondering if their story is “too weird”:
Weird is marketable.
Weird is memorable.
Just make sure weird also has structure.
Otherwise, it’s chaos in a trench coat.
#AmWriting #QueryTips
Weird is marketable.
Weird is memorable.
Just make sure weird also has structure.
Otherwise, it’s chaos in a trench coat.
#AmWriting #QueryTips
May 30, 2025 at 6:26 PM
To the writer wondering if their story is “too weird”:
Weird is marketable.
Weird is memorable.
Just make sure weird also has structure.
Otherwise, it’s chaos in a trench coat.
#AmWriting #QueryTips
Weird is marketable.
Weird is memorable.
Just make sure weird also has structure.
Otherwise, it’s chaos in a trench coat.
#AmWriting #QueryTips
Agents love long emails. If you can’t hit 5,000 words, are you even serious? #QueryTips
August 31, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Agents love long emails. If you can’t hit 5,000 words, are you even serious? #QueryTips
New agent listing for: Casey Conniff at Jane Rotrosen Agency (Fiction; General, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller). #WritingCommunity
New Agent Listing: Casey Conniff at Jane Rotrosen Agency
New agent listing for: Casey Conniff at Jane Rotrosen Agency (Fiction; General, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller). #WritingCommunity
duotrope.com
May 4, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Every NO is one no closer to the YES.
We know writers who got agents after 400+ queries--with multiple successful books under contract with publishers.
If querying feels hard right now, that's not a you problem. It's a "Querying is difficult" problem. Keep going. 🥰
#WritingCommunity #QueryTips
We know writers who got agents after 400+ queries--with multiple successful books under contract with publishers.
If querying feels hard right now, that's not a you problem. It's a "Querying is difficult" problem. Keep going. 🥰
#WritingCommunity #QueryTips
April 29, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Every NO is one no closer to the YES.
We know writers who got agents after 400+ queries--with multiple successful books under contract with publishers.
If querying feels hard right now, that's not a you problem. It's a "Querying is difficult" problem. Keep going. 🥰
#WritingCommunity #QueryTips
We know writers who got agents after 400+ queries--with multiple successful books under contract with publishers.
If querying feels hard right now, that's not a you problem. It's a "Querying is difficult" problem. Keep going. 🥰
#WritingCommunity #QueryTips
"The queries that stand out are the ones that take us somewhere specific. Somewhere charged. Somewhere only you could have written." -Jessica Berg #amwriting #amquerying #querytips
July 21, 2026 at 6:22 PM
"The queries that stand out are the ones that take us somewhere specific. Somewhere charged. Somewhere only you could have written." -Jessica Berg #amwriting #amquerying #querytips
For queries, using the word "while" is a great catalyst to show us how the narrative can/does support two stories at once, how plot hinges on two obstacles the main character must face to become whole in either scenario. #writingtips #querytips
April 13, 2025 at 7:46 PM
For queries, using the word "while" is a great catalyst to show us how the narrative can/does support two stories at once, how plot hinges on two obstacles the main character must face to become whole in either scenario. #writingtips #querytips
"Not for me"
"Didn’t connect"
"Doesn’t fit my list"
If you’ve ever wanted to scream into the void after reading one of those—this post is for you.
👉 buff.ly/uNQHo9M
#QueryTips #writingcommunity #amwriting #amquerying
"Didn’t connect"
"Doesn’t fit my list"
If you’ve ever wanted to scream into the void after reading one of those—this post is for you.
👉 buff.ly/uNQHo9M
#QueryTips #writingcommunity #amwriting #amquerying
What Does It Really Mean When an Agent Rejects Your Query?
Decoding Common Responses to Queries
buff.ly
June 3, 2025 at 1:35 PM
"Not for me"
"Didn’t connect"
"Doesn’t fit my list"
If you’ve ever wanted to scream into the void after reading one of those—this post is for you.
👉 buff.ly/uNQHo9M
#QueryTips #writingcommunity #amwriting #amquerying
"Didn’t connect"
"Doesn’t fit my list"
If you’ve ever wanted to scream into the void after reading one of those—this post is for you.
👉 buff.ly/uNQHo9M
#QueryTips #writingcommunity #amwriting #amquerying
I recommend NOT using rhetorical Q’s in query letters for three reasons:
1. They’re overused
2. They commonly show up in unpolished writing
3. They’re the weakest way to make your point
Rephrase instead:
Who could Mary trust?
Mary must choose who to trust before [X happens]
#querytips
1. They’re overused
2. They commonly show up in unpolished writing
3. They’re the weakest way to make your point
Rephrase instead:
Who could Mary trust?
Mary must choose who to trust before [X happens]
#querytips
December 10, 2024 at 3:51 PM
I recommend NOT using rhetorical Q’s in query letters for three reasons:
1. They’re overused
2. They commonly show up in unpolished writing
3. They’re the weakest way to make your point
Rephrase instead:
Who could Mary trust?
Mary must choose who to trust before [X happens]
#querytips
1. They’re overused
2. They commonly show up in unpolished writing
3. They’re the weakest way to make your point
Rephrase instead:
Who could Mary trust?
Mary must choose who to trust before [X happens]
#querytips
Major new feature launching soon!
If you haven't already, consider joining us to level up your query game.
writequeryhook.com/slushwire
#writingcommunity #pubtips #querytips
If you haven't already, consider joining us to level up your query game.
writequeryhook.com/slushwire
#writingcommunity #pubtips #querytips
elmo is surrounded by flames and the words one of us are above him
ALT: elmo is surrounded by flames and the words one of us are above him
media.tenor.com
June 30, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Major new feature launching soon!
If you haven't already, consider joining us to level up your query game.
writequeryhook.com/slushwire
#writingcommunity #pubtips #querytips
If you haven't already, consider joining us to level up your query game.
writequeryhook.com/slushwire
#writingcommunity #pubtips #querytips
Julie Hedlund answers the age-old question: Can I ask a question in my pitch?
Get the free submissions training: picturebooksubmissio...
(link in bio)
#editors #picturebook #picturebooks #pitch #querytips #queryletter
Get the free submissions training: picturebooksubmissio...
(link in bio)
#editors #picturebook #picturebooks #pitch #querytips #queryletter
April 27, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Julie Hedlund answers the age-old question: Can I ask a question in my pitch?
Get the free submissions training: picturebooksubmissio...
(link in bio)
#editors #picturebook #picturebooks #pitch #querytips #queryletter
Get the free submissions training: picturebooksubmissio...
(link in bio)
#editors #picturebook #picturebooks #pitch #querytips #queryletter
I started querying when my revisions went from "relatively significant changes in the characters and plot" to "just fiddling with the punctuation" and the book wasn't getting any better.
#writers #authors #booksky #debutnovel #querytips #writing #editing
#writers #authors #booksky #debutnovel #querytips #writing #editing
Fellow authors, when did you transition from editing to querying? At what point did you feel ready for that step?
#writers #authors #booksky #debutnovel #querytips #writing #editing
#writers #authors #booksky #debutnovel #querytips #writing #editing
May 8, 2025 at 2:59 PM
I started querying when my revisions went from "relatively significant changes in the characters and plot" to "just fiddling with the punctuation" and the book wasn't getting any better.
#writers #authors #booksky #debutnovel #querytips #writing #editing
#writers #authors #booksky #debutnovel #querytips #writing #editing
September 29, 2025 at 10:24 PM
We will match you to agents for FREE!
The major agent database platforms (you know the ones) left too much to be desired, so we built one ourselves BUT...
We need feedback before launching - signup for free at writequeryhook.com
#amquerying #writerscommunity #querytips
The major agent database platforms (you know the ones) left too much to be desired, so we built one ourselves BUT...
We need feedback before launching - signup for free at writequeryhook.com
#amquerying #writerscommunity #querytips
June 12, 2025 at 7:35 PM
We will match you to agents for FREE!
The major agent database platforms (you know the ones) left too much to be desired, so we built one ourselves BUT...
We need feedback before launching - signup for free at writequeryhook.com
#amquerying #writerscommunity #querytips
The major agent database platforms (you know the ones) left too much to be desired, so we built one ourselves BUT...
We need feedback before launching - signup for free at writequeryhook.com
#amquerying #writerscommunity #querytips
We're always going to love good voice.
We're always going to love clear stakes and a good conflict.
It doesn't matter what's trending.
Your book exists in its own world. Write it anyway.
As many of our agent friends say: There's always room for awesome.
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #QueryTips
We're always going to love clear stakes and a good conflict.
It doesn't matter what's trending.
Your book exists in its own world. Write it anyway.
As many of our agent friends say: There's always room for awesome.
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #QueryTips
February 18, 2026 at 6:40 PM
We're always going to love good voice.
We're always going to love clear stakes and a good conflict.
It doesn't matter what's trending.
Your book exists in its own world. Write it anyway.
As many of our agent friends say: There's always room for awesome.
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #QueryTips
We're always going to love clear stakes and a good conflict.
It doesn't matter what's trending.
Your book exists in its own world. Write it anyway.
As many of our agent friends say: There's always room for awesome.
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #QueryTips
“Not for me.” “Didn’t connect.”
It’s easy to take rejection personally.
But every agent is just one reader.
Your job? Find the right one.
#AmQuerying #QueryTips
It’s easy to take rejection personally.
But every agent is just one reader.
Your job? Find the right one.
#AmQuerying #QueryTips
Decoding Form Rejections (From Someone Who’s Been on Both Sides of the Inbox)
Before I was an agent, I was a querying author.
buff.ly
June 17, 2025 at 1:34 PM
“Not for me.” “Didn’t connect.”
It’s easy to take rejection personally.
But every agent is just one reader.
Your job? Find the right one.
#AmQuerying #QueryTips
It’s easy to take rejection personally.
But every agent is just one reader.
Your job? Find the right one.
#AmQuerying #QueryTips
P.S. If you can't make it this week, I'll be back every Wednesday in January, same time (5 - 6pm PT / 8 - 9pm ET), same #Bluesky place.
Please bring any and all #questions. I look forward to chatting with you!
#writers #askmeanything #querytips #writingtips #revisiontips #publishing #starlinglit
Please bring any and all #questions. I look forward to chatting with you!
#writers #askmeanything #querytips #writingtips #revisiontips #publishing #starlinglit
Dear #Querying #Writers,
Come join me here on #Bluesky for an #AskMeAnything session, this coming Wednesday, January 14, from 5pm - 6pm PT / 8p.m. - 9pm ET.
Happy to share #tips for #Writing #Revising #Querying + anything I can to help you succeed.
See you Wednesday evening!
#StarlingLit
Come join me here on #Bluesky for an #AskMeAnything session, this coming Wednesday, January 14, from 5pm - 6pm PT / 8p.m. - 9pm ET.
Happy to share #tips for #Writing #Revising #Querying + anything I can to help you succeed.
See you Wednesday evening!
#StarlingLit
January 13, 2026 at 12:10 AM
P.S. If you can't make it this week, I'll be back every Wednesday in January, same time (5 - 6pm PT / 8 - 9pm ET), same #Bluesky place.
Please bring any and all #questions. I look forward to chatting with you!
#writers #askmeanything #querytips #writingtips #revisiontips #publishing #starlinglit
Please bring any and all #questions. I look forward to chatting with you!
#writers #askmeanything #querytips #writingtips #revisiontips #publishing #starlinglit
Fellow authors, when did you transition from editing to querying? At what point did you feel ready for that step?
#writers #authors #booksky #debutnovel #querytips #writing #editing
#writers #authors #booksky #debutnovel #querytips #writing #editing
May 8, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Fellow authors, when did you transition from editing to querying? At what point did you feel ready for that step?
#writers #authors #booksky #debutnovel #querytips #writing #editing
#writers #authors #booksky #debutnovel #querytips #writing #editing
Our agent matchmaking database launches tonight for Slushwire subscribers only!
Sign up FREE to use the platform before it’s a paid service!
Writequeryhook.com/slushwire
It’s quick and you keep all your agent matches.
We need your feedback!
#writingcommunity #querytips #amquerying #pubtips
Sign up FREE to use the platform before it’s a paid service!
Writequeryhook.com/slushwire
It’s quick and you keep all your agent matches.
We need your feedback!
#writingcommunity #querytips #amquerying #pubtips
Writequeryhook.co
June 16, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Our agent matchmaking database launches tonight for Slushwire subscribers only!
Sign up FREE to use the platform before it’s a paid service!
Writequeryhook.com/slushwire
It’s quick and you keep all your agent matches.
We need your feedback!
#writingcommunity #querytips #amquerying #pubtips
Sign up FREE to use the platform before it’s a paid service!
Writequeryhook.com/slushwire
It’s quick and you keep all your agent matches.
We need your feedback!
#writingcommunity #querytips #amquerying #pubtips
Used to think agents were harsh for rejecting queries over a name mistake 😬
Then came “Dear Harris” 📩
Now I’m Team Instadelete 💀
#AmQuerying #WritingLife #AuthorHumor #QueryTips #BookTok #IndieAuthor #PublishingLife
Then came “Dear Harris” 📩
Now I’m Team Instadelete 💀
#AmQuerying #WritingLife #AuthorHumor #QueryTips #BookTok #IndieAuthor #PublishingLife
June 15, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Used to think agents were harsh for rejecting queries over a name mistake 😬
Then came “Dear Harris” 📩
Now I’m Team Instadelete 💀
#AmQuerying #WritingLife #AuthorHumor #QueryTips #BookTok #IndieAuthor #PublishingLife
Then came “Dear Harris” 📩
Now I’m Team Instadelete 💀
#AmQuerying #WritingLife #AuthorHumor #QueryTips #BookTok #IndieAuthor #PublishingLife
Want to learn about #Technical Writing? Are you interested in a consulting career in Technical Writing? Take this new course now: adrienne-s-school-2b8a.thinkific.com/courses/fund...
#consulting #technicalinterview #hr #writing #evaluation #erp #itconsulting #querytips #dita
#consulting #technicalinterview #hr #writing #evaluation #erp #itconsulting #querytips #dita
May 12, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Want to learn about #Technical Writing? Are you interested in a consulting career in Technical Writing? Take this new course now: adrienne-s-school-2b8a.thinkific.com/courses/fund...
#consulting #technicalinterview #hr #writing #evaluation #erp #itconsulting #querytips #dita
#consulting #technicalinterview #hr #writing #evaluation #erp #itconsulting #querytips #dita
Agents can tell when something is rushed, recycled, or not really meant for them. And when that happens? It’s an easy pass.
💬 Be honest, how are you approaching your query letters right now?
#querytips #writersofinstagram #authorlife #publishingjourney #yourbookisyourhook
💬 Be honest, how are you approaching your query letters right now?
#querytips #writersofinstagram #authorlife #publishingjourney #yourbookisyourhook
April 10, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Agents can tell when something is rushed, recycled, or not really meant for them. And when that happens? It’s an easy pass.
💬 Be honest, how are you approaching your query letters right now?
#querytips #writersofinstagram #authorlife #publishingjourney #yourbookisyourhook
💬 Be honest, how are you approaching your query letters right now?
#querytips #writersofinstagram #authorlife #publishingjourney #yourbookisyourhook
1.5 sentences perfectly describes why loglines - and synopses, blurbs, hooks, the rest of the motley crew - are so painful to manufacture.
"Any damn fool can make something complex; it takes a genius to make something simple.” ― Pete Seeger
#WritingCommmunity #querytips #pubtips
"Any damn fool can make something complex; it takes a genius to make something simple.” ― Pete Seeger
#WritingCommmunity #querytips #pubtips
May 13, 2025 at 2:31 PM
1.5 sentences perfectly describes why loglines - and synopses, blurbs, hooks, the rest of the motley crew - are so painful to manufacture.
"Any damn fool can make something complex; it takes a genius to make something simple.” ― Pete Seeger
#WritingCommmunity #querytips #pubtips
"Any damn fool can make something complex; it takes a genius to make something simple.” ― Pete Seeger
#WritingCommmunity #querytips #pubtips
If you're looking for some feedback from a literary agent in 2026, I'd love to help!! Reach out using the link in my bio - I work with all ages and most genres ✨
#amwriting #amagenting #amquerying #querytips #mystery #thriller #fantasy #middlegrade #YA
#amwriting #amagenting #amquerying #querytips #mystery #thriller #fantasy #middlegrade #YA
December 4, 2025 at 6:54 PM
If you're looking for some feedback from a literary agent in 2026, I'd love to help!! Reach out using the link in my bio - I work with all ages and most genres ✨
#amwriting #amagenting #amquerying #querytips #mystery #thriller #fantasy #middlegrade #YA
#amwriting #amagenting #amquerying #querytips #mystery #thriller #fantasy #middlegrade #YA
Super proud of our work championing and supporting Authors! We are just getting started.
This week our industry monitoring service SlushWire helped authors get closer to their dream. This week's stats.
#writingcommunity #pubtips #querytips
This week our industry monitoring service SlushWire helped authors get closer to their dream. This week's stats.
#writingcommunity #pubtips #querytips
April 27, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Super proud of our work championing and supporting Authors! We are just getting started.
This week our industry monitoring service SlushWire helped authors get closer to their dream. This week's stats.
#writingcommunity #pubtips #querytips
This week our industry monitoring service SlushWire helped authors get closer to their dream. This week's stats.
#writingcommunity #pubtips #querytips
Query tips from threads - happy sunday!
www.threads.com/@writequeryh...
#writingcommunity #amquerying #querytips #pubtips #querytrenches
www.threads.com/@writequeryh...
#writingcommunity #amquerying #querytips #pubtips #querytrenches
Write Query Hook (@writequeryhook) on Threads
query tips! jessica__berg: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUejh4NFr98/
www.threads.com
February 8, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Query tips from threads - happy sunday!
www.threads.com/@writequeryh...
#writingcommunity #amquerying #querytips #pubtips #querytrenches
www.threads.com/@writequeryh...
#writingcommunity #amquerying #querytips #pubtips #querytrenches