Places to find me:
Submissions: DMs open if accommodations are needed for querying authors
Website:
Add The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean to your TBR list:
My 15 year old niece told me she likes reading Tessa Bailey and I nearly fainted…
Y’all. Please send age appropriate romance suggestions. I’m going to preorder Thalia’s and Rebekah’s YA romances. I don’t care if there is sex in it, it needs to be age-respectful sex. LORDT!
Times are changing. Publishing is changing. No longer are the days when people lined up outside stores to get that new release or preorder like they used to. People want instant gratification which is why publishers need to push the book AFTER it is published not just before.
Like if you’ve ever:
- been rejected
- received a bad review
- queried too soon
- had writers block
- been given bad advice
- attached the wrong file
- felt like you’ve been ignored in publishing
The point is, we’ve all been there.❤️
#writerslife
I hate writing “rejection” letters. I hate even calling them that. Just because a book doesn’t work for me doesn’t mean it’s not good or valid or that someone else won’t love it.
I know it’s hard getting passes, but I promise it’s hard to send them too ❤️
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
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
I think it's wild that publishing still wants to use preorders as a way to gauge how well a book will sell. We live in a world of instant gratification. People don't want to buy something & wait 3 months; they want it now! The world has changed, I think publishing needs to too❤️
I have officially lost count of how many queries I've read today that start with the character waking up.
Next most popular opening has been on an airplane.
#querytip
#amquerying
Some personal news - ❤️
It’s scary to put yourself out there, and this story has so much of me in it that all I can say is that I hope you love it ❤️
Thanks so much to
@evascalzo
and
@esisogah
for believing in this—in me ❤️
Looks like the word is out. I will be joining
@TheTobiasAgency
!
#RosebudAuthors
and I are so excited for this next adventure!
But what does this mean for querying authors? Let’s discuss… 🧵
Writing tip: In a 1st person narrative you don’t need:
I see
I watch
I think
I hear
I listen
I fell
I realize
I smell
I know
I wonder
Etc
They are all implied
I watch a red bird fly over my head.
A red bird flies over my head.
The MC couldn’t tell us if she doesn’t see it.
The idea that they’ll know the success of a book by preorder sales is so antiquated. It’s 2022. People want to click buy and have it on their door the next day.
A publisher ending marketing support once release day has passed seems bananas to me.
I've seen an increasing # of queries in my inbox w/ word counts well over 200K. There are word count standards for a reason & hitting so high above them isn't doing you any favors. Getting that # down to standards could be the difference between a yes & no
#Querytip
#amwriting
#QueryTip
: Authors, do not self reject!
What do I mean by this?
In my inbox lately I can feel how frustrated authors are right now. And I get it. Querying is tough! But let's talk about some not so great trends I've seen recently in my inbox.
#amwriting
#WritingCommunity
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
Good morning y'all. I was going through my Query Manager this AM, and I thought I would take a moment to show you what agents see on our side when you submit to us.
Why you ask?
Because lots of things come over hard to read.
So let's take a look...
#QueryTip
#writingcommunity
It really is mind boggling that publishers haven’t learned this pivot yet. Do self published authors just stop marketing a book after it publishes? No. Because that is when they have a product to sell.
Will I pull a query out of the middle of my pile because it has an amazing title, find out the concept is also amazing and immediately request it? Yes, yes I will.
#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 🧵)
Reminder to authors that a "no" doesn't mean "no for every project you ever write." So if you think we are a good fit, please do query me again with your new projects.
#QueryTip
#WritingCommunity
Well it’s officially official I’m excited to announce I’m now repped by the amazing
@evascalzo
It’s such good news I have to remind myself it’s really real because 2020 and all 💙😭💙
2) Stop with those pathetic little “removable” pads you put in sports bras and such. They are worthless and become nothing but rolled up little sausages in the wash. Sew that shit in or don’t put them in at all.
2/4
Maybe if publishers stopped trying to rely on authors and booktok to sell books and actually held the reigns they would find greater financial success both for themselves and their authors.
Writers: Do yourself a favor and don't write book 2 of the series. Outline it, make notes, but don't actually write and polish it. Instead work on the next project. Book 1 can change in editing that it negatively affects book 2. Or book 1 might not sell at all.
#writingtips
#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! ❤️
#writingtip
: You don't have to tell us a character nods their head. They can just nod. It's not like they can nod their knees, or elbows.
In case this isn't clear:
Bob nodded his head.
vs.
Bob nodded.
#querytip
#amwriting
You can support authors you love in lots of ways - buying their book is just one of them.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Recommend it to other readers
- Write a review
- Request it at your local library
- Talk about it on social media
- Write the author and tell them
Writers: This is your reminder to check in on your full/partial requests. Don't just CNR if you haven't tried to reach out, even if it's been a while. ❤️
And because someone will likely ask, I think check-ins at 3 month intervals is completely acceptable. ❤️
#QueryTip
They all want to have the next best seller but as soon as pub day hits it’s on to the next.
Which part of me understands. Marketing is already overwhelmed. But what would sales look like if they shifted and added marketing support for even 3 months past pub date?
The best advice for authors on submission is to just not think about it. I know easier said than done, but seriously. Forget about it. Work on the next thing. Publishing has its own timeline so you can't rush it. Your agent has your back, that's why they are your agent. ...
I'll be popping in and out of
#MoodPitch
today. If I give you a ❤️ (or if I miss you) and you think we could be a good match please use the link to Query Manager in my pinned tweet.
Good luck to all today!
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 ❤️
Feeling inspired to give back today. If you were a
#PitchWars
hopeful and didn’t make it, comment below and make sure you’re following and I’ll randomly pick one/some people to review your query and first 3 pages of your MS
#writerslift
#writing
#WritingCommunity
Writing tip: Don’t start with “action” start with “character agency” — give your MC a compelling goal they are trying to achieve while you set up the world/story— and let the Inciting Incident happen in the first 10ish pages.
Remember: “normal world” doesn’t have to be “boring”
I’m an absolute sucker for a good visual so I will be popping in and out of
#MoodPitch
today. If I ❤️ (or if I miss you) and you think we are a good fit, please use the link in my pinned tweet for my Query Manager
DMs open for questions
Good luck!!
Synopsis tip for
#AmQuerying
writers - When introducing your character for the 1st time in a synopsis (not talking about the query letter) put their name in ALL CAPS. This is super helpful when reading.
#QueryTip
#WritingCommunity
Going to do my best to pop in and out of
#SFFPit
today. If I give you a ❤️, or if I miss your pitch and you think we could be a good match, please use the Query Manager link in my pinned tweet.
DMs open for questions
Best of luck to all!
A little while back I added the option to submit to me through Query Manager and you know, I really like it. It allows me to respond to every query I get so authors aren’t left just waiting. So feel free to use this option to query me & spread the word
#QueryTip
3) Universal sizing — like seriously. Trying to find size guides and figuring out what arbitrary number will and won’t fit is like trying to do quadratic formulas sometimes.
3/4
Anyhow that’s what I’m thinking about as I elliptical this morning.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this elliptical rant ❤️
Also publishing- pay your people more money!
Y'all. I'm so upset right now.
🧵
I sometimes get queries sent to me at my author email, which isn't a huge deal, so I usually just respond with something like this...
#QueryTip
: Not everyone knows, so I thought I’d jump on to mention, a query and synopsis are not the same thing. The query is like the back cover copy, it’s a tool to hook the reader into wanting to read the pages…
#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
A little birdie told me it's
#WMPitch
today, so I will be popping in and out, & if I give you a ❤️ & you think we could be a match, please use the Query Manager link in my pinned tweet to send your materials. Please include the ❤️ed pitch
DMs open for ????
Good luck y'all!
Noticing a lot of people leaving publishing (and I wish them all the very best❤️)
What I'm not seeing are the job postings! 👀What's up publishing? If you try to just push the work off on already existing staff we're going to lose so many more wonderful people!
I’m heartbroken by recent events. I’m also pissed as hell. So taking a moment to just breathe. Let’s see those fur babies or pictures that sooth your soul ❤️ my new little girl is settling in just fine ❤️
I posted the other day about nudging on fulls/partials and there was a lot of discussion about why an author should do that and I think the deeper discussion here is to talk about time and how time works in publishing… a 🧵
Just a reminder, I do respond to all queries sent to my query manager. My goal is to try to stay w/in a 3 month time frame, but sometimes things take me a little longer to get to. Querying is hard, I totally get it. We are all doing the best we can. I appreciate your patience!
Unfortunately it seems like this needs to be repeated: but writers if your female character needs to suffer a trauma to forward the plot of your male character, then it likely isn’t the best match for me.
#querytip
#amquerying
#WritingCommunity
So many times on this site I see authors asking agents if they can query, and I’m here to tell you, if we are open to subs, query us! Don’t self reject ❤️ MSWLs are just guidelines. You don’t have to be a 100% match ❤️
Honest question- is there advice floating around out there that authors should publish their books first and then query agents? I’m seeing a HUGE uptick in books already published in my inbox and am curious why this is happening. Not throwing shade honestly just curious ❤️
Balloons for me?! You shouldn’t have ❤️
#BirthdayGirl
Since it’s my birthday, I’d like everyone to do something nice for themselves today to help me celebrate 🥳🧁
Reminder to querying authors: Make sure you delete all the comments left by critique partners/beta readers. Not that I don't find them interesting, I do, but you probably don't want me reading those instead of your MS & they are way too tempting for me not to look at.
#querytip
I will not let this person change who I am or how I do business.
I will continue to give people the benefit of the doubt; I will continue to choose kindness.
But I will also 100% believe who you are when you show me.
What’s a still from a movie or TV show that will completely devastate anyone who has seen it, but seems completely unremarkable to anyone who hasn’t?
No question… this one…
One of my favorite things about being an agent is watching my authors support each other. We are more than just a group of authors and agent; we are a family ❤️
#RosebudAuthor
#Amagenting
Note to authors using Word: Resolving a comment does not delete it. I get a number of submissions with resolved comments still in the comment section. Make sure you go through and actually delete them before you send.
#QueryTip
#AmQuerying
#QueryTip
- if you’re pitching a “romantasy” (fantasy romance) there’s still an expectation of an HEA or HFN. If you don’t have one that’s fine but then it’s fantasy with a romantic subplot not a “romance”
It comes down to reader expectation & romance readers expect a HEA/HFN
I'll be checking out
#JoyPit
&
#KidLitPit
today so if I give you a ❤️ (or I miss your amazing pitch) and you think we could be a good match please use the link in my pinned tweet for QM.
DMs open for questions
Best of luck to everyone!
Lost this little one tonight over the rainbow bridge ~ held her right up until the last minute so I hope she knows how much we loved her and how much she’ll be missed 💔😭
I think the advice to start a book with "action" isn't exactly what that means. I see a lot of people who try to start their stories with "action"--running, chasing, fighting, etc. but really in any of these situations it's hard to feel grounded and really know what's going on...
@ARFrederiksen
It also means the writer did their job in setting things up properly ❤️
A “twist” that comes out of nowhere and the reader can’t go back and find the dominos being set up isn’t a twist it’s a bait and switch
Popping in and out of
#PitMad
today. If I ❤️ please send the first 3 chapters and a 1-2 page synopsis as an attachment to ann(at)prospectagency(dot)com Include the liked tweet and twitter handle in your query letter and put PitMad in the subject line - Questions? DMs are open
#QueryTip
: I am one of those weirdos that not just asks for a synopsis but I read them as part of the submission process. If you don’t include one, I can’t review your project the way I need to know if we’re a good fit. If writing a synopsis is a deal breaker, I get it…
Reminder authors: you don’t need my permission to query me. My query manager is open and if you have a project you think we will be a match on send it! I respond to all queries sent there even if it takes a minute 😉❤️
#QueryTip
The Oxford comma (also known as the 'serial comma') is the comma that separates the second to last item in a list from a final item that is introduced by 'and' or 'or.'
It is optional...but be aware that not using the serial comma can result in some ambiguity.
Day 8:
#SpreadTheJoy
- We still have so many wonderful prizes to giveaway, but today I'm offering one of my own.
If you would like a review of your query and first 10 pages of your MS comment below and RT to help Spread the Joy!
It's tough out there. I know. I see you working so hard and I am in awe of your perseverance. Don't give up on yourself if this is what you really want.
Stop self rejecting!
You are worth giving this a try, even if it's your 1,000 try ❤️ Keep going ❤️
#QueryTip
: It’s a good idea to have someone who knows nothing about your book read your query before you send it out. They don’t even have to be an writer. The point is to see if anything about it is confusing because if it is for them it will be to us too.
#amquerying
#amwriting
You did it! And as suggested, I am offering a query critique to anyone who comments below. I'll keep this open until 2/4 and will randomly select a winner. ❤️
Might have to try this again and give an even bigger prize next time.... 🧐
My book - The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean - comes out this year & even without a cover people are adding it to their TBRs on GR ❤️🥹 As a kind of thank you, I'd like to host a g*ve away once it hits 100 adds
#WritingCommunity
#amreading
Final Giveaway 38:
#SpreadTheJoy
- Tonight to close out our giveaways is a submission package critique from me! To win just give me a follow, comment below, & give this a repost. I'll pick a winner on 12/26
#WritingCommunity
#writerslift
#writingtips
What is an inciting incident?
It’s the moment your MC can no longer have their “normal.” It’s the thing that forces them to make a decision (whether that is action or in action). It’s the driving force of the story and should happen toward the beginning of the book
#QueryTip