Jennifer March Soloway
@marchsoloway
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Jennifer #4 @AndreaBrownLit | she/her | @MillsMFALit alum | PB+MG+YA+Adult | In love with all beautiful writing and craft |✨Revision is magical!✨
San Francisco, CA
Joined August 2011
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Pinned Tweet
#WriteTip
I find the most compelling stories often explore emotional truths an author has personally experienced. Maybe not the specific events or drama but the feelings. Write your emotional truth. Create intimacy with the reader. Invite them inside.
#amwriting
#amrevising
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#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...🧵
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One of the great joys of being a literary agent is that I get to tell a debut creator they are going to be published--a life-changing moment.
Today has been a good day!
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One of my beloved clients just told me after receiving a pass, "I’ll keep my chin up; it only takes one yes, and in my experience it’s often the right yes!"
It's my experience, too. The one yes is often the right yes, and it's worth the wait to find "the one."
Keep the faith!
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Publishing seems to be moving more slowly than ever--and it is--but it's still moving!
I have learned to be especially patient and full of faith this year. If you are waiting, too, good things lie ahead but maybe not on the timeline you expected. Stay strong, and good luck!
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Good news! Congratulations to my incredible colleagues at
@AndreaBrownLit
. I love our agency with all my heart. It's an honor to work with such talented, creative, passionate colleagues and creators. I'm thrilled to be a senior agent. ♥️
Excited for 2023!
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A reminder to all who
#query
me:
Querying is a daunting process, and I am honored to receive your query. If you make a small error (wrong name instead of mine, a typo, etc.), please don't worry. I make errors, too. I promise I won't hold it against you.
Best of luck to you!
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When I like a query, I look at the author's socials to get a sense of them. Would I like working with this author? Are they interesting? Thoughtful? Funny? Cranky?
I figure if you query me, you're doing the same with me. If you're not, you should. You deserve the best fit.
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I receive queries from and meet many talented people, who are on my radar. They may not ready for me yet but are definitely on their way. When they get there, I hope to have the opportunity to rep them.
Don't give up. Keep working on craft. Keep revising.
#amquerying
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Reminder to
#amquerying
:
I know many of you are emailing many agents in a querying round, and I understand complete when you accidentally get the wrong name on a query to me. I get it and promise I won't hold it against you. What I care about most is your writing.
Good luck!
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🌟 I am officially reopening to queries! 🌟
As always, I'm looking for something to surprise and delight me with a great hook and a compelling voice, but here's a 🧵 with some wish list items.
Starting with horror. Maybe about a doll? (Me, out to dinner last last night.) 1/?
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#QueryTip
: Consider creating a log line, using the main elements of your story:
The protagonist
The inciting incident
The objective/goal of the story
Stakes
Here's a formula to get you started, plus reasons why a log line will serve you long into the future...🧵
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Some additional hope for the
#amquerying
crowd:
Just because you don't get multiple offers doesn't mean that your book won't sell.
My client received one offer: mine. We did a round of revision, went on submission, and sold the book at auction.
✨One can do the trick! ✨
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To anyone in the trenches (
#querying
or on sub):
The process has extreme highs and lows. It's easy to get rattled by a pass, only to be surprised with joy by interest. Taste is subjective. You never know who might fall in love with your work.
Be strong!
#dontgiveup
#amwriting
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Andrea has a saying. Make us laugh or cry; we'll offer you representation. Make us do both; we'll sell your book at auction.
I'm reading a client
#YA
manuscript that's making me laugh and cry--sometimes on the same page--and I am smitten. I think someday the world will be, too.
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Dear
#amquerying
,
Sending passes is the worst part of my job. I ❤️ writers, want you to succeed, and wish I could send notes.
Sadly I don't have time for personalized replies.
My advice? Keep writing + revising. No means not yet. Revision is magical! ✨
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With the wrath of hateful politics bearing down on us, both domestically and abroad, the world feels especially heavy today.
Which is why, more than ever, we need stories to help us understand one another. To give us hope.
Keep writing. Your voice matters.
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I am mentoring several people this summer, and I just explained the three questions I ask myself when I consider offering representation to a creator. Thought I'd share here in a thread, in case it's helpful to anyone
#amquerying
, so you can see my approach...
1/5
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I just finished the manuscript, and I cannot stop crying. It’s beautiful, and I am more smitten than ever.
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I love receiving strong revisions. I've offered representation to many people who have revised, then resubmitted to me. It shows determination, perseverance, and excellent craft + growth!
So if you've queried before, revise and try me again in 6+ months!
Revision is magical!✨
@marchsoloway
Hi Jennifer! I am curious, are you open to resubmissions if the manuscript has been majorly edited and revised?
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A word to assuage those who query me and discover with anguish...
...a typo in the query. Or worse, an editing error. Ack!
Please don't worry! I understand, empathize (only too well), and will not hold it against you, I promise.
I care most about your writing.
#amquerying
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#QueryTip
Agents pass for many reasons: changing trends in the market; they already represent something similar; or even though something may be strong, well-written and publishable, they didn't fall in love. A pass doesn’t mean your project won’t sell.
#DontGiveUp
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One of the best parts of my job is to call a beloved debut client and say, "Your book is going to be a published!" Even with my (well) published clients, sharing that good news never gets old.
✨Today is one of those days! Joy to the World! ✨
#dreamjob
#agenting
#amwriting
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Like
#querying
, submissions can be long and uncertain. Sometimes books sell right away. Sometimes it takes FOREVER (even for PBs)--and there are myriad factors that can affect the timing.
If you've been on sub forever, you're not alone. Here are a few of my stats:
🧵
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#WritingTip
Sometimes even when you aren't "writing," you are still making progress by working out details in your head. A break can often be a blessing. If you can let your mind go without worry, you might surprise yourself with new possibilities.
#amwriting
#amrevising
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A pep talk if you're feeling down after receiving a pass or two (or 20+):
Some projects sell (get agented) right away, but many don't. Passes don't mean a project won't ever sell. It still could!
Your path might be longer, but it's okay. Keep revising and trying. Don't give up!
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#QueryTip
I look for clients who have established critique groups and beta readers. Although I'm editorial, I am only one person with a limited experience, and I might miss a nuance. Multiple eyes on your project will help you produce your best work.
#amquerying
#amwritng
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#QueryTip
Send queries in rounds, a handful of agents at a time. If those agents pass or you don't hear back, give yourself time between each round to rethink your strategy/pitch, revise, etc. Then try again. Revision is magical!
#DontGiveUp
#amquerying
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I couldn't be more excited to share
@JustinRColon
has written not one but two hilarious picture books, illustrated by James Rey Sanchez, and edited by the amazing
@franknbooks
! Congratulations all!
IMPOSSIBLE POSSUMS is coming to a bookstore near you, fall 2024!
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Dear
#amquerying
,
If your work is rejected, you may submit a new work to another
@andreabrownlit
agent, or to the same agent (me). Or, if you significantly revise a work that we previously turned down, you may resubmit it to us after six months. I believe in revision!
Good luck!
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In spite of all the heaviness of the world, I was able to tell two debut creators this week they are going to be published.
My heart is filled with hope and joy!
One of the great joys of being a literary agent is that I get to tell a debut creator they are going to be published--a life-changing moment.
Today has been a good day!
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A reminder to
#amquerying
:
If you suddenly realize with a cringe, the
#query
you just sent has a glaring typo. Please don't worry. The best of us make mistakes.
I promise I won't hold it against you. I care most about your writing and storytelling. The typo we can fix.
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A note to all (especially my beloved clients 😉):
I promise, swear, vow, pledge, guarantee, and cross my heart: I will never, ever hold a typo against you.
Nor will I think less of you (especially in a rough draft or a query). All is well. We can fix the typo, together. ✨
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Thank you! It's been a terrific start to 2022! I am overjoyed to work with my amazing colleagues
@AndreaBrownLit
, whose mentorship and support help me everyday, and my incredibly talented clients, who create the best stories! ♥️
Congratulations to two of the hardest-working agents in the biz, Kat Rushall and Jennifer March Soloway, on their well-deserved promotions! 😍🥳
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The pandemic is rough, and if you are continuing to struggle, you are not alone. I often feel scattered, unlike my old self in non-Covid-laced days.
Keep celebrating small
#amwriting
#amrevising
achievements: a great scene, a perfect word, etc.
Please share. I will cheer, too!
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One of my beloved clients did an INCREDIBLE revision of a book they've been working on for a while. Over time, the story has evolved in marvelous ways. Sometimes a draft would go in the wrong direction, but we'd learn and find new possibilities.
✨Revision is truly magical! ✨
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Wow, I have had a terrific day. A new client said yes! Another client received an offer! I hope to share details of this good news soon.
Hello, June 2018. We're off to a great start!
Sending joy and wishing success to everyone everywhere!
#agenting
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How is everyone holding up? The pandemic has been rough, hasn't it? Add California fires and smoke-filled air, and it feels like the world is imploding.
Thank goodness for stories. Now more than ever, I am grateful for the literary community and you!
#amreading
#amwriting
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Dear
#amquerying
,
Please don't worry about typos and editing errors. I appreciate your worry (and empathize with your anxiety), but I promise I won't hold it against you.
We all make mistakes. (I'm the oops queen!) What matters most to me is your writing. Good luck!
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#RevisionTip
Worried your story is too slow or that it feels like it's dragging in spots? A good rule of thumb is to enter a scene late and leave early. Like going to a party, you never want to be the first to arrive or the last to leave!
#amwriting
#amrevising
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My client found a critique group via
@scbwi
and received terrific feedback... suggestions neither she nor I would have considered because we've looked at the draft so many times.
Fresh eyes on a project can be magical! Yay for critique groups!
#amwriting
#amrevising
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#RevisionTip
Everyone knows the rule: Show, Don't Tell, but the truth is you need to show AND tell. (something I learned long after my MFA from the infinitely wise Lewis Buzbee). The trick is to know when to show, when to tell, and how much (or how little) to tell. 🧵
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This probably goes without saying, but I encourage
#writers
to support other writers. Be kind. Try to uplift your peers. Read and buy their books. If you like them, review. Your positivity will help build community; others (like me) will want to work with and support you, too.
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#QueryTip
If an agent requests your work during a pitch fest, but you see opportunities to revise before submitting. Don't feel pressured to send right away. Take your time to polish. I promise, we'll wait.
Best of luck,
#amquerying
!
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The air is finally clear in San Francisco. I'm sitting next to an open window and a gorgeous blue sky, speckled with fluffy white clouds. After weeks of horrendous smoke and apocalyptic orange haze, it's a glorious day!
Happy Friday, everyone!
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Some hope for
#amquerying
writers:
I just received two notifications of offers of representation, one right after the other: boom, boom. Though I'm desperately behind (so sorry, gah), many agents are reading and offering. Your project might be next. Hang in there!
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Dear
#amquerying
,
My box is open! I welcome the chance to read your work. The best way to reach me is my query manager form:
Please do not email me. It will get lost in my inbox, and I'd hate to overlook your query.
Thank you, and best of luck!
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In the last two days, I have received 5 notifications of pending offers of representation--just got another now.
So even though it might feel like your work is lost in the void, agents are reading submissions + offering rep.
Querying really does work.
#JMSQueryBoxTrends
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#QueryTip
It's always so hard for me not to respond to queries that aren't good fits for me but have great potential. If you're querying, don't give up. Keep writing, keep revising, keep querying.
#amwriting
#amquerying
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Now, more than ever, we need your stories, your perspective, to help us gain understanding, to bring us together instead of polarization. Please do not be afraid to speak your truth.
Your voice matters.
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Some hope for the
#amquerying
crowd:
I am getting hit left and right with offers of rep notifications, which makes my heart sing for writers. The trenches can be really tough, but things are definitely moving (albeit, slowly for many).
My fellow agents out there are busy!
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#QueryTip
The querying process can be frustrating. Don't give up. Keep writing. Work on other projects. Celebrate victories, large and small. If you write a great scene, celebrate. If you get good feedback, celebrate. Then when you get an agent, celebrate!
#amquerying
#amwriting
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#QueryTip
Know category, genre, and word count, as well as 2-3 recent comps, published in the last three years with strong sales: “[TITLE] is [COMP] meets [COMP] with ________ of [COMP]." Then explain how the book fits into the market + reader appeal.
#amquerying
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#WriteTip
for Drafting: Try not to tweak/polish language at the line level in an early draft. Otherwise those sentences will become precious. It's much harder to revise for story and character when you can't bear to let lines go.
#amwriting
#amrevising
(Very difficult, but try)
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I receive the most queries on holidays when people are off work and have time to send—and I will be reading, hoping to find the next best story. It could be yours!
Happy Thanksgiving!
#amquerying
#amreading
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Dear
#amquerying
:
I love receiving queries. I read all personally, and my box has always been open.
However, I've received more (really good!) submissions than ever this summer.
So I'm closing in August to catch up, but I'll open again on September 1.
Thanks & see you then!
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@MindyAlyseWeiss
P.S. Most picture books I see are good or better than good. But the market is extremely competitive. Strive to be outstanding. The most successful authors I know are writing their emotional truths, whether funny, sweet, or both. You will find your voice, too!
#PBFest
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A note about wait times (which are hard):
Publishing moves slowly (until it doesn't), and what can feel like a long time (weeks, months) doesn't necessarily mean the answer is no (especially in pandemic).
For now, keep
#amwriting
+
#amrevising
. More projects = more chances!
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So this happened today...
CEMETERY BOYS HIT THE LIST! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
@aidenschmaiden
, YOU DID IT!
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It is my great pleasure to represent
@JustinRColon
. Justin, you had me at Quack(en!) and your many laugh-out-loud picture books full of humor and heart. I can't wait for many great books together. Welcome to
@AndreaBrownLit
! 🦆
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It's easy (for me) to feel rejection like a gut-punch, but agenting has taught me it's not personal. If someone passes, they aren't right for the project--or possibly that draft.
The good news is one can revise. Revision might open a door to amazing possibilities. Don't give up!
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@ericsmithrocks
@SaraSchon
The best feeling. This year, I sold a book that had been on submission for four years. (FOUR YEARS) I always believed in the book but for some reason, we just couldn't find the right champion for it. And then we did, and it's a perfect fit. What a triumph!
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My new client,
@angey
, has been on my radar for 2 years. We met at a conference in 2016. I loved her pitch, but she was still writing. She queried this spring; I asked for an R&R. She resubmitted; I read her MS in a swoop + offered rep
Don't give up. Keep revising.
#amquerying
I receive queries from and meet many talented people, who are on my radar. They may not ready for me yet but are definitely on their way. When they get there, I hope to have the opportunity to rep them.
Don't give up. Keep working on craft. Keep revising.
#amquerying
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#RevisionTip
Sometimes editorial feedback can be tough to hear, especially if it doesn't seem to align with your vision. Give yourself time to process + brainstorm. You might find the perfect solution to address the issue yet still stay true to your story.
#amwriting
#amrevising
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Not only am I a sucker for a terrific first line, but I love a great chapter close—a gripping last line that raises all kinds of possibilities as to where the story might go next.
I just read such a line.. and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
#amreading
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#QueryTip
No need to send a query to me as an exclusive. I expect and want you to query other agents. You deserve the best representation for your work, be it me or someone else. Query far and wide to find the right fit for you.
#amquerying
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Just had the best brainstorming session with a client, and I couldn't be more excited for their book. Oh, the possibilities!
I love this job. ✨
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GOOD NEWS! Fans of
@aidenschmaiden
rejoice!
THREE MORE
#YA
BOOKS will hit bookstore shelves in 2022, 2023, & 2024!
A fantasy duology: Aztec Percy Jackson meets Hunger Game, AND a third book, "gay Titanic in space!" -- all edited by the fabulous
@Holliambria
@FeiwelFriends
!
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In the past year, October 2021 - October 2022, I received 1,046 picture book queries.
#JMSQueryBoxTrends
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Dear
#amquerying
,
I wish I could give notes with every pass, but sadly, I don't have time to give everyone specific feedback. But the
#writetips
I share are often based on issues I see in draft manuscripts, so please check my feed. I might answer your question.
Best of luck!
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#RevisionTip
Need to enhance your mc's narrative and raise emotional stakes? Try free-writing the mc's inner thoughts, feelings and theories about what's happening at various points in the story. Then weave that insight throughout the manuscript.
#amwriting
#amrevising
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One of the great joys of my job is to read a WIP and try to help the author elevate the story. Nothing this makes me happier than when I read a revision and see a story blossom. Sometimes even the smallest edits make al the difference. ✨Revision is magical! ✨
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Reading queries this evening and seeing many terrific projects. Alas, I cannot take on even a fraction of the great work I see. If you receive a pass from me (the worst part of my job), please do not give up. I may not have space or be the right fit, but someone else could be!
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#WritingTip
The first page is your big chance to hook your reader:
Start with a great first line,
raise a compelling question (or 2-3);
introduce the protagonist (make the reader care); and
launch into a scene with conflict.
#amrevising
#querytip
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Nothing makes me happier than when I see a writer grow and evolve, draft by draft, revision by revision. I’m reading a terrific manuscript right now; it is thrilling to see how much everything is coming together in this draft.
#amwriting
#amrevising
✨Revision is magical. ✨
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#WriteTip
It's almost the end of November, and this week will be distracting for many of us. If you didn't produce as much as hoped, it's okay. Give yourself grace and keep writing. Slow is better than stopping. Word by word, you'll get there.
#amwriting
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#RevisionTip
#WritingTip
Instead of trying to fix the entire manuscript at once, which can be daunting, try mini-rounds focused on specific elements: Plot, character, additional threads, line-level edits, etc.
#amwriting
#amrevising
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#WriteTip
for
#FirstDraft
: Don't worry about finding the perfect word, gesture, expression, detail, etc. when drafting for the first time. Much of what you write now will become placeholders for more interesting language later. Rough draft + Revision = Potential Gold!
#amwriting
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Up early, reading queries and fulls on a Sunday morning, and seeing lots of italicized beginnings.
#QueryTip
Consider letting italics go. If the draft and story are strong enough, the text will not need emphasis. Your words will pop on the page nonetheless.
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If you're waiting to hear from someone (agents or editors, etc.) and worried, hang in there. Publishing is a long game, and it's worth the wait, I promise.
As much as I love to sell a book in weeks, my most gratifying deals were years in the making.
Good luck,
#amwriting
!
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#RevisionTip
Read your entire manuscript with an editorial eye and several highlighters. Mark (1) what you like (to keep), (2) what bores you (to cut/revise), (3) where you could enliven the language at the line level (to rewrite). Then plan your revision.
#amwriting
#amrevising
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#RevisionTip
Take advantage of time markers—“the following day,” “that night,” “after lunch”—to skip the mundane and ground the reader in the next moment of drama. Check each the start of each scene and/or chapter for opportunities to clarify time.
#amwriting
#amrevising
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#WriteTip
Sometimes a simple line is all it takes to add emotional depth. A vulnerable, "I think I like them," or "I really want her to be my friend," says it all. Scene and/or chapter ends can be good spots to confide how a character feels.
#amwriting
#amrevising
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Happy New Year!
I enjoyed taking a long break from social media. Now, it's good to be back. Can't wait to share some exciting news soon, as well as writing tips + other tips for authors.
P.S. My query box is once again open, and I'm eager for good stories,
#amquerying
. Cheers!
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Wanted: stories about bullies who become aware of + take responsibility for their actions, and emerge at the end of the story wiser and more empathetic.
#MSWL
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GOOD NEWS! I couldn't be more thrilled to share that
@JustinRColon
's hilarious PB, THE QUACKEN, will be illustrated by Pablo Pino and edited by the extraordinary
@kendralevin
! Congratulations all!
Get ready for THE QUACKEN. You never look at a duck the same way again! 🦢
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When I started agenting, I used to write customized passes. Now that I'm more established, I often rely on standard responses. I wish I respond personally to all, but my message is the same:
No means not yet. Keep working. Don't give up.
#amquerying
#amrevising
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It's true! Picture books are tiny masterpieces--deceivingly simple in appearance, yes, but exceedingly difficult to master and polish.
Don't give up if yours doesn't work right away.
Keep writing! Keep revising!
Hot mess + revision = potential gold!
#RevisionIsMagical
✨
In going over my notes this morning from a webinar with
@marchsoloway
, I ran across this gem of a definition (plus a billion brilliant writing tips, which I'm trying to soak into my writing psyche):
Picture books are “really difficult little masterful nuggets of art.“
I love it!
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I'm reading a revision of a client manuscript that is so, so good. Even though I've read it multiple times, and I know what's going to happen, it still makes me cry.
I loved it before, but now... the new additions are even better. I can't wait for everyone to read this book! ✨
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Quick/dirty
#LogLine
#WriteTip
Craft the main elements into a single sentence: When [the inciting incident happens], [the protagonist] must [achieve the objective], or risk [the stakes]. Then polish at the line level. Think smart, snappy, scintillating.
#amwriting
#amrevising
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It's always exciting (and just a little nerve-wracking) to go on submission with a new project, after my client has worked hard to elevate the story. I love pulling together the package and sharing with editors I think might fall in love the way I have!
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#QueryTip
If you receive a revise and resubmit request, do more than quick fixes. Take time to significantly rewrite, revise, and polish. Submit your very best work.
#amwriting
#amrevising
#amquerying
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Dear
#amquerying
,
I have had a very exciting month--maybe the best month in my career to date. (I'm thrilled for my clients!) It's been busy and great, but I have once again fallen behind on queries.
If you're waiting, thank you for your patience. I hope to be in touch soon!
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#WriteTip
for
#FirstPages
:
Start with a strong first line.
Raise a main question in the reader's mind.
Introduce main character (what matters most and why). Introduce conflict + emotional stakes.
Launch into scene with context to ground the reader.
Then go, go, go!
#amwriting
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