Tag: querying
-
Why To Include Small Indie Presses in Your To-Query List
If you are a querying author, chances are you’ve poured over agents’ manuscript wish lists. You have probably looked at social media posts and websites hoping to find perfect matches for your manuscript. And while that is what you should be doing, it’s not all you could be doing. Many querying authors overlook small independent…
-
How to Title Your Manuscript When Querying: Tips That Catch an Agent’s Eye
When you’re querying agents, your title is your story’s handshake—your first impression. A great manuscript title doesn’t just sound good; it hints at genre, tone, and emotional promise. While titles can change during the publishing process, a strong one helps your submission stand out from the slush pile. So how do you craft one that…
-
Mastering Live Book Pitches: Tips for Success (Plus a Free Template!)
Pitching your book at a live event is like stepping into the spotlight with your creative soul on display. You’ve got minutes to capture the attention of literary agents, each one looking for the next big thing. It’s an adrenaline rush—a mix of public speaking and storytelling—with the tantalizing hope of hearing, “I’d love to…
-
So You Want to Write a Book That Gets Published: A Step-By-Step Guide
As a published author, associate literary agent, and developmental editor, I often hear, “I have an idea for a book, I just don’t know where to start.” And I get it. I’ve been there. You don’t know what you don’t know. So in this post, I’m going to lay out a framework any hopeful author…
-
Rebecca Minelga Author Spotlight
I’m super excited to introduce Conquest Publishing author Rebecca Minelga author of the upcoming novel Third and Long. About The Author Rebecca Minelga is an author and speaker who uses the power of words to navigate the liminal spaces between who we are and who we are becoming. She raises Guide Dog Puppies and two sons –…
-
Polishing Your Submission Packet For Querying
Hello Authors! When I was in the query trenches, I found there were a lot of things I wished I’d known early in my query journey. Now that I’m an associate literary agent (as of July 3rd, 2024!), I thought it would be helpful to querying authors if I provided some guidance on how to…
-
Ten Steps Authors Should Consider Before Querying
You’ve typed the words The End. Congratulations! You’re ready to send your full manuscript to the massive email list you created of every agent in the business. Your game plan—cast your net wide and you’re bound to have multiple offers of representation within days. Nope. Not even close. While you, your mother, your sister, and…
-
5 Tips to Manifest Your Author Career
Manifestation is the conversion of thoughts into reality. Believing you will achieve your dreams and goals. Then taking the actions necessary to ignite them into existence. If you are a writer in the query trenches, it’s easy to get trapped in a negative mindset. Publishing is ripe with rejection. It’s no wonder so many authors…
-
Querying Part 2: Query in Batches
Once you’ve poured over Twitter, Manuscript Wish List, Query Tracker, agent’s websites, and more, you’ve probably got a list somewhere from fifty to a hundred agents and small presses ranging from Perfect Fit to ones that say “Surprise me! I’m always looking for something new.” Before you get excited and cast your net wide, let’s…
Amy Nielsen 