Kidlitchat Transcript – August 17

1:00 am kidlitchat: TOPIC: Queries! Share your best tips for writing good ones… and fave stories of bad ones. #kidlitchat
1:00 am bonnieadamson: TOPIC: Queries! Share your best tips for writing good ones… and fave stories of bad ones. #kidlitchat
1:01 am kellyhashway: Great topic! #kidlitchat
1:01 am inkyelbows: RT @bonnieadamson: TOPIC: Queries! Share your best tips for writing good ones… and fave stories of bad ones. #kidlitchat
1:01 am KatGirl_Studio: Hi everyone =^.^= #kidlitchat
1:01 am PaulWHankins: RT @ecnewmanscribe: Oops, early. RT @DDHearn: Calling all children’s book writers. Don’t miss #kidlitchat tonight at 9pm EST.
1:01 am KatGirl_Studio: ooo good topic #kidlitchat
1:02 am gregpincus: Personally, I love writing queries. I think this puts me in a minority :-) #kidlitchat
1:02 am KristiHelvig: RT @gregpincus: TOPIC: Queries! Share your best tips for writing good ones… and fave stories of bad ones. #kidlitchat
1:02 am PaulWHankins: Yay #kidlitchat Okay, I’ll read along, but you are competing with new book, Zora and Me. This one will get some buzz in October! Beautiful
1:02 am sharifwrites: RT @KristiHelvig: RT @gregpincus: TOPIC: Queries! Share your best tips for writing good ones… and fave stories of bad ones. #kidlitchat
1:03 am kellyhashway: @gregpincus I like writing queries for other people but not for myself. #kidlitchat
1:03 am Selestial: An agent said my query was “confusing” but she liked my pages enough to request a full. Thank goodness for sample pages :) #kidlitchat
1:04 am kidsbookjunky: #kidlitchat Twizzlers in hand, I’m ready!
1:04 am inkyelbows: #kidlitchat is on NOW. New to Twitterchat? Tips & writer chat info: http://bit.ly/writerchats
1:05 am PattyJMurphy: @gregpincus: I like them, too…kind of like writing a “coming attractions” for my ms:) #kidlitchat
1:05 am KateMessner: A good query letter should read like jacket copy – sharp, with enough info to give an overview & entice. #kidlitchat
1:05 am gregpincus: Here was an interesting take: a good query to an agent should get 75% of them to ask for material: http://bit.ly/aB2bjm #kidlitchat
1:05 am debbieohi: Yay, finally made it to a #kidlitchat! #kidlitchat
1:05 am debbieohi: RT @KateMessner: A good query letter should read like jacket copy – sharp, with enough info to give an overview & entice. #kidlitchat
1:05 am ReadingVacation: Hey y’all #kidlitchat
1:06 am gregpincus: RT @KateMessner: A good query letter should read like jacket copy – sharp, with enough info to give an overview & entice. #kidlitchat
1:06 am bonnieadamson: @debbieohi Yay! #kidlitchat
1:06 am debbieohi: @bonnieadamson I’ve missed these chats! #kidlitchat
1:06 am Anastasiawords: I don’t mind writing queries. But I do mind the rejections – just a little bit. I have thick skin! #kidlitchat
1:06 am WendyMartinArt: I made it. #kidlitchat
1:06 am deegarretson: If you have trouble writing queries, a good exercise is to write queries based on famous movies. I did one on The Wizard of Oz. #kidlitchat
1:07 am gracefuldoe: @gregpincus I read that post today. I liked his views. #kidlitchat
1:07 am debbieohi: Are we talking queries for fiction only, or also non-fiction? #kidlitchat
1:07 am bonnieadamson: @debbieohi We’ve missed you, too! :-) #kidlitchat
1:07 am amyknichols: Hello #kidlitchat! What are we talking about? #kidlitchat
1:07 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat Years ago, my dream agent called about my kid ms. I thought it was a joke, told her off and hung up. Thankfully, she called back
1:07 am kidsbookjunky: @gregpincus wow, 75%!! I need to revise! #kidlitchat
1:08 am debbieohi: @Julie_Weathers You hung up on your dream agent??? How did you find out it wasn’t a joke? #kidlitchat
1:08 am KristiHelvig: @Julie_Weathers that’s hilarious. I’m glad it worked out! #kidlitchat
1:08 am gregpincus: @debbieohi We’re talking any type of query you wanna talk about #kidlitchat
1:09 am sharifwrites: I remember my first queries were longish- 1 1/2 pages verging on 2. Had to wean myself off wordiness and do a succinct page. #kidlitchat
1:09 am gregpincus: @Anastasiawords I saw Jane Yolen’s Facebook status update a few weeks ago: she’d gotten seven rejections that day. It happens! #kidlitchat
1:10 am debbieohi: @gregpincus Was wondering because I sent off a nonfiction query last week & am working on another one now. Good chat topic! #kidlitchat
1:10 am amyknichols: @gregpincus Jane Yolen gets rejected?! #kidlitchat
1:10 am gregpincus: @kidsbookjunky Well, if you read the article, there’s a bit more to it than just a good letter. But still, it’s a high bar. #kidlitchat
1:10 am Brodiashton: Best advice I got before querying: Send it out in spurts. Keep revising until you start getting requests. #kidlitchat
1:10 am Julie_Weathers: @gregpincus #kidlitchat I read that and I’m still not sure it applies. 2005 isn’t 2010.
1:10 am houndrat: @gregpincus I don’t know…isn’t 75% awfully high? I’ve heard anything over a 25% request rate means the query works… #kidlitchat
1:11 am twchat: Find #kidlitchat and over 100 other Twitter Chats on the schedule: http://bit.ly/ChatSched
1:11 am gregpincus: @amyknichols More than she gets accepted, I suspect. You don’t get to write 300+ books by not submitting tons. #kidlitchat
1:11 am kellyhashway: @Brodiashton I agree. That’s good advice. #kidlitchat
1:11 am WendyMartinArt: @sharifwrites my first queries were so brief as to be non-existent. I hope my brief but longer ones are better now. #kidlitchat
1:11 am peri37: RT @inkyelbows: #kidlitchat is on NOW. New to Twitterchat? Tips & writer chat info: http://bit.ly/writerchats
1:11 am KatGirl_Studio: I need to write the letter to go with the book dummies I’m sending out #kidlitchat
1:11 am debbieohi: @gregpincus You said you like writing queries. Queries for what kind of book? #kidlitchat
1:12 am SecrtChicago: RT @peri37: RT @inkyelbows: #kidlitchat is on NOW. New to Twitterchat? Tips & writer chat info: http://bit.ly/writerchats
1:12 am houndrat: @Brodiashton Yep, that was totally my plan—query in small batches and revise in-between. :D #kidlitchat
1:12 am kidsbookjunky: @gregpincus Yup, reading it now, good stuff here. #kidlitchat
1:12 am amyknichols: @gregpincus True. I just figured at this point they’d just see her name and buy the book! #kidlitchat
1:12 am Brodiashton: I went through seven versions before I started getting requests. (I’m a slow learner). Then my request percentage went way up. #kidlitchat
1:13 am debbieohi: @gregpincus Notice how I’m restraining my envy/horror that you LIKE writing queries. :-) #kidlitchat
1:13 am janflora: RT @kidlitchat: TOPIC: Queries! Share your best tips for writing good ones… and fave stories of bad ones. #kidlitchat
1:13 am KateMessner: Rejections are part of the writing process, before AND after publication. #kidlitchat
1:13 am Julie_Weathers: @debbieohi She called back right away and said, “Julie! This really is ****. Don’t hang up!” #kidlitchat
1:13 am debbieohi: @amyknichols That’s what I would have figured, too. I love Jane Yolen! #kidlitchat
1:13 am deegarretson: I agree. RT@houndrat I don’t know…isn’t 75% awfully high? I’ve heard anything over a 25% request rate means the query works. #kidlitchat
1:13 am Julie_Weathers: @KristiHelvig #kidlitchat Yes, she was a doll and I loved working with her.
1:13 am houndrat: Make sure your query isn’t a synopsis in disguise. An agent doesn’t want a blow-by-blow of your entire plot. #kidlitchat
1:13 am KateMessner: This is one of many reasons I adore Jane Yolen. RT @gregpincus You dont get to write 300+ books by not submitting tons. #kidlitchat
1:14 am debbieohi: @Julie_Weathers Wow. What a wonderful anecdote! :-D #kidlitchat
1:14 am amyknichols: @debbieohi Same here! Kind of reassuring to know that, though, don’t you think? #kidlitchat
1:14 am WendyMartinArt: Penguin Putnam is opening queries until Oct 31, 2010. Electronic query only. #kidlitchat
1:14 am debbieohi: RT @houndrat: Make sure your query isnt a synopsis in disguise. An agent doesnt want a blow-by-blow of your entire plot. #kidlitchat
1:14 am gregpincus: @Julie_Weathers Yeah, it’s definitely not clear that 75% still holds. Still, the ideas in there make sense. #kidlitchat
1:14 am debbieohi: RT @KateMessner: Rejections are part of the writing process, before AND after publication. #kidlitchat
1:14 am Anastasiawords: @gregpincus #kidlitchat True! I am “honing my craft” now by taking classes & hv an online mentor. Determined to make it happen.
1:14 am kellyfineman: Hello – I see the topic is queries. *tries to catch up on chat* #kidlitchat
1:14 am debbieohi: RT @WendyMartinArt: Penguin Putnam is opening queries until Oct 31, 2010. Electronic query only. #kidlitchat
1:14 am ArtistTaraReed: RT @WendyMartinArt: Penguin Putnam is opening queries until Oct 31, 2010. Electronic query only. #kidlitchat
1:14 am Brodiashton: Even when I had quite a few offers of representation, I was still getting auto-rejected like 3 times a day! It never stops. #kidlitchat
1:14 am janflora: RT @deegarretson: If you have trouble writing queries, a good exercise is to write queries based on famous movies. I did one on The Wizard of Oz. #kidlitchat
1:14 am kidsbookjunky: RT @KateMessner: A good query letter should read like jacket copy – sharp, with enough info to give an overview & entice. #kidlitchat
1:15 am trkravtin: RT @WendyMartinArt: Penguin Putnam is opening queries until Oct 31, 2010. Electronic query only. #kidlitchat
1:15 am gregpincus: @debbieohi I have queried for picture books and poetry. But I like querying in general, sorry to say :-) #kidlitchat
1:15 am Julie_Weathers: @debbieohi #kidlitchat Yeah, agents are pretty cool.
1:15 am CLGongora: RT @Brodiashton: Best advice I got before querying: Send it out in spurts. Keep revising until you start getting requests. #kidlitchat
1:15 am deegarretson: one thing I think is critical-don’t throw in secondary characters, focus on protagonist and antagonist as much as possible #kidlitchat
1:16 am CLGongora: RT @Brodiashton: I went through seven versions before I started getting requests. (I’m a slow learner). Then my request percentage went way up. #kidlitchat
1:16 am kidsbookjunky: RT @DDHearn: Calling all children’s book writers. Don’t miss #kidlitchat tonight at 9pm EST.
1:16 am sharifwrites: @WendyMartinArt I’ve read some examples of brief & good.. If it hooks, goal fulfilled. #kidlitchat
1:16 am gregpincus: @wendymartinart Got a link on that? #kidlitchat
1:16 am houndrat: Key things to cover: What does your MC want, what does she have to overcome to get it, and what’s at stake if she fails. #kidlitchat
1:16 am amyknichols: @gregpincus I think that’s great. There’s such anxiety over the query process. It’s nice to hear a positive perspective. #kidlitchat
1:16 am Brodiashton: @gregpincus I actually like writing them too! Which is why I’m participating in my first #kidlitchat
1:16 am debbieohi: @gregpincus You must get disappointed when editors give the go-ahead, then. then. Less time for querying! :-D #kidlitchat
1:16 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat It’s an old say of mine, but it applies. Rejection is part of the journey. Dejection is a choice.
1:16 am KatGirl_Studio: is the letter you send with book dummies called a query too? #kidlitchat
1:17 am Anastasiawords: @gregpincus #kidlitchat There needs to be more books about Latino characters & more Latinas published. :) #latinism
1:17 am debbieohi: @Brodiashton Welcome to your first #kidlitchat! #kidlitchat
1:17 am Brodiashton: More advice I got: Stick to introducing one name. (Preferably your main character). Any more than two names is too confusing. #kidlitchat
1:17 am TS_Welti: RT @deegarretson: If you have trouble writing queries, a good exercise is to write queries based on famous movies. I did one on The Wizard of Oz. #kidlitchat
1:17 am kellyfineman: @Julie_Weathers I like that take on things, Julie. #kidlitchat
1:17 am janflora: RT @debbieohi: RT @WendyMartinArt: Penguin Putnam is opening queries until Oct 31, 2010. Electronic query only. #kidlitchat
1:18 am kidsbookjunky: RT @deegarretson: If you have trouble writing queries, a good exercise is to write queries based on famous movies. I did one on The Wizard of Oz. #kidlitchat
1:18 am debbieohi: RT @Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat Its an old say of mine, but it applies. Rejection is part of the journey. Dejection is a choice. #kidlitchat
1:18 am teacher6th: Watch as a tech-savvy donkey & a book-loving ape exchange words… http://bit.ly/an2xao It’s a Book by L. Smith #kidlitchat
1:18 am KateMessner: How to write a great query letter (from editor Cheryl Klein): http://bit.ly/63hWxu #kidlitchat
1:19 am sharifwrites: RT @deegarretson: don’t throw in secondary characters, focus on protagonist and antagonist as much as possible #kidlitchat
1:19 am houndrat: Ha, so true! RT @Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat an old say of mine: Rejection is part of the journey.Dejection is a choice #kidlitchat
1:19 am Brodiashton: More advice: Write the query BEFORE you write the book. It’s easier to sum up, and disregard subplots that will just muck it up. #kidlitchat
1:19 am janflora: Glad I made it to a chat, its been awhile :) all about queries~ my favorite topic now (NOT!) #kidlitchat
1:19 am kidsbookjunky: RT @Brodiashton: Best advice I got before querying: Send it out in spurts. Keep revising until you start getting requests. #kidlitchat
1:19 am pippinmathur: RT @Brodiashton: Best advice I got before querying: Send it out in spurts. Keep revising until you start getting requests. #kidlitchat
1:19 am kellyfineman: Going back to @debbieohi‘s question earlier, I think nonfiction queries are markedly different from fiction; NF needs a proposal #kidlitchat
1:20 am kidsbookjunky: RT @WendyMartinArt: Penguin Putnam is opening queries until Oct 31, 2010. Electronic query only. #kidlitchat
1:20 am janflora: RT @Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat It’s an old say of mine, but it applies. Rejection is part of the journey. Dejection is a choice.
1:20 am debbieohi: RT @KateMessner: How to write a great query letter (from editor @chavelaque): http://bit.ly/63hWxu #kidlitchat
1:20 am DiandraMae: RT @bonnieadamson: TOPIC: Queries! Share your best tips for writing good ones… and fave stories of bad ones. #kidlitchat
1:20 am KateMessner: Cheryl Klein also shared an “annotated query letter from hell”- funny and informative: http://bit.ly/9HVTNC #kidlitchat
1:20 am kimberlyderting: RT @KateMessner: How to write a great query letter (from editor Cheryl Klein): http://bit.ly/63hWxu #kidlitchat
1:20 am Julie_Weathers: @Brodiashton #kidlitchat Not everyone knows what’s going to happen beforehand.
1:20 am houndrat: Also, you might want to wait on your top agent choices until after you’ve sent a few test queries, in case your query needs work #kidlitchat
1:20 am elizaosborn: RT @WendyMartinArt: Penguin Putnam is opening queries until Oct 31, 2010. Electronic query only. #kidlitchat
1:20 am debbieohi: @kellyfineman Yes, that’s why I wasn’t sure about the term query re: nonfiction. Book proposals tend to be longer. #kidlitchat
1:20 am kimberlyderting: RT @KateMessner: Cheryl Klein also shared an “annotated query letter from hell”- funny and informative: http://bit.ly/9HVTNC #kidlitchat
1:21 am pippinmathur: RT @KateMessner: How to write a great query letter (from editor Cheryl Klein): http://bit.ly/63hWxu #kidlitchat
1:21 am pippinmathur: RT @KateMessner: Cheryl Klein also shared an “annotated query letter from hell”- funny and informative: http://bit.ly/9HVTNC #kidlitchat
1:21 am PattyJMurphy: I think all good queries have sim features, but YOUR query needs to be individualized…have ur own signature (literally and…) #kidlitchat
1:21 am janflora: Is it really okay to send out multiple queries at a time? I feel like I should wait , just in case… #kidlitchat
1:21 am SheviStories: My best tip for writing a successful query is to have a clear & compelling tag line. Write it like a great blurb. #kidlitchat
1:22 am Brodiashton: RT @houndrat: Also, you might want to wait on your top agent choices until after you’ve sent a few test queries, in case your query needs work #kidlitchat
1:22 am KristiHelvig: RT @KateMessner: How to write a great query letter (from editor Cheryl Klein): http://bit.ly/63hWxu #kidlitchat
1:22 am kellyfineman: @debbieohi Some editors want a query for nonfiction as well, but it usually accompanies the proposal, oddly enough. #kidlitchat
1:22 am debbieohi: RT @SheviStories: Tip for writing a successful query is to have a clear & compelling tag line. Write it like a great blurb. #kidlitchat
1:22 am gregpincus: @debbieohi Yes. Yes. I like to query only and never work on the manuscripts! Much more pleasant… #kidlitchat
1:22 am KateMessner: @janflora Yes – it’s okay. Don’t send just one query at a time or you will be waiting around forever. #kidlitchat
1:23 am MirandaKennealy: I always give the same advice – write your query in first person using your MC’s voice, then transfer it to third person later. #kidlitchat
1:23 am debbieohi: @kellyfineman Really?? I hadn’t realized that. #kidlitchat
1:23 am houndrat: @janflora Yes, definitely. Most agents expect that you are multi-querying these days… #kidlitchat
1:23 am kellyhashway: @MirandaKennealy Ooh, I like that idea! #kidlitchat
1:23 am debbieohi: @kellyfineman Do you mean like a cover letter for the bk proposal? #kidlitchat
1:23 am Brodiashton: @Julie_Weathers True. But if you do know what your hook is, then when you finish your novel, you can tweak the query. #kidlitchat
1:23 am kellyfineman: @janflora It’s okay so send a query to multiple agents/editors, as long as those folks don’t require exclusive subs. #kidlitchat
1:23 am gregpincus: @Brodiashton @houndrat Yeah, but what if your query DOESN’T need work and those second choices offer rep? #kidlitchat
1:23 am houndrat: @janflora Just don’t query multiple agents at the same house, at the same time. They tend to get a bit miffed. :) #kidlitchat
1:24 am katrinalantznov: RT @MirandaKennealy: I always give the same advice – write your query in first person using your MC’s voice, then transfer it to third person later. #kidlitchat
1:24 am SheviStories: Tag line should make you think, “Ooh, I have to read THAT!” That’s what you want the agent/editor to think too. #kidlitchat
1:24 am houndrat: @gregpincus If you’re getting requests right away, then u know your query is good and u send to your top choices.. (part 1) #kidlitchat
1:24 am PattyJMurphy: Non-fiction books need queries that introduce your proposal…lay the groundwork:) #kidlitchat
1:24 am kellyfineman: @debbieohi Per the books on NF proposals I’ve read, it’s the case. Though I could see querying w/o sending a complete proposal. #kidlitchat
1:24 am gregorywalters: My first time on #kidlitchat. Overwhelmed just reading comments. I’ll save the talk for another time!
1:24 am PattyJMurphy: RT @SheviStories: Tag line should make you think, “Ooh, I have to read THAT!” Thats what you want the agent/editor to think too. #kidlitchat
1:25 am pippinmathur: @KateMessner @janflora this is very true but is a huge bummer when the simultaneous rejections happen. ;) #kidlitchat (esp. on vacation)
1:25 am amysundberg: @MirandaKennealy I like that advice as well. *making mental note* #kidlitchat
1:25 am gregpincus: @amysundberg It doesn’t pay well, just so ya know. #kidlitchat
1:25 am KristiHelvig: @SheviStories Totally agree and it doesn’t hurt to be ‘high-concept’ either. #kidlitchat
1:25 am KateMessner: Don’t tell an agent an author “referred” you unless it’s true. You’d be amazed how often this happens. #querytip #kidlitchat
1:25 am debbieohi: @SheviStories One of my challenges is coming up with a good title. I so suck at titles. #kidlitchat
1:25 am SheviStories: Also, instead of focusing on what makes your story like something already on the market, focus on what makes it unique. #kidlitchat
1:25 am amysundberg: RT @MirandaKennealy: I always give the same advice – write your query in first person using your MC’s voice, then transfer it to third person later. #kidlitchat
1:25 am houndrat: @gregpincus Usually the requesting agent don’t read your full THAT fast (tho it can happen) :) (part 2) #kidlitchat
1:25 am PattyJMurphy: @gregorywalters: Jump right in…or should I say write in??? #kidlitchat
1:25 am bonnieadamson: @gregorywalters Welcome–jump in anytime. :-) #kidlitchat
1:25 am KatGirl_Studio: @SheviStories I have people tell me that about my mock covers. then I have to tell them the book doesn’t actually exist. #kidlitchat
1:25 am kellyfineman: RT @PattyJMurphy: Non-fiction books need queries that introduce your proposal…lay the groundwork:) #kidlitchat
1:25 am SheviStories: Yes. High-concept=great tag line. RT @KristiHelvig: @SheviStories Totally agree and it doesnt hurt to be high-concept either. #kidlitchat
1:26 am janflora: THanks y’all…one was exclusive and it did feel like forever waiting :) I need to get out more :) #kidlitchat
1:26 am debbieohi: @kellyfineman Interesting! I guess it depends on the publishing house and editor. #kidlitchat
1:26 am deegarretson: In case anyone wants to see the Wizard of Oz query practice, I posted them here: http://bit.ly/aCdogJ #kidlitchat
1:26 am SheviStories: @KatGirl_Studio Well, you do need to have the manuscript to back it up. :) #kidlitchat
1:26 am gregpincus: @houndrat Fair enough. I shoot for the top first. Probably ego driven rather than fact based :-) #kidlitchat
1:26 am debbieohi: @gregorywalters Welcome to your first #kidlitchat! #kidlitchat
1:26 am katrinalantznov: It’s much easier for me to write a query BEFORE I write the MS. Keeps subplots and characters from muddying the main idea. #kidlitchat
1:26 am bonnieadamson: @KatGirl_Studio So then you run back and write one to go with the cover! #kidlitchat
1:27 am Brodiashton: @gregpincus I agree with @houndrat. Usually there’s still enough time to query your tops, and you don’t waste your one chance. #kidlitchat
1:27 am CLGongora: RT @Brodiashton: More advice: Write the query BEFORE you write the book. It’s easier to sum up, and disregard subplots that will just muck it up. #kidlitchat
1:27 am PattyJMurphy: @debohi: I doubt you stink at anything. My tip: don’t write your title until ur done. Until then, call it your “working title.” #kidlitchat
1:27 am kellyfineman: @gregpincus I’m with you on going for first choices first. #kidlitchat
1:27 am katrinalantznov: @BonnieAdamson @KatGirl_Studio What a great way to do market research on reception of a book idea! #kidlitchat
1:28 am debbieohi: @katrinalantznov I’ve heard others say that’s a good method, too: writing the query before starting to write the mss. #kidlitchat
1:28 am SheviStories: Where’s the “like” button? ;-) RT @bonnieadamson: @KatGirl_Studio So then you run back and write one to go with the cover! #kidlitchat
1:28 am KatGirl_Studio: @SheviStories oh these were cover mock ups for my illustration portfolio not things i actually pitched to anyone #kidlitchat
1:28 am houndrat: @gregpincus Haha, at least you’re honest!Truthfully, though, I mixed up my batch..used a couple top choices & saved some 4 latr #kidlitchat
1:28 am Brodiashton: @gregpincus I look at my first version I sent out, and it was pretty ugly. But for me, it was part of the learning process. #kidlitchat
1:28 am janflora: RT @SheviStories: Also, instead of focusing on wht makes yr story lk something alrdy on the market, focus on wht makes it unique #kidlitchat
1:28 am debbieohi: @PattyJMurphy Thanks for the “working title” tip! I’m going to do that. :-) #kidlitchat
1:28 am elizaosborn: I’d be watching #kidlitchat more heavily, but I’m annotating the next round of changes for my revision.
1:28 am katrinalantznov: @Brodiashton LOL! Didn’t see this one. It’s exactly what I just tweeted. Guess what’s true is true! #kidlitchat
1:28 am KristiHelvig: @katrinalantznov Writing the query before the book has been so helpful with my current wip. It keeps me focused. #kidlitchat
1:28 am janflora: RT @deegarretson: In case anyone wants to see the Wizard of Oz query practice, I posted them here: http://bit.ly/aCdogJ #kidlitchat
1:29 am PattyJMurphy: @debbieohi: I doubt you stink at anything. My tip: don’t write ur title until ur done. Until then, call it ur “working title.” #kidlitchat
1:29 am KatGirl_Studio: @bonnieadamson I’m doing that with one of them I’m turning it into a graphic novel because so many people wanted it as a book #kidlitchat
1:29 am bonnieadamson: @deegarretson Thanks for getting that up so fast–what a fun exercise! –> http://bit.ly/aCdogJ #kidlitchat
1:29 am debbieohi: Wow, so much good advice being posted in this chat, all going back by so fast. Looking forward to the transcript! :-) #kidlitchat
1:29 am PattyJMurphy: @debbiohi If/when you do need help, I love coming up with titles. I can help you:) #kidlitchat
1:30 am mike_jung: I’m only here for 30 seconds but I’m told the best thing about my query was how I managed to make my voice really come through. #kidlitchat
1:30 am debbieohi: @elizaosborn Good luck with the annotations and revisions! #kidlitchat
1:30 am katrinalantznov: @KristiHelvig Exactly! It’s like a synopsis, but not as detailed. I write several pitches (the query meat) before page 1. #kidlitchat
1:30 am timetoread: RT @KateMessner: How to write a great query letter (from editor Cheryl Klein): http://bit.ly/63hWxu #kidlitchat
1:30 am debbieohi: @PattyJMurphy Aw, thank you, Patty! But beware: I may actually take you up on your offer. >:-) #kidlitchat
1:30 am janflora: @KristiHelvig that’s an interesting approach…write the query 1st! I could practice w/ WIP…hmmm…:) #kidlitchat
1:30 am bonnieadamson: @KatGirl_Studio There you go–and you have a built-in audience. :-) I wrote a pb based on a made-up title in an illo #kidlitchat
1:30 am Julie_Weathers: @PattyJMurphy #kidlitchat I hate coming up with titles. You’re hired.
1:30 am KatGirl_Studio: @katrinalantznov yes it is, I bring lots of project mock-ups to events & then work on the projects that gain the most interest #kidlitchat
1:30 am debbieohi: @mike_jung Why only 30 seconds?? You’re avoiding me, aren’t you? =:-D #kidlitchat
1:31 am PattyJMurphy: @debbiohi: Please do:) #kidlitchat
1:31 am SheviStories: Another tip is to follow agents who blog/tweet about bad queries. Teaches you what to avoid. Learn from the mistakes of others. #kidlitchat
1:31 am KidsAuthorBuzz: RT @KateMessner: How to write a great query letter (from editor Cheryl Klein): http://bit.ly/63hWxu #kidlitchat
1:31 am debbieohi: @mike_jung I’m still disappointed about not being able to meet you in person at the SCBWI conference. :-( #kidlitchat
1:31 am debbieohi: RT @SheviStories: Another tip is to follow agents who blog/tweet about bad queries. Teaches you what to avoid. #kidlitchat
1:31 am TS_Welti: It seems most writing/publishing chats focus on query letters. Any editing tips? #kidlitchat
1:32 am PattyJMurphy: @mike_jung: I think your query has to match the tone of your story, too. IMHO #kidlitchat
1:32 am KatGirl_Studio: @bonnieadamson I also did that with one of my illos, expanding it into a wordless PB #kidlitchat
1:32 am breedespain: @Brodiashton @gregpincus I think Brodi is master query writer. I wish I could bottle her ability and sell it on ebay. #kidlitchat
1:32 am kellybarnhill: Hi #kidlitchat! I #amwriting but wanted to take a quick peek on the convo. What’s everyone talking about?
1:32 am gregorywalters: @katrinalantznov I work on my query along with the ms. Review it every week or so. Keeps me focused on the key issues/themes. #kidlitchat
1:32 am debbieohi: Good point–> RT @PattyJMurphy: I think your query has to match the tone of your story, too. IMHO #kidlitchat
1:32 am deegarretson: RT @PattyJMurphy: @mike_jung: I think your query has to match the tone of your story, too. IMHO #kidlitchat
1:33 am PattyJMurphy: @julie_weathers: I can help you, too. Titles can be sooo much fun. #kidlitchat
1:33 am gregpincus: @TS_welti We have a different topic weekly (first one ever on queries, actually!). Lots o tips most weeks. #kidlitchat
1:33 am Brodiashton: @breedespain Ah, thanks girlfriend. #kidlitchat #breedespainissoeasytoimpress
1:33 am bonnieadamson: @KatGirl_Studio That’s a great idea–a good illo implies story before & after. #kidlitchat
1:33 am WendyMartinArt: @gregpincus I thought I had retweeted the original post and it’s not in my stream. :( #kidlitchat
1:33 am PattyJMurphy: Thanks for the RTs @deegarretson and @debbiohi :) #kidlitchat
1:33 am janflora: I struggle w/ titles too & I’ve heard they change anyway. So all the stress about it seems pointless but still want catchy title #kidlitchat
1:33 am bonnieadamson: @kellybarnhill Queries! #kidlitchat #amwriting
1:34 am debbieohi: @kellyfineman I’m so clueless! Just realized that I don’t write the query letter that go with my bk proposals. My agent does. #kidlitchat
1:34 am katrinalantznov: @gregorywalters Great! It’s so easy to lose sight of the main point while writing. Queries are a helpful tool in many ways! #kidlitchat
1:34 am janflora: RT @gregorywalters: @katrinalantznov I work on my query along with the ms. Review it every week or so. Keeps me focused on the key issues/themes. #kidlitchat
1:34 am KatGirl_Studio: @bonnieadamson this is the one I’m expanding into a PB http://www.katgirlstudio.com/portfolio/interior/the-sea-of-imagination/ #kidlitchat
1:34 am TS_Welti: @gregpincus Haha! First week participating and it happens to be query week. Thanks for the tip. :) #kidlitchat
1:34 am amyknichols: Did anyone else watch #queryslam today with @InternAmie today? It was interesting to see her read and respond to queries. #kidlitchat
1:34 am kellybarnhill: @katrinalantznov @debbieohi I do something similar – I write queries as the book unfolds-interesting to see how my vision alters #kidlitchat
1:35 am Brodiashton: I also like to include the “elevator pitch” at the top. You know, the one-two sentence hook. I pull it out, separate it. #kidlitchat
1:35 am debbieohi: @kellyfineman And I obviously lose the ability to express myself using proper grammar in #kidlitchat, as well. :-D #kidlitchat
1:35 am breedespain: Can’t agree more with the idea of querying in rounds. That way you can revise your query after each round if it isn’t working #kidlitchat
1:35 am SheviStories: I read Cheryl Klein’s article. Shows has subjective things are. Couldn’t continue reading past the mention of throwing up. 8-( #kidlitchat
1:35 am gregpincus: @TS_Welti LOL! It figures. All the #kidlitchat transcripts are up at http://bit.ly/10ndtk for what it’s worth
1:35 am debbieohi: @amyknichols Darn, I missed #queryslam. #kidlitchat
1:35 am kellybarnhill: Realized some time ago that I’m better at writing queries than I am at writing books. #kidlitchat
1:35 am katrinalantznov: @janflora It’s worth the effort to find a great title. Like a tweet, it communicates much by little. Important for a query. #kidlitchat
1:36 am debbieohi: RT @gregpincus: All the #kidlitchat transcripts are up at http://bit.ly/10ndtk #kidlitchat
1:36 am Brodiashton: Also helps you memorize your elevator pitch because you read your query so gosh-darn many times. #kidlitchat
1:36 am PattyJMurphy: @TS_Welti: Welcome…serendipity is part of the biz, too:) #kidlitchat
1:36 am pippinmathur: @KatGirl_Studio great piece! #kidlitchat
1:36 am amyknichols: @debbieohi I don’t know how often she does it, but you can still see today’s tweets. #kidlitchat
1:36 am breedespain: @janflora I love writing titles! Helps me focus on the heart of the book when I have just the right title #kidlitchat
1:36 am debbieohi: LOL! –> RT @kellybarnhill: Realized some time ago that Im better at writing queries than I am at writing books. #kidlitchat
1:36 am katrinalantznov: @KatGirl_Studio Beautiful! I’ve always envied artists! #kidlitchat
1:36 am katrinalantznov: RT @amyknichols: Did anyone else watch #queryslam today with @InternAmie today? It was interesting to see her read and respond to queries. #kidlitchat
1:37 am debbieohi: @Brodiashton That’s one thing I have to work on — my elevator pitches! #kidlitchat
1:37 am TS_Welti: @SheviStories I agree. That’s where I stopped reading. It seemed a bit long for a query. #kidlitchat
1:37 am bonnieadamson: nice! RT @KatGirl_Studio: the one I’m expanding to a PB http://www.katgirlstudio.com/portfolio/interior/the-sea-of-imagination/ #kidlitchat
1:37 am kellybarnhill: Another useful aspect of query writing is that it forces you to clarify and hone the voice of the piece, keeping it on track. #kidlitchat
1:37 am PattyJMurphy: @kellybarnhill: That’s not what I hear:) #kidlitchat
1:37 am deegarretson: another aspect to add in to good queries-show the stakes for the MC #kidlitchat
1:37 am KatGirl_Studio: @pippinmathur thanks =^.^= it was one of the most popular ones this year at events. #kidlitchat
1:37 am katrinalantznov: @amyknichols Love @internamie! Her #queryslam is so helpful. #kidlitchat
1:37 am amysundberg: #kidlitchat Also, querying in rounds is good from a time management standpoint and leaves more spare time for writing your next WIP.
1:37 am debbieohi: @breedespain I envy you. (re: enjoying come up with good titles) #kidlitchat
1:37 am houndrat: @breedespain EEK! I met u in passing at SCBWI and totally forgot to tell u Grace was n my blog post: http://tinyurl.com/2ewwztr #kidlitchat
1:38 am zoe_walton: Titles do often change … but just as often we’ll consider, then come back to the author’s original title as the best option. #kidlitchat
1:38 am amyknichols: @katrinalantznov I found it really helpful, too! I’d never heard of it before today. Looking forward to more of them. #kidlitchat
1:38 am debbieohi: @KatGirl_Studio Wow, that’s a gorgeous illustration! #kidlitchat
1:38 am houndrat: @breedespain Sorry, lol…that so wasn’t query related! :D #kidlitchat
1:38 am PattyJMurphy: RT @deegarretson: Another aspect to add in to good queries-show the stakes for the MC <–Absolutely:) #kidlitchat
1:38 am Brodiashton: Love this: Raise the stakes! RT @deegarretson another aspect to add in to good queries-show the stakes for the MC #kidlitchat
1:38 am janflora: I like that> :) RT @breedespain: I love writing titles! Helps me focus on the heart of the book when I have just the right title #kidlitchat
1:39 am kellybarnhill: @amysundberg Totally agree. Send out a batch, work on new book. Don’t fuss about old book until it’s time for the next round. #kidlitchat.
1:39 am breedespain: @houndrat Haha. I actually saw that, and my immediate thought was “I want that swimsuit!” #kidlitchat
1:39 am debbieohi: RT @breedespain: I love writing titles! Helps me focus on the heart of the book when I have just the right title #kidlitchat
1:39 am KatGirl_Studio: @debbieohi thank you =^.^= it’s also one of the largest I’ve made it’s 18 or 20″ across I think #kidlitchat
1:39 am debbieohi: RT @deegarretson: another aspect to add in to good queries-show the stakes for the MC #kidlitchat
1:39 am katrinalantznov: How about the elusive voice? Definitely need to get a feel for MC’s personality in a query. #kidlitchat
1:39 am houndrat: Uh-oh…quick break to put little one to bed. Hopefully I’ll be back, lol…. #kidlitchat
1:40 am debbieohi: @KatGirl_Studio Wow! Do you have it hanging up at your place? #kidlitchat
1:40 am bonnieadamson: @debbieohi You can still check out the hashtag . . . #queryslam #kidlitchat
1:40 am debbieohi: RT @katrinalantznov: How about the elusive voice? Definitely need to get a feel for MCs personality in a query. #kidlitchat
1:40 am TS_Welti: RE: titles. I’ve changed my title four times. The first three were horrible. The fourth was good, but gave too much away. #kidlitchat
1:40 am PattyJMurphy: @deegarretson: And…let the ed or ag know what they will be missing if they don’t ask for your ms:) #kidlitchat
1:40 am DDHearn: Hi everyone. I’m just stepping in. Is the topic about query letters? #kidlitchat
1:41 am KatGirl_Studio: @breedespain I like writing them too Though sometimes in the end they have to be changed & I put the title in the bank for later #kidlitchat
1:41 am MandyHubbard: @breedespain totally agree w/querying in rounds. Even as an agent, I submit to editors in rounds. Feedback is useful! #kidlitchat
1:41 am kellyfineman: If you send out queries in batches, how big are those batches? I tend to go small (like 2-3 at a time), but I’m curious. #kidlitchat
1:41 am bonnieadamson: @DDHearn yep. #kidlitchat
1:41 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat @queryshark is good for research. Evil Editor is the best kept secret in publishing. He helps with queries.
1:41 am debbieohi: @TS_Welti Did you end up with a title you liked? #kidlitchat
1:41 am amysundberg: @amyknichols #kidlitchat Thanks for the tip about #queryslam. Will be watching it now. :)
1:41 am DDHearn: I often think of a title before I come up with a story to go with it. #kidlitchat
1:41 am kellybarnhill: @katrinalantznov Or, at least a reason to *care* about the MC. Some personalities are elusive too and that’s part of the charm. #kidlitchat
1:41 am zoe_walton: @debbieohi Voice is what’s ultimately going to set your ms apart, so it’s good to get a sense of that in the letter. #kidlitchat
1:41 am KatGirl_Studio: @debbieohi no, it’s digital and actually we only have other peoples art hanging up at a our house. #kidlitchat
1:42 am amyknichols: @KatGirl_Studio That illustration is gorgeous!! #kidlitchat
1:42 am janflora: when and where is this queryslam? RT @katrinalantznov: @amyknichols Love @internamie! Her #queryslam is so helpful. #kidlitchat
1:42 am debbieohi: @DDHearn If I tried that, I’d never end up starting to write. :-D #kidlitchat
1:42 am amyknichols: @amysundberg You’re welcome. :) #kidlitchat
1:42 am elizaosborn: @kellyfineman No more than 5 at a time, usually 2-3 like you. But it’s been YEARS since I queried. ;-) #kidlitchat
1:42 am TS_Welti: @katrinalantznov This is what worries me. I want the voice to come through without sounding gimmicky. #kidlitchat
1:42 am katrinalantznov: RT @MandyHubbard: @breedespain totally agree w/querying in rounds. Even as an agent, I submit to editors in rounds. Feedback is useful! #kidlitchat
1:42 am janflora: RT @amysundberg: #kidlitchat Also, querying in rounds is good from a time management standpoint and leaves more spare time for writing your next WIP.
1:42 am debbieohi: @KatGirl_Studio What?? You don’t have your own art hanging up? #kidlitchat
1:42 am KatGirl_Studio: @debbieohi but a lot of people do have 13×19 giclee’s of it at their houses =^.^= #kidlitchat
1:42 am amysundberg: @kellyfineman #kidlitchat I was thinking of doing batches of 5 or so. Or maybe starting w/ one and just sending another every week or so.
1:42 am PattyJMurphy: @katgirl_studio: You should have some of your art, too. You should. #kidlitchat
1:42 am bonnieadamson: Tip for those with TweetDeck–you can create a column for any hashtag you want to follow–great to keep tabs on chats. #kidlitchat
1:42 am debbieohi: @KatGirl_Studio Especially a stunning piece like that one! #kidlitchat
1:42 am kquimbyjohnson: Like @kellyfineman I tend to only send 2-3 queries at a time. I doubt I’d ever do more than 5. #kidlitchat
1:42 am kellybarnhill: Basically, my approach to queries is the same as my grandma’s advice about dating – “Just charm the spit out of him, honey.” #kidlitchat
1:43 am debbieohi: RT @bonnieadamson: Tip for those w/TweetDeck–create a column for any hashtag you want to follow–great to keep tabs on chats. #kidlitchat
1:43 am deegarretson: I’ve heard organized people (which was NOT me when querying) send out in batches of ten #kidlitchat
1:43 am KatGirl_Studio: @debbieohi nope most of my traditional art is at other peoples homes and everything else is in folders #kidlitchat
1:43 am breedespain: @kellyfineman I used to do 2 or 3 at a time #kidlitchat
1:43 am TS_Welti: @debbieohi Yes, I did. I actually love the title I’m using now. Whether or not a publisher will remains to be seen. #kidlitchat
1:43 am katrinalantznov: Amen to querying in rounds. Feedback from agents has made me change my MS before re-querying. #kidlitchat
1:43 am emilytastic: @kellybarnhill I love that, Kelly! I think that is my approach to everything. Or at least, it is now. #kidlitchat
1:43 am amysundberg: #kidlitchat Another thing to remember is persistence. My friend just got a provisional agent after > 50 queries and she was set to do 100.
1:44 am kellybarnhill: @kellyfineman My rule was seven. For ….. well, for no reason in particular. It’s just what I could manage. #kidlitchat
1:44 am debbieohi: RT @kellybarnhill: My approach to queries = my grandma’s advice about dating – “Just charm the spit out of him, honey.” #kidlitchat
1:44 am PattyJMurphy: @kellybarnhill: Who knew grandma’s had such great publishing advice? My mom always did:) #kidlitchat
1:44 am bonnieadamson: @kellybarnhill Hahaha–I like your grandma. :-) #kidlitchat
1:44 am debbieohi: RT @katrinalantznov: Amen to querying in rounds. Feedback from agents has made me change my MS before re-querying. #kidlitchat
1:44 am dotificus: @TS_Welti One non-gimmicky way to get across the voice is to include a brief excerpt from the ms. #kidlitchat
1:44 am TS_Welti: @kellybarnhill Haha! This made me laugh, and it’s so true. #kidlitchat
1:45 am KatGirl_Studio: @PattyJMurphy probably, but I don’t. in fact I have alot of art I need to frame and hang up. #kidlitchat
1:45 am ThatGirlAni: RT @KateMessner: A good query letter should read like jacket copy – sharp, with enough info to give an overview & entice. #kidlitchat
1:45 am breedespain: Always got the best response from agents who allowed sample pages. Always send sample if it’s allowed. #kidlitchat
1:45 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat Totally agree about rounds. It’s like firing a mortar. You keeping correcting trajectory until you hit target.
1:45 am kidsbookjunky: #kidlitchat, also remember that agents don’t care how many dogs you have or if you can knit a sock in under 2 minutes.
1:45 am TS_Welti: @dotificus That’s a good idea. I think I’ve read this somewhere. Queries are nerve-wracking. #kidlitchat
1:45 am debbieohi: RT @breedespain: Always got the best response from agents who allowed sample pages. Always send sample if its allowed. #kidlitchat
1:45 am katrinalantznov: @dotificus @TS_Welti But only if excerpt sounds like a pitch. Otherwise, leave it to your sample pages to show off the writing. #kidlitchat
1:46 am kellybarnhill: @breedespain Even when it’s not allowed, I did anyway. Five pages. Just cuz. #kidlitchat
1:46 am VBTremper: @katrinalantznov Same here – querying in rounds, feedback helps revision. #kidlitchat
1:46 am KatGirl_Studio: @PattyJMurphy I do have a gorgeous hand painted tree bark painting I got while in the Mayan Riviera #kidlitchat
1:46 am katrinalantznov: @amysundberg Congrats to your friend! I’ve heard many success stories after 50+ queries! Smart persistence is key. #kidlitchat
1:46 am PattyJMurphy: @DDHearn: All this query talk makes me hungry…I need a cupcake. *goes and gets her @Sprinkles cupcake:) #kidlitchat
1:46 am dotificus: @breedespain I would say always send a sample, unless they explicitly say NO NO OR WE’LL HURT YOU. #kidlitchat
1:46 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat A friend of mine sent out queries to every single agent who might remotely be interested. Good book but really bad query.
1:46 am Anastasiawords: How many queries do you guys send out in a month? #kidlitchat
1:46 am jenfos: @kidsbookjunky who does care if you can knit a sock in two minutes. Sounds like a cool skill. Real life application? #kidlitchat
1:46 am breedespain: In fact, I must not be the best query writer b/c I got rejects on all query-only subs, but requests for fulls when I sent sample #kidlitchat
1:47 am katrinalantznov: RT @breedespain: Always got the best response from agents who allowed sample pages. Always send sample if it’s allowed. #kidlitchat
1:47 am DDHearn: @PattyJMurphy It must be 45 minutes into the chat, because here comes the food talk. :) #kidlitchat
1:47 am TS_Welti: @debbieohi Same here. I got some feedback on the pages a few weeks ago that put me back in revision-mode. #kidlitchat
1:47 am debbieohi: RT @dotificus: @breedespain I would say always send a sample, unless they explicitly say NO NO OR WELL HURT YOU. #kidlitchat
1:47 am debbieohi: @PattyJMurphy I was restraining my cupcake inquiries to you until after the chat was over. :-D #kidlitchat
1:47 am kellyfineman: @katrinalantznov @dotificus @TS_Welti I think a snippet is good – and a well-written query should be able to integrate text. #kidlitchat
1:48 am deegarretson: LOL! @kidsbookjunky also remember that agents don’t care how many dogs you have or if you can knit a sock in under 2 minutes #kidlitchat
1:48 am kellybarnhill: @Julie_Weathers Yeah, that’s an argument for the batch approach. If agents say no, you can rethink/retool/reimagine #kidlitchat
1:48 am KatGirl_Studio: @PattyJMurphy it’s the one in the background here http://skinnyartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/kat003-300×300.jpg #kidlitchat
1:48 am katrinalantznov: RT @DDHearn: @PattyJMurphy It must be 45 minutes into the chat, because here comes the food talk. :) #kidlitchat
1:48 am Brodiashton: And the good thing about persistance (100+ queries) is one year later, one agent later, I still get rejected on a weekly basis! #kidlitchat
1:48 am gregorywalters: @kidsbookjunky Their loss. My dogs are noteworthy, my knitting legendary. #kidlitchat
1:48 am debbieohi: LOL!!! RT @katrinalantznov: RT @DDHearn: @PattyJMurphy It must be 45 minutes into the chat, because here comes the food talk. :) #kidlitchat
1:57 am kellybarnhill: On passion: Your query letter is a love letter – from you to the book, and from the book to the reader. Ooo! love triangle! #kidlitchat
1:57 am debbieohi: @gregpincus You are a funny, funny man. #kidlitchat
1:57 am houndrat: Did someone say cookies??? #kidlitchat
1:58 am amysundberg: @debbieohi Snickerdoodle! Snickerdoodle! Why yes it is wonderful. :) #kidlitchat sidetracked by sugar talk…
1:58 am kellybarnhill: @houndrat Yes! Yes! Yes! Another thing I had to do along the way! Ah, the ole live and learn! #kidlitchat
1:58 am PattyJMurphy: @debbieohi: I love making homemade cupcakes…but today, as I was passing our new @sprinkles, well… #kidlitchat
1:58 am DDHearn: @PattyJMurphy LOL! Now I’m wondering if I could base my pb on my cats without it actually being about cats. #kidlitchat
1:58 am Brodiashton: I credit my finding an agent to my sis-in-law’s challenge to me to “reach 100 rejections”. Probably wouldn’t inspire everyone. #kidlitchat
1:58 am houndrat: @katrinalantznov Me too! #kidlitchat
1:58 am KatGirl_Studio: @debbieohi yep, it’s great, like the word Periwinkle #kidlitchat
1:58 am deegarretson: I know I’m getting tired when I’m starting to picture Greg’s dog knitting cat traps. Night everyone. #kidlitchat
1:58 am zoe_walton: @DDHearn Hmm, tricky. We see a lot of queries about people’s own cats/dogs/kids. Could make you sound less professional? #kidlitchat
1:59 am gregpincus: @WendyMartinArt That appears to be only Penguin UK not the one here in the states, yes? #kidlitchat
1:59 am debbieohi: RT @Zoe_Walton: Voice is what’s ultimately going to set your ms apart, so it’s good to get a sense of that in the letter. #kidlitchat
1:59 am kellybarnhill: @debbieohi Not as good as krumkakke. With whipped cream. mmmmmm, krumkakke…..#kidlitchat
1:59 am gregpincus: @EMKokie All I get is a promise not to bite the hand that feeds her. It’s something! #kidlitchat
1:59 am bonnieadamson: Gosh, I have to leave just when we start talking cookies! Goodnight everyone–thanks for the great tips! #kidlitchat
1:59 am cynditefft: @breedespain Sounds like you’re a pro at queries. I could use your help on mine (ughhhh). #kidlitchat
1:59 am debbieohi: @KatGirl_Studio But the word Periwinkle doesn’t make my mouth water as much. #kidlitchat
1:59 am Julie_Weathers: @katrinalantznov I guess I shouldn’t have called Miss Janet aka Janet_Reid “chum” in that query letter. #kidlitchat oops
1:59 am WendyMartinArt: @gregpincus Indeed, but they are accepting queries from all over. #kidlitchat
2:00 am DDHearn: @zoe_walton That’s true. Maybe better just let the story meow for itself. #kidlitchat
2:00 am houndrat: @EMKokie Exactly! :) #kidlitchat
2:00 am PattyJMurphy: @gregpincus: funny…talented..social…supportive…we could have a whole chat about you:) #kidlitchat
2:00 am debbieohi: @debbieohi Gnite Bonnie! #kidlitchat
2:00 am debbieohi: @kellybarnhill “krumkakke”??? What’s THAT? (I ask, intrigued) #kidlitchat
2:00 am KristiHelvig: RT @Brodiashton: I credit my finding an agent to my sis-in-law’s challenge to me to “reach 100 rejections”. Probably wouldn’t inspire everyone. #kidlitchat
2:00 am gregpincus: @PattyJMurphy oh, that is so not a good chat topic! #kidlitchat
2:00 am zoe_walton: @DDHearn Lol! Exactly. #kidlitchat
2:00 am DDHearn: I have to confess I have never yet written a query. It scares me so much that I’m avoiding writing the book. :) #kidlitchat
2:01 am EMKokie: @cynditefft There are lots of helpful folks on various writing forums willing to exchange query crits – check out Verla or AW #kidlitchat
2:01 am KatGirl_Studio: @debbieohi what about periwinkle colored snickerdoodles =^.^= #kidlitchat
2:01 am Brodiashton: @rowijo Unfortunately, I found an agent before I reached 100 rejections. I failed the challenge. #kidlitchat #prioritieswrong
2:01 am gregpincus: @WendyMartinArt They sure seem to be. #kidlitchat
2:01 am breedespain: @cynditefft I guess it helps to imagine you’re writing the cover copy for your book–since you essentially are. #kidlitchat
2:01 am WendyMartinArt: Night all. All this talk of cookies has the tummy making demands. #kidlitchat
2:01 am katrinalantznov: @Julie_Weathers Hee hee. They’re so friendly on their blogs. It’s easy to forget the query should be professional. <-guilty #kidlitchat
2:01 am amysundberg: RT @Brodiashton: I credit my finding an agent to my sis-in-law’s challenge to me to “reach 100 rejections”. Probably wouldn’t inspire everyone. #kidlitchat
2:01 am houndrat: @kellybarnhill Lol…the ole live and learn seems to apply a lot as a writer! :D #kidlitchat
2:01 am debbieohi: @PattyJMurphy Would be fun to have a chat about @gregpincus, wouldn’t it? Esp if he wasn’t around to defend himself. #kidlitchat
2:01 am katrinalantznov: @Brodiashton That is awesome! I’m going to take up that challenge. I’ve been stingy about queries so far. #kidlitchat
2:01 am yabookwriter: RT @EMKokie Remember query only has to get the agent to scroll down/flip to pages – not “sell the whole book in 300 words” :) #kidlitchat
2:02 am mike_jung: @debbieohi Avoid you? Never! And I’m back just in time for the end of the chat! (I was making dinner for my daughter) #kidlitchat
2:02 am PattyJMurphy: @DDHearn: I like the idea of a book about + for your cats:) #kidlitchat
2:02 am gregpincus: Thanks, as always, @bonnieadamson, for keeping #kidlitchat a-rocking!
2:02 am DDHearn: @EMKokie Yipes! The Blue Boards. I must put something up there before they knock me off the membership list. #kidlitchat
2:02 am kellybarnhill: @debbieohi http://scandinavianfood.about.com/od/cookierecipes/r/krumkake.htm (I misspelled it, I see. Still delicious.) #kidlitchat
2:02 am debbieohi: Ok, I’m off to find a late night snack. This was educational AND hunger-inducing! Gnite all… #kidlitchat
2:02 am Julie_Weathers: @debbieohi I don’t eat many cookies or cupcakes, but I eat lemon drops a lot. #kidlitchat
2:02 am WendyMartinArt: @gregpincus Too bad I have nothing ready! LOL #kidlitchat
2:02 am DDHearn: @Brodiashton Should everyone have your misfortune! #kidlitchat
2:02 am gregorywalters: @Brodiashton That would work for me. Makes the 12th rejection go down easier knowing I have 88 to go. #kidlitchat
2:02 am mike_jung: @debbieohi I’m still disappointed about that too. :( I got all excited when I heard your name called during the Golden Kites. #kidlitchat
2:03 am PattyJMurphy: @debbieohi: Do you see how @gregpincus is ignoring our tweets?? Humble, too:) #kidlitchat
2:03 am Brodiashton: @katrinalantznov No reason to be stingy when it comes to rejection. Think of it as fodder for your author school visits! #kidlitchat
2:03 am debbieohi: Thanks to @gregpincus & @bonnieadamson for #kidlitchat! #kidlitchat
2:03 am katrinalantznov: @DDHearn Oh no!! Never be scurred to write the book. You can get help with your query and MS. Just start! #kidlitchat
2:03 am debbieohi: @kellybarnhill Ok, now I want some. I wish I could bake. #kidlitchat
2:03 am WritersBlockNZ: RT @Brodiashton: I credit my finding an agent to my sis-in-law’s challenge to me to “reach 100 rejections”. Probably wouldn’t inspire everyone. #kidlitchat
2:04 am DDHearn: @PattyJMurphy The book isn’t really for the cats. Don’t think they’d appreciate it unless I spread it with tuna fish. #kidlitchat
2:04 am breedespain: Woot! Who’s going to take up @brodiashton‘s 100 rejections challenge? Go for it! #kidlitchat
2:04 am kellybarnhill: All right all, gotta shove off and, oh, I don’t know. Work or something. Happy snacking! #kidlitchat
2:04 am janflora: @debbieohi Goodnight, happy snacking :) #kidlitchat
2:04 am debbieohi: Stop talking about food so I can leave, please! #kidlitchat
2:04 am DDHearn: @katrinalantznov I know. I’m kidding…but all this query stuff is pretty daunting to me. #kidlitchat
2:05 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat My old sales manager told me we would make 100 sales calls before we got a yes. It’s sobering advice. so, of course, I got a 1/2
2:05 am mike_jung: @PattyJMurphy I agree 100% about query tone matching story tone. A deadly serious query for a goofy book would NOT fly. #kidlitchat
2:05 am debbieohi: @PattyJMurphy Yes, @GregPincus is modest AND funny. I’m hono(u)red to know him, I am. #kidlitchat
2:05 am Julie_Weathers: #kidlitchat yes on my first call…and hung up on them.
2:05 am DDHearn: @Julie_Weathers For me it’s m&ms all the way. #kidlitchat
2:05 am debbieohi: @mike_jung Oh sure, come back just as I have to leave! #kidlitchat
2:05 am debbieohi: @janflora Thanks. :-) #kidlitchat
2:05 am 2KoP: Very late to the party. Topic? #kidlitchat
2:05 am WritersBlockNZ: I’m totally going to take up @brodiashton‘s 100 rejections challenge – great idea! #kidlitchat
2:05 am breedespain: You guys have officially made me want oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. & I’m not allowed to eat wheat, or dairy, or eggs. #kidlitchat
2:05 am debbieohi: Ok, I’m really leaving now. Gnite, all… #kidlitchat
2:06 am PattyJMurphy: @debbieohi…me, too…and YOU:) #kidlitchat
2:06 am Julie_Weathers: @DDHearn #kidlitchat Querying is hard. Some people may find it easy, but they are not the norm and should be tarred and feathered.
2:06 am mike_jung: @debbieohi Wretched timing, I know. NOT ON PURPOSE! And goodnight! #kidlitchat
2:06 am Julie_Weathers: @2KoP queries #kidlitchat
2:06 am DDHearn: @2KoP Topic is query letters, cupcakes and knitting dogs…along with some cookie favorites. #kidlitchat
2:07 am Brodiashton: Every reject, I think, “I can’t wait to show this to school kids, and be all, Look at me now! Suck it, rejectors!” #kidlitchat #badlanguage
2:07 am PattyJMurphy: @mike_jung: Well, unless, the book was about a character with multiple personalities…etc. #kidlitchat
2:07 am 2KoP: RT @Brodiashton: I credit my finding an agent to my sis-in-law’s challenge to me to “reach 100 rejections”. Probably wouldn’t inspire everyone. #kidlitchat
2:07 am DDHearn: @Julie_Weathers It’s good to know that others find queries hard to do. #kidlitchat
2:08 am mike_jung: @PattyJMurphy Sure. But even that would be matching the tone, it’d just be a multi-faceted tone! #kidlitchat
2:08 am Julie_Weathers: @DDHearn #kidlitchat Try the oatmeal, raisin cinnamon chip cookies. Add a bit more cinnamon and ground pecans. yum.
2:08 am PattyJMurphy: Julie_Weathers: Querying is hard because it is one part selling…and writers prefer to write:) #kidlitchat
2:09 am gregpincus: @debbieohi @PattyJMurphy You two keep this up and I’ll have to send the transcript to my mom! #kidlitchat
2:09 am amysundberg: #kidlitchat All the cookie talk is killing me … for real!
2:09 am Julie_Weathers: @DDHearn #kidlitchat Most people do. I’ve battled this one forever and went back to pretty much the first one I sent Miss Janet.
2:09 am Brodiashton: Thanks for the chat y’all. And for making a first-timer feel welcome. #kidlitchat
2:10 am gregpincus: I must depart, y’all. The #kidlitchat transcript will be up sooooooon.
2:10 am cynditefft: #kidlitchat I went to the bookstore and read the back of a bunch of YA books. None sounded like a query. I thought it might help but ACK!
2:10 am Julie_Weathers: @PattyJMurphy #kidlitchat I have no problems selling. I have a problems condensing a world in an interesting way to 250 words.

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