Query Tips from Tina Wainscott

Things to Consider When Querying:

Always make sure the important information is in the body of your query: genre of book; pitch line/hook; then a paragraph about the book and its strengths; your credentials and most importantly for non-fiction, your platform. If I only have a few minutes to consider your query, and I have to go hunting for your stats via your website, I may just save it for later. You don't want me to save it for later, trust me. 

 Additional tips: 

--Don’t just attach your proposal without any letter. And a letter does not mean: “Hey, check this out!” Yes, I did get something like that once. 

--Please spell my name right. And make sure it’s actually my name. I won’t pass for that reason, but it shows that you’re paying attention to details. 

--Please make sure I rep what you’re pitching. If you haven’t done your homework by reading my bio, I’m less likely to suggest another agent or send it over for you. 

--Make your subject line catchy. I have read queries out of order simply because the subject snagged my attention. But make sure it’s relevant to the material and not clickbait. 

--Try to format your letter so it’s not a huge paragraph. White space—nice. In fact, it’s a great idea to email yourself your letter. Some emails come in with different fonts and spacing, which makes it look like a mess. 

--For me, you can attach a proposal that includes one or two sample chapters. Saves me time if I’m interested. 

As always, best of luck to everyone looking for the perfect agent!

About Tina Wainscott:

Tina Wainscott is the USA Today bestselling author of over 30 novels with romantic thrills and suspenseful chills. She’s been published with houses such as St. Martin’s Press, Harper Collins, Hachette, and Random House since 1995, so she understands the business from the author’s perspective. As an agent, she’s looking for self-help non-fiction that inspires people to reach for their best and overcome life’s challenges.

Twitter: @TinawainscottS

The Call with Stephanie Spence

From the moment I signed the contract with Tina Wainscott and The Seymour Agency, I felt like I had been welcomed into a family that cared deeply for their writers and people who love books. While waiting to hear if someone would be interested in my book, I created a daily ritual that I practiced every day. I would wake and take a moment to give gratitude for having the passion, dedication, and courage to share my story. Gratitude for having the courage to follow my dreams. I'd follow that with a hope that if my words found someone I could help, that would be all the success I needed. I then saw Tina (in my mind) pitching my proposal to people and them smiling. I saw her jumping up and down calling me to say she had found the perfect publisher and publishing deal just for me. Here's the critical part: I would see me already having this. It wasn't a future event. It was "now." I'd FEEL how great it would be getting the call, like it was happening in real time. I did this every day for a year (which wasn't always easy, but I was committed to staying calm, upbeat, and optimistic while waiting) until finally, on a sunny morning, she called to tell me the great news. The only change in my vision: I was the one jumping up and down. 

[Tina note: I too was jumping up and down! It’s just as exciting for me to get an offer…well, almost as exciting as it is for the author!]

About Stephanie:

With an eye towards the future, but steeped in wisdom from 40 years of practicing yoga Stephanie Spence is a Yoga Educator, Author, Inspirational Speaker, Activist, and Creative Leader. Based in Coronado, California Stephanie is a trail blazer with an inspiring and empowering approach to self-inquiry and personal development. Stephanie is committed to helping ignite the desire for others to create a life of health and joy for themselves. Connect with her via her award-winning website, StephanieSpence.com or @Stephanieyogini. Her book “Yoga Wisdom: Warrior Tales Inspiring You On And Off Your Mat”, Nautilus Book Awards Winner, is available wherever fine books are sold.

Website: StephanieSpence.com 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT ON: TINA WAINSCOTT!

Let's welcome Tina Wainscott to the blog today for our author spotlight!

Tina Wainscott is the USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books with romantic thrills and suspenseful chills, also writing as Jaime Rush. A happy ending is a must, but the road to it is full of ravines and shaky bridges. 

Book blurb--Falling Fast

She was supposed to be a summer romance, but Raleigh fell fast for the only person who made him feel worthy of love. He was supposed to be a fling with a bad boy, but he made Mia feel alive … until a tragic accident tore them apart. Seven years later, fate throws them together and, with the same breath, threatens to separate them forever. 

Link to Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OWWOMSS?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B00OWWOMSS&linkCode=shr&tag=jairus03-20&linkId=JQF4B5T5SXT6C6UO&qid=1422904335&sr=8-1&keywords=falling+fast+wainscott

Link to Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-fast-tina-wainscott/1120956122?ean=9781101885789

Find Tina here:

Author Website: www.tinawainscott.com

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/TinaWainscott  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimerushauthor (actual page) https://www.facebook.com/tinawainscottbooks (fan page)

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tina_wainscott

@Tina_Wainscott

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tinawainscott/