#editortips for 06.28.12

@smoulderingsea: Remember, when you're posting about submissions on a public forum, not only members can see you. Agents and editors can, too.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Most of the time it's not necessary to respond to rejections. We appreciate the thanks, but it's adding to inbox clutter.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Don't pre-query to gauge interest. Querying is always a risk. Pull on your big girl/big boy pants and just do it.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Before you email an agent or editor to ask a question you could Google, ask yourself how many others have done the same today.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: If you give characters a cool backstory, they should stay true to it. It needs to affect their current actions in the story.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: I've seen too many stories that start with "My name is _____, and..." It's becoming the new dark and stormy night.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Your cool plot twist shouldn't be a let-down or a cheesy copout. Don't pull an M. Night Shalamalamadingdong.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: If a character's life starts off perfect and just gets better, there's no conflict. They need to fall, then rise again.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Tropes and even storylines will repeat; it can't be helped. What matters is that you create distinct, compelling characters.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: If a character is brilliant, show us. Plot their every move, every calculation. Have them use their intelligence, not just brag.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Inspiration will only get you so far. After that, you have to work--and no one's going to crack the whip on you but yourself.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Agents and editors make themselves available in dozens of venues. Don't try to infringe on their private lives as well.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Not even clever dialogue and brilliant metaphor can compensate for bad storytelling. You need the whole package.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Agents don't get paid until you do. Think they're not invested in working for your writing career? You're wrong. Most are.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Research before signing with an agent or publisher. Something seems off? Consult a professional. Dishonest people are out there.  #editortips

@smoulderingsea: Having no agent is better than having one who lies, has a shady contract, can't understand the industry & doesn't support you.  #editortips*

@smoulderingsea: Even as an unpublished author, you are too good to be desperate. Don't settle just because you think it's the best you can get.  #editortips**

@smoulderingsea: Btw, to clarify on #editortips? I'm totally not anti-agent. Good agents abound, and can take you amazing places. Just watch for bad apples. #editortips

*@La_Raconteur added: "Writers, support your agents, too! When contemplating an offer, think like a team, not a "me." (Am in that process now!)"

**@stephthomasbook hit this right on the head: "I figure that one day, I will find one that is good for me, but I don't need to necessarily  rush it."

About #editortips:
#editortips is a daily rash of tweets from an only partially crazy editor, chock full of random chocolatey morsels about writing, editing, and querying vaguely disguised as helpful pointers and/or really bad humor. I tweet as @smoulderingsea, and try to post with some consistency every weekday at 6PM CST. Weekends optional, depending on if I’m spending yet another Saturday night editing because my social life consists of Netflix and designing zombie-proof industrial-strength prescription goggles.