Okay to mention Twitter?

Sassy3421 · Nov 20, 2010

I follow a few agencies on Twitter. Recently one of them mentioned how they're looking for something amazing they can fall in love with in their submission pile.

And this isn't the first time certain things have been "tweeted" that could be useful in personalizing a query letter.

my question is: is it okay to refer to one of the agent's tweets?

ex.

Dear x

As recently discussed on Twitter, you're looking for something amazing in your submission pile. I hope you find my novel x meets that criteria.
(proceed with query letter)

Corinne Duyvis · Nov 20, 2010

If it's specific - eg. 'You mentioned on Twitter that you were looking for cozy mysteries with a male lead' or 'YA books about dancing' or whatever - yes, absolutely, and I'd even recommend it.

The example you listed is way too vague, though. Every agent is looking for something amazing to fall in love with, and every author hopes their book is amazing and that agents will fall in love with it. So I'd only refer to something specific in terms of genre and/or character.

Sassy3421 · Nov 20, 2010

Corinne, that's kind of what I was wondering...typing it out it almost felt like 'my book is great, you're gonna love it' lol - and that has no place in a query.

good to know if there's more detail though, it would be alright....after all this is the modern age and twitter is very much a part of it.

RachelBrooks · Nov 21, 2010

Mentioning that you saw their request for a certain type of book via the agent’s twitter or blog is fine. It actually shows that you picked them for a specific reason, rather than just mass querying any ole agent. Just don’t sound like a crazy fan or stalker and you’ll be good J

Jamesaritchie · Nov 22, 2010

Isn't that exactly what every agent and editor in the world is looking for?

Begbie · Nov 23, 2010

I'm wondering what kind of agents are looking for clients on Twitter.

IceCreamEmpress · Nov 23, 2010

Begbie said:
I'm wondering what kind of agents are looking for clients on Twitter.

Some of the US's most successful agents have tweeted things like "I'd love to see more submissions of {specific genre/subgenre/reader niche}." That's not the same as trolling for clients on Twitter--that's sharing some current interests to potential clients.

Okay to mention Twitter?

Sassy3421

Plotting murder..most of the time

Corinne Duyvis

My New Cat Is Too Big for Shoulders

Sassy3421

Plotting murder..most of the time

RachelBrooks

Pecking away at the keyboard...

Jamesaritchie

Begbie

Quite a character

IceCreamEmpress

Hapless Virago