AQ Connect - New Member Shout-Out!

Open to all new AQ Connect members. Post an introduction and invite existing AQ members to view your profile. Let other members know your literary goals and interests. Ask other AQ Connect members for advice. Don't be shy. We're all here for the same reason -- to connect!

AQ Connect - Site Navigation

Search help topics and how-to's in order to answer your questions about how to navigate the AQ Connect community. Learn how to contribute to community content by posting to the events calendar, upload publishing videos to the gallery, and adding your external blog link to our community list. Have a specific How-to Q? Post your question in this group; senior members, moderators, and the AQ connect staff will be happy to answer your tech questions.

AQ Connect - The Guppie Pond

Are you feeling overwhelmed by it all? Have you been lurking for far too long? This is a safe, friendly pond where new guppies can mingle, hang out, and familiarize yourself with AQ Connect as well as the publishing industry. Feel free to express your newbie anxieties, vent your newbie frustrations, or post that "silly" nagging question and expect a softer, kinder response. Whether you're looking for a little reassurance or just an encouraging nudge in the right direction, this is the "training" pond for you. Stay as long as you like and help welcome new guppies along the way -- until you feel brave enough to venture into the open waters of AQ Connect...and maybe even a little swimming with sharks.

AQ Connect - Query Critiques

Want feedback on your query letter? Create a discussion thread and post your query. Request query critiques from fellow AQ Connect members. But remember, be prepared to pay it forward. If you request feedback, you should try to spend time giving feedback as well. Post a copy of your full query for critique in this group ONLY with TITLE (genre) in subject line. Post one query and subsequent revisions in the SAME thread. New threads for previously posted and critiqued queries will be deleted.

AQ Connect - Query Questions & Conversations

Post all questions related to queries here. Got a question about proper query format? Are you uncertain about which genre to label your novel in your genre? Wondering what the heck to include or NOT to include in your bio paragraph? Please NO posting of full queries for critique in this group.

AQ Connect - Examples of Successful Queries

Does your query get lots of positive response from agents and yes... maybe even editors? Here's the place to post those queries that got you requests for partials, fulls, and even sales. How did you do it? We want to see your query, cheer for you, and learn! Moderator: Brendacarre

AQ Connect - The Synopsis Critique (and How-to Q's)

Every writer seems to procrastinate on writing a synopsis for their novel until an agent requests a partial or full AND the dreaded synopsis. Post your one-page synopsis (maximum 1000 words) here for feedback from the AQ Connect community. Post your synopsis with TITLE (genre) in subject line and post all revisions in the SAME thread. DO NOT start a new thread for revisions. New threads with revised drafts for the same synopsis will be deleted. Remember: if you expect to receive feedback, you should take the time to review other members' work and offer it in return.

AQ Connect - Agent Updates

Open to all AQ Connect members. Post updates about literary agents and agents. Inquire about discrepancies in agent submission guidelines as well as whether or not an agent is still with a certain agency, etc. Subscribe to this group and receive updates via email!

AQ Connect - Agent Submission Process

Open to all AQ Connect members. Post questions about the submission process to agents. Snail Mail vs. Email? What's the best way to format your manuscript? Times New Roman or Courier? What about that dreaded synopsis? How do you determine your manuscript's word count? Vent about agent rejection letters, or non-responders.

AQ Connect - Ins & Outs of Literary Representation

Open to all AQ Connect members. This is the group to swap questions and answers about literary representation. So...what does an agent do anyway? Submit your manuscript to editors, negotiate contracts, sell subsidiary rights, guide your writing career, offer feedback and editing advice on your next WIP...and more. Whether you're a newbie interested in the magical world of having an agent, or an agented writer willing to share your experiences being represented and going on submission, this group is the place to focus on the ins and outs of literary representation.

AQ Connect - Conferences & Contests

Post announcements regarding upcoming writing conference, workshops, online classes and seminars as well as publishing & blog contests. If you've attended a conference or seminar -- post your notes and feedback about the event for everyone to review. You can also announce if you're attending a conference (or wish, hope, and dream about attending) in order to plan to meet up and/or share hotel and travel expenses with other AQC members.

AQ Connect - Publishing as a Business

Publishing is a business, which means there's always a bottom-line that affects writers, whether they realize it or not. Are you keeping up with the biz by reading Mediabistro, Galleycat, PublishersMarketplace, PublishingSpy, The Huffington Post, Poets & Writers? If so, post those juicy industry tid-bits here. Track the NYTimes bestsellers list or read about recent stats regarding book sales. Follow other industry-insider websites and blogs. Share anything and everything about The Biz to help keep AQC members "in-the-know."

AQ Connect - Independent Publishing Opportunities

This group is dedicated to independent publishing opportunities outside of the NYC "major trade" mainstream. There are always ways to get published WITHOUT an agent, and indie presses, lit mags, and webzines are a great way to build a reader base, network within the industry, and beef up those literary credentials. This group announces websites calls for submissions from small presses, university presses, and literary journals as well as follows news and trends that affect the indie publishing scene.

AQ Connect - Twitter, Facebook, Blogs & Social Media Du Jour

Watch this group to gain insight on how to follow the publishing industry within the fourth dimension of the internet -- social media. Whether it's Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, FourSquare, GetGlue or your own blog or website, today's social media du jour is a whole real-time cyber-playground of writers, agents, and editors networking, chatting, and advising about the publishing industry.

AQ Connect - PR, Marketing, Ads, & Promos

Open to all new AQ Connect members. Share your best tips and tricks on how to promote yourself and your writing -- out there in the "real world." Whether you're looking to promote your traditionally published book or self-published ebook, or simply looking to garner more traffic to your website and/or blog, this group is here to help navigate the world of the self-promotion via PR/Marketing/Advertising/Promotions. Group Moderator: MarcyKate

AQ Connect - Wanted Ads

Need a critique of your first chapter and willing to reciprocate? Looking for a critique partner in your genre. Just need someone with a sharp proof-reading eye to look over your query for spelling and grammar mistakes? Post your "Wanted Ads" here. NOTE: "Wanted Ads" only -- NO posting of actual material for critiques.

AQ Connect - Business of eBooks and eReaders

The tsunami of digital publishing has arrived. But how will it affect the business of publishing? Use this group to discuss the business side of digital distribution, content, and online publishing. Chat about the newest releases of eReaders and tablets and mobile devices as well as their e-reading file formats. Post industry-related articles and blog links regarding the latest eBook and eReader trends in order to help track this techno-tidal wave of change. Group Moderator: RC Lewis

AQ Connect - E-Publishing Overview & Basics (a.k.a Digital Self-Publishing)

Self-publishing is no longer a dirty word. In the age of cool, cutting-edge technologies like Kindles, iPads, and PC Tablets, e-pubbing (a.k.a. digital self-publishing) is quickly becoming the hottest trend among aspiring writers. But it's also one of the publishing industry's biggest "wild cards." From formatting to marketing to distribution... to how much can you really make off of pimping your own eBooks... no really? This group is intended to discuss all those "unknowns", track the myriad of e-pubbing resources, and support those renegade writers willing to engage in a little e-pubbing experimentation. After all, everyone is doing it, so why shouldn't you? Group Moderator: RC Lewis

AQ Connect - E-Publishing through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon has dominated the eBook distribution market in such a massive way that most of NYC's publishing industry has dubbed them "The Evil Empire." And because Kindle devices account for almost 50% of the eReader market, Amazon's Kindle Store should be your first e-pubbing stop. Use this group to find resources and discuss the in's and out's of e-publishing on Amazon's Kindle Store, including creating a Kindle eBook, formatting tricks and tips, cover design, conversion services, ranking, reviews, Kindle blogs & forums, and other secrets pertaining to distribution of your eBook through Amazon's Kindle Store.

AQ Connect - E-Publishing through Smashwords

Smashwords.com is quickly becoming the darling website of the indie e-pubbing world. They offer an eBook publishing and distribution platform for eBook authors, publishers and readers, and they do it through multi-format, DRM-free eBooks that are readable on any e-reading device. This kind of "open source" e-reading experience has helped to make Smashwords a popular, user-friendly website with both writers and readers. Use this group to discuss questions and advice specific to the Smashwords eBook experience, including Smashwords-formatting tips and tricks, cover design & image size, sales & marketing, and other Smashwords-centric topics.

AQ Connect - Cover Design for eBooks

Do readers really judge a book by its cover? You know it, baby. After your title, a book's cover design is its single most important marketing tool. That's why you still haven't bothered to make a serious attempt at e-publishing your masterpiece: the cover design hurdle. Use this group to share your tips, tricks and resources for designing that perfect, professional ebook cover -- from questions about size/resolution/format (what the heck is a JPEG, anyway?) to stock photo art to designer recommendations. Feel free to also post design mocks in order to receive immediate feedback from the AQC community. Group moderator: C. Taylor

AQConnect - On Writing and Editing

Chat about the art and craft of writing and editing. What does it really mean to be a good writer? Is it more important to be a great writer or a great storyteller? Creating fluid, enviable prose or spinning a great plot? What's the best way to create likable heroes? What about enjoyable villains? What the heck is character arc anyway? And is there really no story without conflict?

AQ Connect - Writing Odometer

Feeling that literary flab around your waist? Each day is slipping away, and you've still got zippo writing progress to show for it. Time to crack down and publicly register your daily writing word-count odometer. Use this group as your first and last check-in on AQ Connect while procrasti--*ack,um* educating yourself on the publishing industry and marketplace. ONE new topic per day -- anyone can start it. Within this daily topic, post your intentions to write while fooling around on AQ Connect. Seek motivation and support from other AQC members, or simply brag about your 5,000 word daily count. It's going to be as fun (and awkward) as middle grade PE.
Group Gym Teacher: bigblackcat97 (aka. Missszz BBC)

AQ Connect - Title Tester

Titles. Titles. Titles. Arguably your book's most important marketing tool, and yet, most writers slap on the first generic title that comes to mind and never look back. So we challenge you all to a title dual. Post the catchiest title you can come up with -- existing title for your WIP or impromptu, made-up title (but no joke titles, please). Post the title ONLY. That's it. Then, in the title's thread, let others comment on your offering. The goal? -- to reconstruct an agents' query inbox, or an online customer's search results of e-book titles. We think you'll quickly see which titles stand out, and which ones just fade into the background like white noise...

AQ Connect - The Think Tank

Worried that your heroine might be the biggest Mary Sue ever written, but not sure how to give her a make-over? Plagued by plot holes so big you could drive a semi through them and never touch the sides? Desperate to prevent your world-building from becoming a mere pastiche of Middle Earth? Us too. Join us in the Think Tank for big-picture assistance with brainstorming for your plot, characters and story-world. This group is password-protected in order to encourage members to freely discuss their creative ideas. To request membership in this group, send a message to the group moderators, C. Taylor or Lucy.

AQ Connect - Screenwriting

Let there be no doubt that AQC is NOT ABOUT SCREENWRITING, but... there are some members here with Hollywood experience, and others who are Hollywood-Curious. This is the place for your questions about screenwriting and screenwriting agents, and the hundreds of possible answers for each question. Group Moderator: RSMellette

AQ Connect - Off-Topic

Hey, it's not ALL about writing. Some of us are just bored out of our minds while waiting for that dream agent to respond. Some of us just have an addiction to message boards and forums. Some of us have a gift for the general gab. Here's a place for writers and industry professionals to post items NOT related to the business of publishing. Moderator: Pete Morin

AQ Connect - The Good News "Boast" Bar

Stroll through the door, swagger up to the bartender, and "boast-a-toast" to your accomplishments in this group. "Boasts" can be publishing or non-publishing related, just be prepared to offer up a free round of drinks to the whole AQC community who are always more than willing to join a Happy Hour in celebration of happy news any time of the day (underage drinkers bring your fake avatar IDs).

AQ Connect - The Litter Box

A good place to come after a bad day. Bring your query accidents and misspelled agent's names here. A bad day writing? Just got a rejection that made you rethink your entire life? Misery loves company. Moderator: bigblackcat97

AQ Connect - Step by Step

A small group dedicated to in-depth critiques, chapter by chapter. We are a multi-genre critique group, so you'll receive feedback from writers with different perspectives. Ability to give and take detailed criticism is a must. We currently have a limit of 10 members; you must be willing to make a serious commitment to reading and critiquing several chapters at a time. Even if the 10 limit member has been filled, a waiting list will be maintained for potential, new members in the event a current member must go on hiatus.If you would like to join, please send a request to the group moderator, J. Lea Lopez.

AQ Connect - The Game Room

Not everything regarding writing and publishing has to be so stuffy serious all the time. It's all about enjoying the process and the journey a little bit too, right? The Game Room is the reserved cyber-space for a little literary ping-pong, grammar goof-offs, and writing recreation. The only rule is that games must be inclusive, tasteful, and exceedingly fun (and preferably with some kind of craft, hook, book, or Snooki tie-in. Except on Free-For-All Fridays. In which case, anything goes... Oh, and in the event that we're not being clear here: curmudgeons need not apply.

Book Reviews & Reading Recommendations

1. Literary, Commerical, Women's Fiction and Historical Fiction,
2. Non-Fiction,
3. Science Fiction, Fantasy and Graphic Novels,
4. Mystery, Thrillers, Suspense and Crime Fiction,
5. Young Adult (YA), Middle Grade (MG) & Children's,
6. Romance and Erotica

This is the place to post book reviews and reading recommendations as well as generate banter about a specific book you've just finished (or can't finish). You can also announce free book giveaways or e-book downloads, or post new release shout-outs and other book promotions. Post your topic in the book's genre subgroup and format your post's subject line -- book's TITLE - Author Name.

Here Be Historicals

A place where writers of historical fiction can discuss the aspects of writing and research specific to our genre; the agents interested in it; and the publishers promoting it. Also a forum, with a little more privacy, allowing us to share experiences and frustrations that we might be hesitant posting in a broader, more public, setting. It seems to me there are enough of us on AgentQuery.com to make this interesting. So come-on, let’s set this board on fire! To request membership in this group, send a message to the group moderator, Litgal

The Speculative Fiction Group

A group that covers all genres of Speculative Fiction, both adult and YA. We’re looking for people interested in networking, sharing information, and who are willing to help critique each other’s work. We have a regular posting schedule and the infamous Posting Marathon each summer. Other features include: writing prompts, research help, and industry updates and info tailored to the speculative genres. If you’d like to join this supportive and dynamic group, send a message to the group moderator, Clippership.

Romance Writers

A place where romance writers, and those with romantic elements to their stories, can come and discuss anything having to do with the genre. If you’re interested in posting romantic scenes for critique, offering helpful advice to other writers, or discussing the craft or writing romances, then this is the place for you. To request membership in this group, send a message to the group moderators, C. Taylor or Lucy

Mystery, Thriller/Suspense and Crime Group

An open discussion group dedicated to the publishing "in's and out's" of the mystery, thriller, and suspense genres. Track the publishing industry trends, the best opportunities & resources, or your favorite authors within these genres. Or simply post your Q's specifically related to writing and editing within these genres: Group moderators: Pete Morin and Thrownbones

Non-Fiction and Memoir

Nonfiction is the bread and butter of the publishing industry. If you write nonfiction, this is your group. Chat about the ins and out of how to write a nonfiction proposal and how an agent sells it to editors BEFORE you finish the entire manuscript. Got platform? Expert in your field? Chat about how you can turn your expertise into a nonfiction blockbuster. Group moderator: mwsinclair

Juvenile Junction--Tots to Teens

If your manuscript has boyfriends, best friends, bugs or bullies, you came to the right place. Writing for kids is a nuanced business, as it encompasses distinct genres within distinct age groups. All writers of juvenile fiction are welcome to freely discuss the trials and tribulations unique to children's literature. We have a warm and friendly atmosphere where there are no dumb questions and the only experience necessary is a love for all things juvenile. Group Moderator: Cat Woods

Kid Crits

Hear and be heard in this small group of dedicated juvenile lit writers. As a Critter, you will be asked to provide honest, yet constructive feedback for all members in addition to graciously receiving your own critiques in return. Manuscript swaps will occur monthly. Our current membership limit is eight, however, a waiting list will be maintained in the event of future openings. All genres and age groups welcome. If you're interested in joining our critique group, please send a request to the group moderator, Cat Woods.

Between the Sheets

A crit group to help with those steamy scenes between the sheets. Due to the nature of the material being posted, those participating in this group must be over 18. To request membership in this group, send a message to the group moderator, C. Taylor

Paranormal/Supernatural

This group is a place where writers who already work within this genre--and those who have simply thought about exploring it--can come together, share ideas and give examples of their work. The main objective is to explore ways in which we can expand the popular genres of Horror, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Thriller. In breaking away from the paranormal cliches, we may find that this group can bring depth, dimension and believable scenarios for the characters involved in our stories.