#MSWL We're looking for a nonfiction book for women, on mindfulness and spirituality in the great outdoors. Could be hiking, running, or travel. If you have something like this and a platform to support, let's talk! Submission info in link in bio.

#MSWL We're open to queries! You can find us on QueryTracker and all the usual places. See our submissions page here: rachellegardner.com/submissions/

#MSWL I'm looking for exciting nonfiction from subject matter experts on any topic of popular interest. You should be already a trusted voice on your topic, whether on social media, in a newsletter, or on a podcast.

Literary agents out here like, I wanted to read for a living and instead I'm constantly navigating a capitalist hellscape. Did I take a wrong turn somewhere? #publishing #books #writing

#Writers Word count guidelines for each genre are important (and easily found via Google), so don't argue them if you're trying to break in to traditional publishing. What's acceptable from a debut author is very different from what a successful multi-published author can get away with. #publishing

I'm goal-oriented & have a terrible time enjoying hobbies that are purely for fun and relaxation. If I can't assign a real purpose for the activity, I have a hard time sticking to it. I read, hike, bike, paddleboard & work out but I need hobbies I can do in my home, like in the evenings. Ideas?

Is there a time of year when you shouldn't query? It depends on the agency — some of them close to queries at certain times. Our agency is closed to queries from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, and the month of July. Otherwise we're fair game.

Will self-publishing hurt your chances of traditional publishing? No. Will it help? Also probably no, unless your book has sold tens of thousands of copies at a price point comparable to trad books. Don't let your self-pub journey keep you from pursuing traditional if that's what you want. #writers

Writers always ask me what stands out in a query and makes me want the book. I'll put it back on you: when you see a new book, what makes you want to read it? It's different with each book, and it's specific to YOU. Same with us. Good writing, a fresh idea, something that sparks interest. #writers

How do you know if it's your query letter or your writing that's the reason for the pass letters? Your query is important and there's a ton of focus on it, but often the underlying problem is your book itself. Maybe it doesn't have a strong enough hook, or maybe it doesn't seem interesting enough ⬇️

I've seen so many pet pics on here, I figure I'd better start by introducing Andrew, 8yo black lab who spent his first 2 yrs being trained (by us) for Guide Dogs for the Blind, but could never give up his food stealing habit so he has been the leader of our family ever since.

I'm the founder of Gardner Literary. We are 5 agents representing authors of fiction & nonfiction. We have authors writing about race, parenting, history, wellness, spirituality and more. We have authors writing historical fiction and others writing contemporary fiction. See website for submissions.