How to Navigate #MSWL

A few weeks ago, the genius idea of #MSWL took over our Twitter feeds. The concept behind #MSWL is quite simple: a catch-all hashtag where both literary agents and editors can share their manuscript wish lists. The day the hashtag debuted resulted in a frenzy of tweets, all eliciting strong reactions of joy or disheartenment from writers.

While I’m a huge advocate for the use of this hashtag (it’s really helpful when it comes down to looking for niche interests), most people don’t quite know how to use the information properly – or have used the hashtag for other publishing-related reasons.

I think the first (and perhaps only) “rule” when it comes to #MSWL is this: don’t use the hashtag to pitch your own manuscript. Agents and editors aren’t browsing these tweets to discover new talent. It’s your job, as the writer, to use these tweets to your advantage. Scroll through the wish lists and make note of topics that are similar to your own manuscript.

Many writers have been disappointed in the information gathered from #MSWL. Remember: just because an agent or an editor has something specific on their wish list does not mean they’re unwilling to look at other material. We all have pipe dreams, big goals, bucket lists… but we’re also all open to new, unexpected experiences. The same idea applies for #MSWL. If your manuscript isn’t on someone’s wish list, you can still send him/her a query. Agents and editors are always looking for new talent. (A quick piece of advice: while the idea for your manuscript does not need to be on a wish list, do make sure that the agent or editor represents the genre and category before sending a query.)

Don’t write a manuscript simply because it’s on an agent or an editor’s wish list. This won’t do you any good. Unless you can write a full novel, edit it, edit it some more, and then put together an effective query and synopsis all in one afternoon (I don’t care who you are, you can’t do this), then chances are your submission is going to be a little too late. Tastes change. Agents and editors' wish lists are added and subtracted from on a daily basis. Write the manuscript you want to write. If your story happens to be exactly what someone is looking for, then you’re in luck. If it’s not, then wow them with your creativity and unique idea.

If you’re new to this #MSWL craze, you can track the hashtag on Twitter or browse this Tumblr, an archive of all the information found on Twitter.