Natascha Morris

Special edition of #tenqueries commencing. Background: these are the queries that needed more investigation after I glanced at them in my first run. So they were "intriguing" and now I must make a decision. So let's go!

I'm going to go through the rest of these and then let's do a special edition of #tenqueries on the ones that needed further investigating. Longer reasons for why a pass/sit on/request.

Q10: YA Historical which should be fantasy. Writing isn't quite on the sweet spot for me and query didn't compel me. Pass. #tenqueries

Q9: PB. Same problem as before. The writing is not write for a picture book. Too descriptive. Pass. #tenqueries

Query tip: PBs should leave room for the illustrator. Don't describe the scene, the illustrator will do that.

Q8: PB. LOVE it! Am requesting more to see. Fingers crossed! #tenqueries

Q7: CB. Query looks shady and so I am going to say no. #tenqueries

Q6: Adult book that tried to sneak in as a MG. Immediate Pass. No reading. Even the comp is an adult book. Pass. #tenqueries

Q5: Verse Novel. I am picky about these so a pass has more to do with me than with the author or the story. I want a Margarita Engle writing style but for YA and MG. Pass on this one. #tenqueries

Q4: YA Fantasy. Query is confusing. I don't understand the world and when I dropped into the sample, confusion got worse. Pass. #tenqueries

Q3: PB. I am troubled by the name; it reads differently than the author intended. Writing is also not where i would like to see it. Pass. #tenqueries

Q2: YA Contemporary. Not sure about some plot elements, but the writing looks interesting. Marked as to read further. (I have a pile I am saving for later). #tenqueries

Q1: PB. Lovely individual lines, but together what's the story? They don't come together as beautifully as they do when separate. Pass. #tenqueries

Q10: PB. It's nice. I can see it being a book. But ultimately,this just doesn't have the pop my list needs right now. Reluctant pass.

Q9: GN. I want a graphic novel so badly, but this not quite my cup of tea. I am being picky so for that reason it is a pass.

Q8: YA Fantasy. The writing lacks the sophistication I like to see in my YA Fantasy. Author might do better with a younger audience, but this is not for me. Pass.

Q7: YA Fantasy. The comps had my attention, but then the writing fell way below expectations. Pass.

Query tip: comps can speak to more than just plot. They can be writing comps as well.

Q6: PB. I've seen work from this person before. After multiple mss, I've come to the conclusion, I am just not a good fit for their collection of work. Pass.

Q5: PB. The writing is not geared for the appropriate audience. Reads more like a novel. Most new PB writers have the same mistake going on. Pass.

Q4: YA Retelling. Nope. There are a few classic children's books that I don't enjoy and therefor am not a fan of retellings for. Just not a good fit at all. Pass.

Q3: YA Fantasy. Voice is off and the writing, while strong, also makes me feel like my wheels are spinning (not a good thing). Pass.