Samantha Wekstein

Q10: Adult fantasy. The letter is really short and doesn't explain much about the world or how magic works. It's important for me to understand this a least a little so I can understand the mc's challenges. The word count is also too short for the genre.  Pass. #tenqueries

Q9: YA sci-fi with a v. cool premise. I wish I had more clarity on the world. Still, I'm intrigued, and the author has a solid platform. Request! #tenqueries

Q8: Adult or middle grade sci-fi? There is too much to unpack here. It's sci-fi, but then also fantasy? The author is arrogant and brags about the reactions of their beta reads. The summary itself is clunky and the plot has too much going on. Pass. #tenqueries

Q7: Adult literary fiction. I don't rep this genre. Pass. #tenqueries

Q6: PB text only. Again I'm not really looking for text only projects. This one has an original concept, but the text doesn't leave a lot of room for imaginative illustrations. I'm not sure it has broad appeal either.  Also, starts with a rhetorical question. Pass. #tenqueries

Q5: PB text only. I am primarily looking for author/illustrator clients, so if you pitch text only, it really has to wow me. The concept here is one that's been done many, many times. Perhaps illustrations could elevate it, but I'm not willing to chance it. Pass. #tenqueries

Q4: Adult sci-fi. Two paragraphs into this letter, and I still have no idea what this book is about. It's rambling and incoherent. Concepts are described without characters.  I care about your character and what they want--that's what should be in your letter. Pass. #tenqueries

Q3: Pitched as dark adult literary fiction. I do not rep adult literary fiction. I do not enjoy adult literary fiction (though send my your literary YA!).  It is stated very clearly that I do not want this on multiple platforms. Do your research! Pass. #tenqueries

Q2: Adult historical fiction. I like the setting, but not sure I really fully understand the characters' motives or relationships. Pass. #tenqueries

Q1: Adult magical realism. The concept here is ripped from a famous book/movie. I'm intrigued by the setting, but also very confused about the world--and the comps don't help clarify. Pass. #tenqueries

Q10: YA with an interesting twist on mythology. This is a good letter. It has two main characters and does a great job of setting up the goals of one of them. Good world building. Would love a bit more on the other mc, but still intrigued. Request! #tenqueries

Q9: Pitched as both MG and YA fantasy. This one has a good aim to shed light on a group that is often overlooked, but falls short on plot, character, and a lack of awareness of industry standards. Pass #tenqueries

Q8: Adult historical fiction. This has an interesting premise, but it feels like lots of bad things happen to the characters over and over again. What do they hope for? How will they overcome these obstacles? I want active protagonists. Pass. #tenqueries

Q7: Adult thriller/mystery. I don’t rep this genre. Automatic pass. #tenqueries

Q6: MG fantasy. I have no idea what is happening in this world. Concepts are introduced without grounding me in what they mean. Pass. #tenqueries

Q5: 4K words, aimed at ages 6-14. Guys, this is not correct. Do your homework on genre length and age group categories. This letter also has a lot of self praise. Big Pass. #tenqueries

Q4: Children’s book, not sure of the age group. The letter is only a few brief lines and doesn’t set up any of the story. The idea is eh. Pass. #tenqueries.

Q3: Middle grade. Good concept, but the letter is all over the place. Need more explanations for the character’s dreams/goals, and a setup of stakes. Pass. #tenqueries

Q2: YA Fantasy. The letter is well written, but doesn’t reveal enough of the plot. What’s original here? What are the stakes? Pass. #tenqueries

Q1: PB text only. Too much text and with a half-baked story idea. Without illustrations, PBs need to be next level to make it through. Pass #tenqueries