Sara Megibow

#10 = paranormal YA. No plot discussed in query. Characters are introduced with no hint as to what they do. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#9 = paranormal YA. The magical aspects feel weak and underdeveloped and characters not engaging enough. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

I see a lot of queries (for adult and young adult books) in which the internet has come to life and eats people. #true #10queriesIn10tweets

#8 = science fiction. Darn! Great concept but very weak writing (poor grammar and no plot) PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#7 = YA suspense. Setup feels overly graphic and brutal. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#6 = contemporary romance. Heroine isn't introduced in query although the hero is...and he sounds like a jerk. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#5 = nonfiction history of the bicycle. Sounds awesome! Not a genre a rep though. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#4 = contemporary romance. Smoking HOT chemistry even in the query letter + intriguing story & great writing. ACCEPT! #10queriesIn10tweets

#3 = historical YA. Not really a YA as the protagonist is 28yrs old and conflict isn't a teen conflict. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#2 = contemporary YA. Setting and plot feel too familiar/ generic. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#1 = contemporary YA. Nice diversity in characters, but not strong writing and weak inciting incident. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#10 fantasy middle grade. Cute hero, but overall not strong writing. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

And here is the original query for international bestselling THE SIREN by @tiffanyreisz = writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/g… #10queriesIn10tweets

Before we get to #10 - here is the best query I've ever received: writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/g… #10queriesIn10tweets

Yes, feel free to say #WeNeedDiverseBooks in your query! #10queriesIn10tweets

#9 = fantasy. Brilliant writing and the author mentions book is #Diversity friendly (thank you!!!!) ACCEPT! #10queriesIn10tweets

ps. book-to-film is a Hollywood deal done for a client whose book is already published. #10queriesIn10tweets

#8 = screenplay. We don't represent screenplays so this is an automatic PASS (we do sell book-to-film however) #10queriesIn10tweets

#7 = fantasy. Interesting world with unique magic system, but writing not quite strong enough to convince me. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#6 = contemporary middle grade. Includes chapter summaries and character "guide" but no pitch. alas. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets