Eric Smith @ericsmithrocks · Sep 19
It’s time to go through my inbox and do a #tenqueries!
Queries 1 - 10: Pitching a book you’ve put your whole heart into is a brave act, and I’m proud of you.
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 28
Q10: YA Rom Com. I'm on the fence because the premise feels familiar. But the author has some credits and other good ideas. Reluctant request. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 28
Q9: Another #DvPit YA fantasy. OMG, you guys! This one is so good! Cool magic, clear stakes, good comps and based on a little explored myth. Request!!! #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 28
Q8: #DvPit YA fantasy. Begins w/rhetorical questions, which is unnecessary. Still, this plot sounds really original w/a cool magic system and good comps. Request! #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 28
Q7: PB text. I currently am only accepting subs w/illustrations. There is also too much description. In PBs, the illustrations would take the place of all this description. Pass. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 28
Q6: Another rhetorical question in the first paragraph. Don't ask what would happen if...instead, just tell me what actually happens in your story.Not sure of the genre, though I think MG fantasy? Plot is too confusing. Pass. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 28
Q5: Starts with a rhetorical question (don't do this! It only takes up unnecessary space since you'll need to answer your own question anyways). Not sure what format this is, though the age group (7-11) is stated. Pass. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 28
Q4: MG Fantasy. Needs a bit more grounding in the world, but it reminds me of 2 favorites, Harry Potter and Sarah J. Maas in plot and tone (but for MG). The voice feels right too! Request! #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 28
Q3: MG Fantasy. Word count is too short and though it's an original idea, I'm not connecting with the plot which feels too young. Pass. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 28
Q2: #DvPit YA. Really cool premise. The letter focuses too much on the author and has barely any summary. Still, I'm intrigued. Request! #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 28
Q1: MG Fantasy. Really original concept and clear stakes. Has researched me well. Word count is a little long, but still, request! #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 11
Q10: YA fantasy. This letter was well-written, but I struggled to understand how and why the characters got themselves into the situation in the first place when it seemed easily avoidable. Pass. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 11
Q9: Chapter book. This is a genre with which I am less familiar. The summary was difficult to understand and I find it difficult to judge a project without the accompanying illustrations. Pass. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 11
Q8: Adult sci-fi with an interesting premise, though one that feels too familiar. The writing in the letter is clunky. Pass. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 11
Q7: Says it’s a YA fantasy, but seems to feature an adult main character. I’m also not connecting with the plot as there’s not really a clear goal for the MC aside from something super selfish. Pass. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 11
Q6: New adult fantasy. The entire letter describes the writing process and I know nothing about the characters or plot. Don’t do this!!! Pass. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 11
Q5: PB. Cute idea, but I am not currently looking for rhyming. The illustrations also look too computerized. I like more of a paint, freehand kind of style. For reference see @korrieleer. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 11
Q4: Maybe I’m crazy, but it felt like this letter was put through Google Translate. I have absolutely no idea what this is. Seems like it could vaguely be adult fantasy, but I’ll never know. Pass. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 11
Q3: Adult fantasy with Demons. Automatic pass for me. Aside from the demons, the letter is also super confusing. It references characters and creatures without grounding us in plot or world. #tenqueries
Samantha Wekstein @SWekstein · Aug 11
Q2: YA Horror. Love the opening few sentences, and it’s very hooky. But the writing in the letter feels awkward. Pass.