Literary Agent
Janet Reid @Janet_Reid
25 Queries and why I said No (and how to avoid that) today on the blog: jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2016/06/reason…I don't tweet #10queries, but if I did, all these issues would show up. Great list for troubleshooting your query!
Literary Agent
Q11: The writing creates an eerie atmosphere that grabs me even though not much has happened in the plot yet. Request full. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q10: Plot is a very well-worn territory & the writing doesn't elevate it beyond the cliché. Also book opens w/ an info dump. Pass.#10queries
Literary Agent
Q9: Writing is ok, but then there’s a random misogynistic aside that ruins it for me. Or a graphic analogy for no reason. Pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q8: First chapter opens w/ a cliché. You have a very short amount of time to grab a reader’s interest. Don’t waste it. Pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q7: Prologue explains away the mystery of the 1st chapter. If the book had opened w/o it, I would’ve been really intrigued. Pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q6: About a topic I’m really interested in, the plot is clever, and the MC’s voice comes through loud and clear. Request full. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q5: Opening page spends a lot of time describing how the MC looks. I care more about who she is than how she looks. Pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q4: Book published in foreign country, looking for a publisher here. Author has a platform in home country, but none here. Pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q3: Love the topic. Writing is good, but it doesn’t amaze me enough to feel it can break into a crowded market. Reluctant pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q2: Over-narrates characters’ thoughts, so they feel convoluted & clunky. Don’t get a sense of the voice or characters. Pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q1: Query describes overall mission for writing the book, but doesn’t describe plot or even name the genre. Pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
So I've compiled these #10queries over a period of time. These are not the queries I'm reading today.
Literary Agent
Q10: Interesting premise but the book isn't finished. Too bad. Pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q9: Another screenplay. Pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q8: Unrequested synopsis and no query letter. Pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q7: Interesting premise but not for me. Something just didn't click. :( #10queries
Literary Agent
Q6: Query is right on the money, great platform, and the writer knows my buzzwords. Request! #10queries
Literary Agent
Q5: Fun idea for a PB but plot not developed enough so will need to pass. #10queries
Literary Agent
Q4: Less of a query than a writer trying to feel out if their ideas would make a book. Pass. #10queries