Q4: Great pitch! Unfortunately, bar is very high on YA F for me since I have so much of it in my inbox, but hoping the pgs knock my socks off.

Strong writing, however, voice felt a bit on the younger side than what I tend to represent. Pass. #10queries

Q3: Query is a bit vague & sounds like other things I've read. Not sure I'd be the best agent to help make this stand out on the current market. The characters in the sample pages are reading a bit too much like caricatures and need more development. Pass. #10queries

Q2: Premise seems intriguing, however, I'm usually looking 4 more of a layered plot. Hoping the execution in the sample pgs will bedazzle me

Writing is good, however, author spends a lot of time on backstory. I'm looking to be pulled into the story immediately. Pass #10queries

Q1: I'm always on the lookout for speculative fiction, however, I have to be extra picky about time travel stories. Not only do I have one on my list currently, but the plot needs to turn common tropes on their head and really blow me away. Pass. #10queries

Q10: I'm generalizing, but sometimes concepts like falling stars (star becomes person), genies, etc. are hard to conceptualize. When you try to explain in query, it gets confusing. I've seen several today, so not just this query, but not following how this works. Pass. #10queries

Q9: When queries are super long, I get bogged down in details. Still, I read the sample, but didn't connect with the writing. If you can get a high-concept pitch in a query--where you distill the plot & essence of a story into 1 (or 2) simple sentence(s), do it. Pass. #10queries

Q8: Wasn't sure about the hook, but then I saw the comps and decided to keep reading. (Comps matter for many reasons). But in the end, I didn't feel engaged in the opening scene. Pass #10queries

Q7: Cute voice, but I'm not really looking for kids chapter books at this time. Pass. #10queries

Q6: Too similar to something one of my clients has done. Pass #10queries

As a follow up to Q5, it's a great idea to follow editors as well as agents on Twitter, to see what they are buying, what they are tweeting about, their #MSWLs, etc. #10queries

Q5: Super commercial dark fantasy MG that deals with loss which is nice to see in middle grade since kids this age are learning to tackle those tough subjects. High stakes and the title's to die for. This is literally what I see editors asking for. REQUEST. #10queries

Q4: I'm going to pass on this one. The dialog doesn't feel authentic in what is supposed to be a chaotic first scene. You can get a good emotional response from strong dialog, so take advantage of your character's words! #10queries

Q3: Pass. Query doesn't lay out much in the way of a plot arc so I'm not sure what's going to happen. Word count is also super high for a debut. I'm kind of sad though because it touched on material I generally love. #10queries

Q2: I know several editors who like it when an author plays with structure, but I'm not connecting with the way this one's organized--even though the concept is interesting. I'm looking for an active engaging scene to hook me in the first pages. Pass. #10queries

Q1: Torn on this one. Good hook, but similar to what's already out there. Clearly talented writer. Distinct voice across multiple points of view. Pass, but will ask to see other work as they mentioned they write in multiple genres. #10queries

P10 - MG F 🥗

Wanted to put on Maybe list but voice feels too young for me. Good first line but some details need to be clarified earlier on (unknown family members popped in at random).

Like it, but not sure writing is strong enough to fully flesh out plot. #RevPit #10queries

Q10 - MG Fantasy

Good way to illustrate dark, unique retelling.

Digging the plot, but the end paragraphs make the stakes fall flat. More specifics might help solidify story progression. Also questioning the need for multi-POV.

#RevPit #10queries

P9 - YA ?? 🥗

Pages are filled w/ explanations & telling language. Gives a character sketch of character rather than naturally letting us learn this as the story continues.

Voice is ok, but not strong enough yet to hook. Good place to open story, though. #RevPit #10queries

Q9 - YA ??

Genre is unclear/query specifies odd mix of genres. Maybe contemporary w/ thriller elements?

First para can be condensed, but definitely intrigues me w/ setting/conflict. Stakes are left flat, though, and unsure how secondary character plays role.

#RevPit #10queries

P8 - YA UF 🥠

The pages have a good voice. Good starting point = making me care about MC more than in query.

Good job starting right with clarity on inciting event. Right to the point and draws me in. #RevPit #10queries