YA fantasy/thriller: #ownvoices Referral, but more importantly the query has great stakes, amazing voice, and so, so creative. #querywin

Here's a query letter (with author approval) on which I passed (with my comments attached) ktliterary.com/2016/09/about-… #10queriesIn10tweets

Here's a query letter that got a book deal (with my comments attached) writersdigest.com/online-exclusi… #10queriesIn10tweets

#10 = fantasy romance. Writing isn't strong enough. Also, nice intro to heroine but no info on the hero. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

Yes, I know these are harsh = sorry! The vast majority of my clients came from query slush pile. It Does Work! #10queriesIn10tweets

#9 = young adult fantasy. Query is very long and wordy (I assume, then, manuscript is long and wordy). PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#8 = contemporary romance. Instead of a pitch, query says, "here just read the pages." *sigh* PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#7 = science fiction. Writer doesn't follow submit guidelines. Not auto-rejection but it's also not well written. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#6 = middle grade science fiction. Query is heavy on backstory and world details rather than character or plot. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#5 = urban fantasy. Interesting heroine but writing isn't strong enough to convince me. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#4 = contemporary young adult. Main protagonist/ hero is in his 30s = not correct age for young adult novel. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#3 = contemporary middle grade. Narrative voice feels like an adult speaking to a child. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#2 = young adult fantasy. World building feels generic/ magic system not unique enough to grab me. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

Here is more about me, my sales, my clients - my Publishers Marketplace page: publishersmarketplace.com/members/SaraMe… #10queriesIn10tweets

Here's what I DO represent (from our submissions page): ktliterary.com/submissions/ #10queriesIn10tweets

#1 = memoir. I don't represent memoir so this is an auto no thank you. PASS #10queriesIn10tweets

#10queriesIn10tweets is an anonymous, high-level response to my queries. ACCEPT means I'll ask for 50 pages/ PASS means a no thank you.

#Writers! Learn to hook & hold agents & editors w/ your #query & first pages! rozfoster.com #querywin

Q10: YA contemp. Query shows MC has unique story to tell, complex, etc. Voice/writing style in sample not for me. Pass. #tenqueries

Q9: WF. Heartbreaking/warming stakes, love the comp titles, interesting concept, polished writing sample. Partial. #tenqueries #querywin