#tenqueries 3: MG Contemporary / While this was a well-written query, the premise is very familiar and the book doesn’t sound unique enough from its counterparts in the same space. Pass #tenqueries

#tenqueries 2: MG Fantasy / the pitch in this query is a little vague—I had questions about what actually happens, as the plot is couched in generic terms rather than brought to life with specific, standout details. Pass #tenqueries

#tenqueries 1: Adult Mystery: The query is so long and has so much going on that I’m not actually sure what the story is about at its core. There are also several typos that tripped me up. Pass.

Q10: YA contemp. Family dynamics at the center of obstacles and MC's concerns, super voice-y a la Matson, Mills, Lord. Partial. #tenqueries #querywin

Q9: YA thriller. Has "Taken" vibes. I'm simply not a thriller person whatsoever -- best to query another agent at Triada. Pass. #tenqueries

Q8: "You're such a cute, young agent! You'll totally love [MS] because you'll relate to those perky, young kids I want to write for!" 😐 Pass. #tenqueries

I really shouldn't have to say why.

Q7: Responded to my rejection of MS1 by pitching MS2, but instead of detailing the ms, it was a business plan of what to do with the royalties from it. Both no-nos. Pass. #tenqueries

Q6: YA contemp. Geeky, quirky, fun; awesome voice in sample. Yes please. Partial. #tenqueries #querywin

Q5: Initially pitched as SF, then YA SF, then later claims YA thriller. All characters are 30+ years old. Lacks understanding of target audience/genre. Pass. #tenqueries

Q4: Literary? Magical realism? Fantasy? Be clear and concise: what is the ms about? What are the obstacles? Why should we care? Don't wax poetic just yet. Pass. #tenqueries

Q3: Fantasy. Massive in scope, but focused on two central characters in this epic. Huge word count, but writing is exquisite. Taking a shot! Partial. #tenqueries #querywin

Q2: WF. Neat concept, but sample nearly all dialogue/white space, he said she said, then then then. Needs more creative development. Pass. #tenqueries

Q1: 3 unsolicited "follow-ups" on a project in a mass email, with blurbs, quotes, character descriptions, and "important" thematic elements of plot turns. Hard pass. Big no-nos all around. #tenqueries

#5 = adult urban fantasy. Good introduction to heroine with strong character motivation and brilliant inciting incident. Superior writing and interesting magic. ACCEPT! #5QueriesIn5Tweets

#4 = young adult fantasy. Pitch paragraph is all backstory with limited introduction to the protagonist. PASS. #5QueriesIn5Tweets

#3 = adult epic fantasy. Lots of description of the world, backstory and magic but no solid introduction of characters or plot. PASS. #5QueriesIn5Tweets

#2 = contemporary romance. I don't get a sense of sexual tension or chemistry and the external conflict is weak. PASS. #5QueriesIn5Tweets

#1 = young adult science fiction. Cool spaceship setting but the conflict feels melodramatic and generic. PASS. #5QueriesIn5Tweets

Thanks y'all!

I will try to do #5QueriesIn5Tweets once a week. Happy writing to all and good luck! The vast majority of my clients come from slush pile queries so keep at it!

Here's an example of a successful query letter - the original query for Margaret Rogerson's AN ENCHANTMENT OF RAVENS which debuted on the NYTimes bestseller list last fall: writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/g… #5QueriesIn5Tweets