Q3: Acknowledges my terrorist fatigue, but insists that "my terrorists are different." I wish this was a rare occurrence, but it isn't. No terrorists, please. Pass. #tenqueries

Q2: MG contemporary fantasy novella. Not the best fit for fantasy -although I'm hoping to change that down the line - and it's tough to place novellas from debut authors regardless. Pass. #tenqueries

Q1: Few things say "I'm just blasting this exact same letter out to as many agents as possible" quite like "Hello!" as the only greeting. At least customize it by addressing it to the agent you're querying. Pass. #tenqueries

#tenqueries Q10: HF. Writer appeared to do their research because it was practically click-bait for me, with great comps and awesome premise. The writing was so well-written in the sample, I needed more! Researching an agent's preferences always helps! Partial. #querywin

#tenqueries Q9: HF. Very well-written query, with a hook and enticing premise. Unique perspective in an otherwise saturated topic. However, the writing in the sample needed more revision; it didn't grab me. Pass.

#tenqueries Q8: UF/PR. Told me about how the writer wrote it, the themes they used, the message they want to get across. Nothing about characters, plot, hook, etc. Pass.

#tenqueries Q7: YA C. The query was kind of all over the place, which suggests the manuscript is all over the place. Where does your story begin? What are your MC's motivations and obstacles? Entice me. Pass.

#tenqueries Q6: YA F. With the opening lines of the query the writer captured my attention––super unique premise, weird job, kinda gross but fascinating––and the writing in the sample was excellent! Partial. #querywin

#tenqueries Q5: A F. The query was fine––everything was there, written well, etc––but the writing in the sample just plain didn't capture my attention. In a market bursting with West Euro magic royalty narratives, it really needs to stand out. Pass.

#tenqueries Q4: YA F. Super interesting and unique gender-flipped lesser-known folk tale. Captivating opening scene that immersed me in the world w/o info-dumping. Partial. #querywin

#tenqueries Q3: Opened by insulting literary agents, stating we do not give full consideration to queries, so if there was something the writer ought to improve in the pitch we ought to state where and why.

...Pass.

#tenqueries Q2: I've no idea. Several paragraphs all about the writer, with a brief interlude of "my book is about this and that and it has these themes," followed by more self indulgence. Pass.

#tenqueries Q1: WF. It seemed...fine, but the query's MC seemed boring/flat while the secondary characters' stories were far more interesting. Perhaps THEIR story ought to be told? Pass.

We have a brand new #TenQueries episode today with @bookishchick! Kelly discusses how she decides when to say yes, when to say no--how rare it is for someone to get her name right--and why a query doesn't have to be perfect to get a request. Listen here: manuscriptacademy.com/ourpodcast/

Hi All, please don't let my #tenqueries dissuade you from trying! I promise I'm not as mean as I may seem on Twitter. Just trying to give some insight into my thought process! #amagenting

Q10: New Adult. Shy girl joins a band plot has been done too many times. And I'm confused by the choice of setting. Pass. #tenqueries

Q9: Middle grade mystery/humor/adventure. Word count seems too low and I'm not connecting w/the topic which seems too educational. Pass. #tenqueries

Q8: YA Paranormal. ANGELS AND DEVILS--NO THANKS. At this point, it feels like many authors aren't even bothering to research me. And it's frustrating. Big pass. #tenqueries

Q7: YA Sci-Fi. I'm usually more cautious about stories set in space, but this has a great summary w/ a clear set up of the protagonist's motives and conflict. Request. #tenqueries

Q6: Adult or New Adult? The premise feels like it's been done a million times and I believe it will be too literary for my tastes. Pass. #tenqueries