Q8: YA fantasy/sci fi. The opening pages were a little slow and didn’t immediately engage me. I did find the premise interesting. I’ll revisit this one. #tenqueries

Q7: YA fantasy. I didn’t connect with the voice and I’m not sure the premise is my cup of tea. Pass. #tenqueries

Q6: adult fantasy. The pages start in the middle of action, but the pacing feels slow and didn’t grab my attention. Pass #tenqueries

Q5: new adult. I didn’t connect with the writing. There’s a lot of exposition, but for me it just didn’t feel cohesive. Pass. #tenqueries

Q4: Non-fiction. I'm not really looking for non-fiction at this time. Definitely not my cup of tea. Pass #tenqueries

Q3; Adult fiction (?). The query didn't really talk about the novel, but mentioned other books by the author. The story goes right into action/plot, which didn't grab my attention. Pass #tenqueries

Q2: YA Epic (fantasy?). Just from the synopsis I can tell that this isn't my cup of tea. The opening pages had a lot telling v showing, and were confusing. Pass. #tenqueries

Q1: Historical Fiction. Please be sure to always check submission guidelines. We do not open any documents unless requested.

OK, that's my #tenqueries. No hits this time, alas.

I have now responded to all queries through 11/19, not including partial/full requests.

Q10: Thriller. Main character is a journalist. Good, but not spectacular, which it would need to be to find a place on the shelf next to all the other thrillers with journalist protags. Pass. #tenqueries

Q9: I am looking to dip into fantasy, so I appreciate this author taking a shot here...but it's a little too much into the fantasy realm, if that makes sense. Tons of magic and this totally new world right away...I'm still easing into it. Pass. #tenqueries

Q8: MG. Opening scene is a playground, five kids playing tag: one white, one black, one Asian, one Native American, and one gay. I hate it when TV commercials do this, and it isn't working here. Diversity is great, but there are better ways to convey backgrounds. Pass #tenqueries

Q7: True Crime. These are tough; I feel like the case needs to either be really unique or have garnered national appeal yo work, Don't get that vibe from this one. Pass. #tenqueries

Q6: This happens to me a lot - I work in the military space quite a bit, which often leads romance authors whose novel features a soldier as the main love interest to think I might be interested. Romance just isn't for me, regardless of what the characters do. #tenqueries

Q5: Horror. Query letter was very well-written, author clearly did her research, and she referenced some of my clients as the reason why she thought I'd be a good fit. Great job.

Unfortunately, the pages themselves were lacking, so it's still a pass. #tenqueries

Q4: Lots of dialogue, none of it believable. I always tend to advise against opening up a novel with extensive dialogue, as we have no idea who is talking and haven't gotten a chance to get to know the characters yet. Not a hard and fast rule, but still. Pass. #tenqueries

Q3: Adult mystery. I now know a TON about what the moon looked like, and man is this a dark and peaceful field...but I know nothing about any of the characters or what the story is about. Pass. #tenqueries

Q2: YA, 1st person. Prologue is three pages of "if I had only known what was going to happen that night, I never would have left the house." Message received loud and clear two paragraphs in; careful not to belabor the point. Pass. #tenqueries

Q1: Historical fiction, a bunch of men conspiring around a dimly lit tavern over tankards of ale. Nothing new or unique about this opening. Pass. #tenqueries

Query 10 - picture book by an author/illustrator. A germ of fun idea here, but didn't quite pull it off. Personal rejection. #querytip #amquerying #pubtip #amwriting