#RevPit #10Queries
On Friday, Oct 25th, 2019, I participated as one of the editors for Revise & Resub‘s mini-event, #10Queries, in which authors entered a raffle to win the chance to submit a query letter and the first five pages of a manuscript for a free review with one of the Revise & Resub editorial team.
I spent an hour tweeting about each of the ten submissions I received, with one for the query letter and one for the pages, a total of 20 tweets, plus few extra tweets with observations about query submissions in general. Privately, I responded to each of the winners with more detailed feedback on their submissions.
Even if you didn’t enter the contest, there is a lot you can learn about the query submission process by reading through my tweet thread, so take a look. You might recognize one of your own writing habits here!
I received:
— Jay Whistler in the
1 MG SFF
1 YA Dys
3 YA SFF
1 A Dystopian
1 A Mystery
3 A SFF
SFF = Science Fiction/Fantasy, and I categorized the MS that way if it was either/or.
Dys=dystopian#RevPit #10QueriesGraveyard
(@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019
Start query with MS synopsis. Grab attention first! Then give those boring MS details about word count, age category, genre, and comp titles. Also remember to include your bio, even if it’s simple. #RevPit #10Queries
— Jay Whistler in the
Find a qualified CP who can spot grammar, punctuation, usage, spelling errors before you sent them to an editor/agent. Those can be reasons to reject that have nothing to do with the strength of your writing or story.#RevPit #10Queries
— Jay Whistler in the
Q1: YA Dys
— Jay Whistler in the
Can you shorten MS synopsis a bit? Sounds like an unlikeable MC. Not always a bad thing. But can you give a clue how the unlikeable MC might be redeemed? And why is MC the only one who can tackle this problem? #RevPit #10Queries
Q2: A SFF
— Jay Whistler in the
Start w/MS synopsis & move bio after MS data. Intriguing MS info, but cut ∼50 wds. Keep bio to only writing-related content. Are you #ownvoices? Mention that. If not, have you had an authenticity reader? Mention that. #RevPit #10Queries
Q3: A SFF
— Jay Whistler in the
I’m confused by synopsis, not sure what plot is. So much is happening that I don’t know real focus. The last sentence of the synopsis is info that should be revealed much earlier! Good bio and MS data. #RevPit #10Queries
Q4: A Mystery
— Jay Whistler in the
The synopsis has a been-there-done-that feel. What makes your MS different in this crowded genre? Why this MC, this storyline? What motivates MC? Make your MC, MS & query stand out in the slush pile. #RevPit #10Queries
Q5: YA SFF
— Jay Whistler in the
A topic/theme/plot we’ve seen a lot. What makes your MC stand out? What is your unique spin on the genre? Convince eds/agents that your MS rises above everything in the slush pile by showing them something different. #RevPit #10Queries
Q6: A SFF
— Jay Whistler in the
Good bio and MS data. Good use of comp titles. Major typo in synopsis, not one that eds/agents will overlook. Interesting concept. Can you explain stakes for MC better? Why this MC? Why not walk away? #RevPit #10Queries
Q7: MG SFF
— Jay Whistler in the
Great voice in query w/lots of promise of action, stakes, & unique plot. Good synopsis & comp title use. Where is your bio? Even something simple just to show dedication to craft or connection to subject of MS will work. #RevPit #10Queries
Q8: A Dys
— Jay Whistler in the
Good description of cast of characters & clear stakes. Why is this MC the “chosen one,” and why now? What sets MC apart from anyone else? Otherwise, it feels too typical of the genre and might not garner editors'/agents’ attention. #RevPit #10Queries
Q9: YA SFF
— Jay Whistler in the
Clear stakes for MC in last ¶ of synopsis, but I’m less clear about overall plot, even after reading thru several times. Query letter or MS issue?Love the bio ¶! That could be enough to keep ed/agent reading. #RevPit #10Queries
Q10: YA SFF
— Jay Whistler in the
Move MS data after summary. Grab attention first. Interesting concept, but plot description makes me question age category. Great bio. I’m intrigued enough that I would continue reading, but with reservations. #RevPit #10Queries
And there you have it, #RevPit friends! All my #10Queries wisdom wrapped up. I’ll be emailing my winners by the end of the weekend with their submissions. Stay tuned for @FromCarly and all her brilliance! And now you have five minutes to refresh your tea. pic.twitter.com/2dij7rPilc
— Jay Whistler in the