#RevPit #10Queries

October 26, 2019 Off By jaywhistler

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:
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 #10Queries
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@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 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

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 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

Q1: YA Dys
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
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

Q2: A SFF
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
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

Q3: A SFF
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
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

Q4: A Mystery
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
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

Q5: YA SFF
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
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

Q6: A SFF
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
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

Q7: MG SFF
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
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

Q8: A Dys

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
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

Q9: YA SFF

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
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

Q10: YA SFF

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
— Jay Whistler in the 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

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 💀⚰️Graveyard ⚰️💀 (@JayWhistler) October 25, 2019

CategoryManuscript Submission Social Media Writing Writing Advice

Tags#10Queries #Agents #AmEditing #AmWriting #Editors #ReviseResub #RevPit #Submissions #TweetThread #Twitter #WritingAdvice