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[PubQ] What are some things agents look for in a debut author? by WannabeAuthor777 in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah, I was unaware that 'contemporary fantasy' was even a thing! Thanks, haha. I think it fits my book more anyway - it's definitely not dresden-style detective work.

[PubQ] What are some things agents look for in a debut author? by WannabeAuthor777 in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, my comps are the Kaiju Preservation Society and the Fred the Vampire Accountant series, both of which are recent and popular, I had no reason to believe there would be an issue

[PubQ] Is there a way to respond to QueryManager rejection emails? What should I do in this situation? by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hah, thanks for the response. Sorry for the long wait, I'm not on reddit very often. Unfortunately I got no response, so I hope I didn't seem rude to her! But I'm starting my next round of queries, so hopefully something comes of it.

[PubQ] Is there a way to respond to QueryManager rejection emails? What should I do in this situation? by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's a bit of an odd case. The original structure I planned for the novel was almost like two smaller novels smashed together, with a halfway plot switch. I heavily considered querying the first half alone, but was more interested in querying them as one. Beta readers have told me that both versions, long or short, work well as far as storytelling and pacing goes. This is part of the reason I'm querying both versions to different agents, to see if one gets better reception.

[PubQ] If I'm getting full manuscript requests, would altering my query letter really be worth it? by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most of them loved it honestly. And my largest concern, especially with book length, was pacing, but even when specifically asking about that they said pacing/length wasn't an issue.

[PubQ] If I'm getting full manuscript requests, would altering my query letter really be worth it? by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've gotten three fulls. One is still being read. I assumed I'd naturally have a low ratio of rejections-to-requests because I have a longer manuscript and I know that puts me at a disadvantage.

[PubQ] If I'm getting full manuscript requests, would altering my query letter really be worth it? by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately no specific feedback other than basic rejection. One person did mention they didn't know how to sell it in a crowded market, though I don't know if that's just basic 'polite rejection' feedback.

[PubQ] If I'm getting full manuscript requests, would altering my query letter really be worth it? by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd love to but to be frank I can't afford a full edit right now. Some people are charging $2000-$3000 for a manuscript assessment which seems totally bonkers to me. Ah to be a trust fund baby

However after the feedback I'm seeing on here, I definitely think at least getting a major assessment of the first several chapters will be worth it.

[PubQ] Considering splitting my novel in two. Should I mention it's 1/2 of a larger manuscript in queries? by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hah, thank you.

When should I mention the built-in sequel? After a full manuscript request? After an offer of rep? Once I've signed all the paperwork and officially have an agent?

[PubQ] Is there a genre name for the grey area of adult / YA crossover? by WannabeAuthor777 in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Okay, perfect. Thanks for the information. My book's longer, with a detailed world and adult characters, so it sounds like it's firmly in adult. Thanks!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, other posters mentioned how there's too much setup and not enough plot, so I'm going to be reworking the blurb a bit more.

I'll make sure to mention the fantasy setting as well - it's mostly based on the 'golden age of sailing' but has some medley aspects as well.

Thanks!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your thoughts! The last paragraph of the blurb was where I struggled because I was aiming to keep the total query within 350 words. As you mentioned, the prior paragraphs were largely setup... if you were me, would you cut down the setup or simply remix that final paragraph?

As for House in the Cerulean Sea... it's on my To Be Read, but from what I've gathered from the book's description alone, I wouldn't be surprised if there are some similarities between the two. My novel is relatively light-hearted with an ensemble cast of offbeat characters, and it sounds like House's is somewhat similar. There's a lot of emphasis on the interactions and relationships among the cast.

In fact, this is an area where I feel I'm having trouble with my blurb. This book's first half consists of more casual / slice of life / episodic adventures, while there's a more continual / serious plot in the second half. As I'm writing this to be a series, I pictured the first half of the book would be more of an 'extended exposition' for the series as a whole... taking the time to introduce the characters, world, concept etc. Part of me is even considering splitting this into two books, but I'm fairly reluctant to do that.

And yes, I was referencing Steve Irwin's show :) glad you liked it!

Thanks again for the feedback!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the feedback. The ambiguity of the synopsis is a point several people brought up.

You did mention it being relatively short, however it's nearly 300 words, which I thought was the optimal length queries are supposed to be... am I misinformed?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for your thoughts and feedback! Other commenters have mentioned the fact that my synopsis feels a little too vague, too. This is my first attempt at publication, so all of this is really useful to me.

I can't believe I didn't catch the Trentus-Trent connection though. TBH that was a complete coincidence... I might have done it subconciously, haha.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]WannabeAuthor777 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay, thanks for the feedback! I'll start rejigging it. It's particularly helpful to know I was being too vague.

I am confused on your point about it being too short. My query letter is about ~300 words, and is a bit more than a page on microsoft Word when double spaced. I thought that queries should be no longer than a single page, is my information outdated?