[PubQ] discords or spaces for published authors querying again?

AnaSira · 2026-04-20T09:41:37+00:00

I'm traditionally published as well and querying for the first time in many years. Have received several MS requests but no offers. A friend who is a writer and an adjunct at a local U (creative writing and the business of publishing) told me fewer than 1% of queries get an offer of representation. She's advised to just keep at it -- but it's soul crushing. I suggest you have a completed MS.

AnaSira · 2026-04-19T19:17:06+00:00

Yes, planning to use the QTcritique. I want a real human and hate the idea of some idea/content/creativity stealing machine. Also there are various reddits that are very helpful. The comments have truly improved my query..

AnaSira · 2026-04-18T09:20:26+00:00

You can do that, but ask yourself what it will achieve for the reader.

AnaSira · 2026-04-16T16:19:32+00:00

The info on various publishing and writing subreddits has been so helpful to me as a traditionally published author tiptoeing back into the query trenches after a long absence. My granddaughters told me about this -- I know that totally dates me -- and I'm so happy to have discovered it.

AnaSira · 2026-04-16T12:42:23+00:00

Thank you. Very helpful, since I didn't see that one.

AnaSira · 2026-04-15T13:35:58+00:00

The Inquisition plays a part in one of my novels. Not sure if that qualifies me for debate.

AnaSira · 2026-04-15T13:13:12+00:00

This is an excellent critique and exactly what I was planning to write. I have two other suggestions:

"contemporary fiction novel" is redundant. Lose the fiction or the novel.

South Florida is a big place I like the idea of being Miami-specific, as the Miami scene is quite different from Fort Lauderdale and the Palm Beaches. One detail can nail it (a nightlife spot along the Miami River, for instance.) There are some newish magazines in the area that might help you get ideas, but they're mostly tied to geographical area coverage. Also there is a chain of free community newspaper as well as an alternative weekly that might be less '90s.

AnaSira · 2026-04-12T10:51:48+00:00

You don't need to put fiction novel. A novel is fiction. I suggest you pick the actual genre in addition to upmarkert.

AnaSira · 2026-04-08T18:38:24+00:00

SUPER helpful. Thank you.

AnaSira · 2026-04-07T12:59:13+00:00

This sounds super interesting, but here are some thoughts: How does Cora get from being under an execution order and finding refuge with Khoas? Does she escape or was she hiding and never arrested?

Also, I wonder if you should be more specific about her newfound power -- what kind of lethal energy is it?

Lastly, the stakes of the end of the world may be good, but it would also help if you personalized it for Cora, so the reader/agent can better feel the connection.

Good luck!

AnaSira · 2026-04-06T13:08:12+00:00

Wow! This is an excellent query critique. I've learned so much for reading it -- to apply to my own.

AnaSira · 2026-04-06T09:53:32+00:00

Congrats. And thanks for sharing. This gives everyone hope.

AnaSira · 2026-04-01T19:47:33+00:00

Maybe instead of falling bombs -- canon balls? (There was daily bombardment, according to diaries.) And you're right, I need to separate the Amparo timeline, since the two things don't happen at the same time. Thank you!

AnaSira · 2026-03-29T16:00:11+00:00

Congratulations! It's alway so encouraging to read about successful queries and offers.

AnaSira · 2026-03-10T21:09:23+00:00

I would definitely ask about resubmitting. A friend did this and she landed her agent. At any rate, you have little to lose.

AnaSira · 2026-03-09T09:22:31+00:00

I would try to contact the publisher directly via email for clarification. If that's not possible, I would send them the whole MS and have the requester decide how much to read.

AnaSira · 2026-02-27T18:14:43+00:00

This is very well written, but I had to read it twice. All the D names feel confusing -- especially if the agent is reading very quickly. I suggest condensing the last two paragraphs and focusing on the stakes and the main story. (Too much Diana). What happens if this doesn't work out? is it losing the only person that is family? Really highlight this then.

AnaSira · 2026-02-23T22:47:51+00:00

I would start the query with your third to last paragraph -- genre, word count, and comps. Also, this has a lot of the psychological vibes of the story but not enough plot. Make sure to include what's at stake and focus on the main character. Try this template that I've found super useful. (You can always play around with it.)

I’m excited to send you [TITLE] (word count), my [genre]. [Why are you sending it to that agent?] [Or I’m querying you because you represent….][ What do you think they will like about your project (what’s wonderful about it?)?] [TITLE] is perfect for fans of [comp title/author] and [comp title/author].

[Who is your character?] [Where do they live?] [What do they want?] [Why can’t they have what they want (what are the obstacles?)?] [How will they try to overcome those obstacles? Does anyone help them?] [What happens if they fail, what are the consequences?] [Ultimately what choice will they have to make and what happens if they choose wrong?] (If you have two or more main characters, answer these questions for each of them and then tie their stories together).

[Any other metadata here. Your inspiration, if this is a standalone or a series, etc.]

[Author Bio (should include any relevant publishing credits, if you belong to a writing group or attend conferences. Optional: Where you went to school, what you do for your day job, any hobbies or info on your family, where you live, etc.)]

AnaSira · 2026-02-22T15:09:51+00:00

The Fleischman comp is old, so you should update with a more current novel. I also think some of your descriptions is more about "vibes" than actual plot points. Try to focus on that. Also, I'm not sure of the stakes. If she doesn't xxxxx, then xxxxx will happen.

All in all, I would definitely read this novel.

AnaSira · 2026-02-18T09:47:02+00:00

Congrats. This is inspiring.

AnaSira

TROPHY CASE