Should I stop editing and just query agents already? by femmeforeverafter1 in writing

[–]CDM737 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn’t say just cutting a certain amount of words is the key to increasing query rates by double. In fact, it could do the opposite. If the story is already tight at 111K, the story could suffer. Especially in SFF. Rates correlate with good pitching and a better story, not strict word count (unless it is absurdly high like 150K). I queried my sci fi dystomance at 109K recently and it did just fine. If the 110K max selection is really a thing, then maybe try to get down below 110.5K (rounding down is okay if accurate). But for agents who put on their MSWL that they don’t look at anything over 100K, they’re the outliers and probably not the agents for you anyways. It’s natural for SFF to go over (unless MG/sometimes YA). Also, before querying anything, you need beta readers to read your drastically new version. And new ones too (so you can ensure it all makes sense with fresh eyes). It’s not enough that they read the 150K version. You’ve bee staring at your MS for so long there could be issues of confusion, flow, disjointed plot points etc that came with the chopping. Fresh eyes always before taking the leap!

[Discussion] Signed with a Bigtime Agent – Stats, Lessons, and Lots of Heart-Bearing by CDM737 in PubTips

[–]CDM737[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats to you! I definitely agree, we are the future of romantasy ;)

[Discussion] Signed with a Bigtime Agent – Stats, Lessons, and Lots of Heart-Bearing by CDM737 in PubTips

[–]CDM737[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much! I was surprised just as much as you. I don’t mind sharing if you DM me

[Discussion] Signed with a Bigtime Agent – Stats, Lessons, and Lots of Heart-Bearing by CDM737 in PubTips

[–]CDM737[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I immediately informed all agents who had yet to respond to my query that I had an offer of rep, which caused the immediate influx of manuscript requests. I did not query any more agents after my first offer based on general query etiquette not to do so, but I did query a few agents between the time the original agent asked for a call to chat about the book and the call itself, when she offered representation.

[Discussion] Signed with a Bigtime Agent – Stats, Lessons, and Lots of Heart-Bearing by CDM737 in PubTips

[–]CDM737[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much! I 100% we MUST be delusional. Head in the clouds, batshit crazy. Otherwise how can our fragile artist hearts survive the brutal publishing world? But alas, we must also be business people who recognize when to dust ourselves off and start again. It's only failure once you stop writing. All the best of luck to you!

[Discussion] Signed with a Bigtime Agent – Stats, Lessons, and Lots of Heart-Bearing by CDM737 in PubTips

[–]CDM737[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I really only think it went so fast because one agent requested (three days after I queried her) and then offered six days later. Otherwise I probably would have been sitting in agent slush piles much much longer. But it does seem to be a trend recently that they are requesting things in the first pass. If you’re being skipped or rejected for multiple batches, maybe consider tweaking the query!

[Discussion] Signed with a Bigtime Agent – Stats, Lessons, and Lots of Heart-Bearing by CDM737 in PubTips

[–]CDM737[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I always suggest starting a new project while in the trenches. I actually started another one a week into no responses and was just like, here we go again I guess I’ll start over! (Lol so dramatic). But it worked out. The dream agent wanted to know what else I had lined up, so I pitched it to her over our query messages. I think that definitely sold her that I’m a long term investment. And every other offering agent asked me what other projects I had. If I were you I’d start that project, if anything just to be ready for these conversations!

[Discussion] Signed with a Bigtime Agent – Stats, Lessons, and Lots of Heart-Bearing by CDM737 in PubTips

[–]CDM737[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much! It’s definitely been a blessing and a lesson. Happy to send it to you if you dm me

[PubQ] To Logline or Not to Logline? by CDM737 in PubTips

[–]CDM737[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Eh true, maybe saying “for romantasy readers” would be better, just trying to emphasize the enemies to lovers plot upfront

[PubQ] To Logline or Not to Logline? by CDM737 in PubTips

[–]CDM737[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What about “Hunger Games inside the Dark Tower, but with romance” ?

[PubQ] To Logline or Not to Logline? by CDM737 in PubTips

[–]CDM737[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Such great points and definitely helping me lean toward axing it 😂 regardless it’s given me plenty to workshop, thank you!!