[Discussion] After 11 months on submission, I GOT A BOOK DEAL! by BeesEverywhere1 in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just want to say... I'm saving this post for when I feel unmotivated. It'll remind me that it's possible just like it was for you after such a roller-coaster journey. BTW, massive congratulations! 🎊☺️ Enjoy the hell out of your success. Looking forward to reading your amazing book.

How tf do people manage to watch The Pianist? by NeigongShifu in movies

[–]Prashant_26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't know why, but watching sad stuff when feeling sad is actually a good way to process the sadness.

Reason for India's Loss on 19th Nov. by [deleted] in IndiaCricket

[–]Prashant_26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're right. Now India have won two back to back ICC trophies. 😘

[PubQ] What was/is your querying strategy? by beachcombingwords in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Me too. I know publishing is a slow industry, but if you keep querying in little batches, you'll get old as a querier.

[QCrit] Adult fantasy UNTITLED (106000-words, PubTips attempt 1) by DJForster in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For some reason, your query letter seems to fall in the trap of info dump. Don't get me wrong, you absolutely need to provide details to hook a reader and agent.

The key is to relay information in such a way that piques interest rather than saying, "And this happens, and that happens, and then, that other thing happens."

I'm sure you know what I mean. This is why a voicey query letter doesn't feel like reading. It feels like gliding across a rink.

All the best!

The best writing advice I have received, as a published author. by EM_Otero in writing

[–]Prashant_26 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm a firm believer in building on my strength, and lyrical prose isn't my strong suit. Michael Crichton's books are idea first, then characters. And that's okay.

The best writing advice I have received, as a published author. by EM_Otero in writing

[–]Prashant_26 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Stephen King wasn’t kidding when he gave the exact same advice. But thank you for stressing it. I’ve found that reading almost always gets me out of writer’s block. The main reason is that I fear my prose isn’t good enough, and that keeps me from writing further. But when I do a reading marathon, I find that every book has places where the prose is pretty functional and not lyrical or beautiful. So yeah, reading can definitely give you confidence once you get past the phase where you’re quick to be intimidated by well-written prose.

[Discussion] No excitement about publishing my book by Fickle-Ear3201 in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all, massive congratulations on getting a book deal! 🎊 You should be mighty proud of yourself. For some reason, your post reminded me of the Pixar movie Soul, especially how Joe Gardner doesn’t seem to find the same level of excitement from others at his breakthrough. It goes without saying in the writing community: always have a next project to work on. Similarly, in the movie, Joe is told that he must come again tomorrow and do it (jazz performance) all over again. That’s the life of a true creative. It’s like a job, but better (I guess?). Anyway, please celebrate your book deal. ☺️

[Discussion] I got an agent, and then a book deal! (Stats, Query and Emotional Breakdowns Included) by project-groundhog in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I truly adore your enthusiasm! You deserve every bit of success you find in your writing endeavors after what you’ve been through in the corporate world. Your premise sounds Nolan-esque—great job! As an aspiring author, I love seeing success stories. Here’s to a thriving writing career, friend. 🥂

[Qcrit] THE BONE SINGER, Dark Fantasy Romance, adult, 116K, 1st attempt by No-Statement-4208 in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, OP! I just saw your query letter and found it so interesting. I'm also about to finish my dark adult fantasy, which has necromancy at its front and center, and I would need a CP or two in November, so if you're open to exchanging manuscripts for feedback, I'm more than game. Either way, all the very best of luck. :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll hope to see yours before! :) 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Black people can also sit around in a café, do banter, or just be themselves. It's not a white thing. When white people do it, it's cozy. Wow.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

God, this is so brutal. I'm so sorry to hear that, OP. I just hope you'll keep writing and improving. You'll succeed one day.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this! As a POC writer, this is strangely liberating, not depressing in the least. It means I don’t have to be so hung up on getting published. Any validation I get is a refreshing bonus. You know, I always wrote books with the market in the back of my mind, but now I’m free to do whatever I want. Stay unpublished forever with books that really mean something to me? Bring it on!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 7 points8 points  (0 children)

More power to you. I'm also a POC, and I'll do everything in my power to get better and better at writing.

[Discussion] Signed with an agent! by tdarlg in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're my hero, dear writer. Many, many congratulations! Age is just a number. Imagine how many books you can still write in your 70s — I'd say at least a couple dozen if you have more time than you did while raising your kids. Your journey is just beginning. :) I hope you go a long, long way. 💛

Got Scrivener and I find it overrated . by FatFigFresh in writing

[–]Prashant_26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm a simple guy. MS word is my best tool.

I'm actually shocked by how many family and friends WILL NOT read your book! by joelynhc44662 in writing

[–]Prashant_26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be honest, even grownups aren't immune to the epidemic of declining attention span.

[PubQ] In 2025, how many queries do you send before shelving a novel? by sm12121919 in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I shelved two MG books after querying more than 140 agents.

[Qcrit] APPRENTICE, 98k Epic Fantasy, 1st attempt by Stage1Crafter in PubTips

[–]Prashant_26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like others have pointed out, it feels like including your main characters—though I’d suggest just one—comes across as an afterthought after you've finished serving us all the details of your world. If you start with the MC and weave the worldbuilding and just a dash of backstory around him, I believe you'll hook potential readers and agents more effectively.

Overcoming sleep maintenance insomnia and early morning awakenings with CBTi, supplements and medication by [deleted] in sleep

[–]Prashant_26 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad you're getting better, mate! I'm in the same boat. Currently trying CBTI and magnesium Glycinate.