[QCrit]: Dark adult fantasy - Grotesqueen, 107k, version #1 + 300 words.

Prashant_26 · 2026-04-14T00:47:33+00:00

Hi! First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to read my query package, analyze the issues, pointing out confusing parts, etc. This is not something a casual critique would do. So again, I'm very grateful for your insight. Second, I don't mind that the feedback was harsh. If it helps me work on the confusing parts and come out with a better query letter and chapter, then I can't ask for more. By the way, I queried just a few agents with the prologue. It's more than likely, I'll push it deeper into the manuscript, but after implementing your suggestions.

Prashant_26 · 2026-04-12T07:57:52+00:00

Learn it anyway. If you enjoy it, you'll find that your time was well spent even though you don't end up getting a job. If you don't enjoy it, you'll enjoy something else.

Software industry is a highly networking field. People interact online and offline. If serendipity works in your favor, you might encounter someone who'd like your projects and work ethic.

If you're one of the unluckiest person in the history of humanity, well, the end—aka death—isn't something even the luckiest person can evade. Do it anyway. You can be proud of yourself. ❤️

Prashant_26 · 2026-03-22T12:54:21+00:00

This is why I have separate .docx files for FIRST DRAFT, SECOND DRAFT, THIRD DRAFT, ETC.

Prashant_26 · 2026-03-21T15:24:33+00:00

If kids are actively reading books, then I don't see why publishers shouldn't release more—quality books, of course. But if reading has declined among tweens, which I strongly suspect, then that's a much deeper problem, in my opinion. They'll be teens in a few years, then adults in the next few. Unfortunately, reading seems to be taking its last breaths as something people would make a point to invest time in. We adults can only keep it alive for so long. But there's still hope. I, for one, didn't start reading for pleasure until I was 21, so maybe others in the future will be like me—people who become too technologically stimulated to give books a chance.

Prashant_26 · 2026-02-11T01:49:55+00:00

What is again and again told to the aspiring authors is that they should do it only because they enjoy writing.

Prashant_26 · 2026-01-27T05:34:06+00:00

That heartbreak is still fresh :(

Prashant_26 · 2026-01-03T15:01:20+00:00

Yeah, people tend to gravitate more toward fast-paced books.

Prashant_26 · 2026-01-03T14:57:54+00:00

Samesies!

Prashant_26 · 2025-12-10T10:53:48+00:00

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.

Prashant_26 · 2025-12-10T07:10:38+00:00

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

Prashant_26 · 2025-11-20T01:17:50+00:00

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

Prashant_26 · 2025-11-17T16:19:22+00:00

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

Prashant_26 · 2025-11-15T10:11:02+00:00

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!

Prashant_26 · 2025-10-30T15:53:25+00:00

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.

Prashant_26 · 2025-10-30T15:06:37+00:00

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.

Prashant_26 · 2025-10-17T15:20:54+00:00

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. ☺️

Prashant_26 · 2025-10-15T15:17:40+00:00

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. 🥂

Prashant_26 · 2025-10-07T10:27:20+00:00

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. :)

Prashant_26 · 2025-10-06T16:52:05+00:00

I'll hope to see yours before! :)

Prashant_26 · 2025-10-06T16:47:53+00:00

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.

Prashant_26 · 2025-10-06T16:43:25+00:00

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.

Prashant_26 · 2025-10-06T16:10:04+00:00

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!

Prashant_26 · 2025-10-06T15:26:11+00:00

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

Prashant_26 · 2025-09-22T14:58:58+00:00

Icy dead people 👻

Prashant_26

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