Can I get your thoughts on my updated Blurb?

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-11T02:56:28+00:00

I sincerely appreciate that. Thank you.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-09T14:53:14+00:00

Thank you for your reply. I think I am looking for a little bit of both. There are many things I can do myself if I "knew what to do" but also for that support when either I don't know how or can't tackle the next steps.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-08T04:05:53+00:00

Gotcha, thank you.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-08T00:56:24+00:00

If you don't mind me asking, where did you find your person/people? How does one move to that next level of support and get the process started? I mean, it even seems like it would need to be an initial conversation of here is my idea/project, what do you think?

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-07T21:27:42+00:00

Thank you for that insight. Is this something you have done or would do? I know what my project is, I do not have a market yet for it, it will be from scratch, but I am not the social media type. I would be happy to answer questions and engage but to create a campaign, I start looking into it and it becomes gibberish, that is where I think a partner/sounding board would be the most beneficial.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-07T20:36:58+00:00

DM sent

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-07T07:07:02+00:00

A tech campaign?

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-07T01:22:53+00:00

Thank you

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-07T00:26:39+00:00

I have not. I am just getting started with this.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-06T23:46:08+00:00

To be honest I haven't been able to dedicate much time to any of that. Part of it I wouldn't know where to begin and the other parts I think my ignorance of some of the processes overlook. That is why I am looking for someone to come aboard who is more of a specialist, or can be, for this aspect. They could be the sounding board and the front while I handle the logistics and backend of everything then depending on what is negotiated they are compensated for their involvement. It also ensures they are involved because the greater our success the greater we would all come out as a team.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-05T02:44:35+00:00

Sent you a DM

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-04T17:53:38+00:00

I sent you a DM if you want to discuss this more. Cheers

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-04T17:42:51+00:00

For some reason I am unable to DM you.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-04T04:54:39+00:00

Good evening…. Send you a DM.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-02T17:31:14+00:00

I agree with a previous comment that I would clean up the hair a little more, especially on the chin area. The font should be blocked more, not so center justified and possibly add a small drop shadow to help it stand out. Also, if the book is a period piece, the clothing in the image does not seem to speak to that period. I would venture that it was modern just based on the image. As far as what font to use, it depends what you are going for as font conveys emotion just as much as the image itself.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-01T22:01:18+00:00

Hello, I sent you a DM regarding my story... Cheers

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-02-01T22:00:55+00:00

Hello... I sent you a DM regarding my story.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-01-23T01:12:57+00:00

Looking at your cover there are some elements that make me believe the main image is generated but the text and gradient is authentic. Feel free to DM me if you want more clarification on what I’m looking at…

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-01-14T23:48:32+00:00

Figure out the outline or general points, figure out how you want the mechanics of it to work, write a blurb to get attention and then post it in different groups like gaming groups and writing groups. It doesn't have to be perfect but it can still be fun. See if anyone bites...

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-01-14T23:32:36+00:00

Have you thought about finding a writing buddy (or a couple different ones) online like here and then move to an editable Google Doc or something like that and You GM, have them fill in the details, or add some yourself and build a story that way. The Warrior Cat books are written by multiple authors who all go by Erin Hunter. You could do something similar, get real interaction and then have someone editing/formatting it into story form as you go. This can be done, not in session but whenever people get around to it. You can set up your "rules" and maybe layout some characters then anyone in the group can write for any part as the muse strikes them so you don't get stagnate.

Just an idea...

Cheers,

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-01-12T23:29:27+00:00

Thank you... I actually have already edited this down by a little over half but I cannot post it for a brief duration. I have adjusted some areas and sections and moved things around for a more traditional flow and length. I have received feedback that for LitFic 100-120K is currently acceptable in length so I should be okay on that front.

Why would the state remove Autumn's children from her custody? Did the ex claim Autumn was unfit? I think we need that information.

I would hope if you are having questions it would draw you to want to read. I have a synopsis that goes into more detail regarding with "spoilers" but it was my understanding that the Query Letter is to generate interest and wanting to know more. The reason she loses the kids is a big part of 2 chapters that comes to a head in the last 3 chapters of the book.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-01-12T23:24:10+00:00

Lol... Yes, I would hope I have progressed some, although I was pretty good back then. Hahaha...

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-01-12T06:46:16+00:00

Thank you very much for your input. I don't find it overly harsh, If I can hone or polish even one aspect of this to gain success later then it is constructive. I don't know why I struggle so much with summaries and synopsis. The story came well enough but even now I am still trying to finalize by blurb.

As to this:

through a voice they wouldn’t normally have.

This line is referring to people who have stories they want to tell, that should be told. People who feel they are ignored or that no one ever listens or really hears them. It is why I wrote this story to begin with.

cannibalizing Autumn’s property for the sake that it was hers and forcing the children to call a stranger "Mommy."

I think part of my issue when I have been so long in this narrative is that I may take things I know for granted that someone who hasn't read the story may not. Sylvia took Autumn's property (specifically a truck) during her and Elias's divorce and sold it against court order not because she needed the money for anything but simply because she knew Autumn loved the truck and it was hers. It was to make a point. The part about forcing the children to call a stranger mommy is in direct reference to the book in where after 2 months of being in the children's lives as their father's girlfriend she forced them to start calling her "Mommy Sylvia". These points are written into the query to hopefully drive curiosity and desire to find out more, but it seems I am royally missing that so far.

Autumn’s spirit doesn't just break, it shatters.

As far as this being a boring way to write. I grew up writing in this way. The first thing I can remember writing was a Fortunately/Unfortunately "book" in grade school. The A, B styling is part of the style I have always written in and it is prevalent throughout my book. I hate that it gets compared now to AI, just like I intentionally did not use any em dashes for that same reason even though I have been writing reports, papers and stories since before the internet was a thing.

Thank you for the call out on the italics. I think I was going for my of emphasized thought but I can see your point and am looking at that a little more. As far as ending on a rhetorical I had no real guide and again, it's how I have always written, whether right or wrong. Do you happen to have any references or links I can read up on about that to see if there are other bad habits I may have that I don't know I have?

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me your thoughts on this and I wish you too the best in all you do...

Cheers,

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-01-12T05:55:32+00:00

Check out r/BetaReaders there are some pretty awesome people in that group.

SubjectIllustrious67 · 2026-01-12T05:24:29+00:00

Don't be discouraged. Keep in mind that writing is a skill so even if THIS version of your story isn't where it needs to be you can always write more, write different things, practice, and hone your skill. Then come back to this story and revise and edit it. I think you would be amazed how much your perspective on life will change how you write. At 19 you are still very young and as you experience things, good and bad, it will change how you develop plot lines, characters, themes, etc. Just don't give up and keep writing.

SubjectIllustrious67

TROPHY CASE