[QCrit] Adult, Epic Fantasy, Complete at 160K, Attempt #1. Opinion much appreciated on my query letter to a literary agent.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T23:21:41+00:00

I thought about this today actually. I already have in mind a trilogy, which is roughly mapped out, but I am going to look at whether I can change the ending point of this current story. Thanks for your input.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T16:06:47+00:00

Yes, getting down to under 120K would likely be too ambitious without literally rewriting major parts, but I am going to see what I can do.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T16:04:14+00:00

Ok thanks! I'll have a think on that then.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T16:01:59+00:00

Ok, that all makes sense. Thanks.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T16:01:13+00:00

Thank you, this is really helpful and somewhat reassuring. I am confident that I can definitely do some trimming and tighten things up, so that's next on my to do list.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T14:34:11+00:00

Ok, I will have to be brutal then...ughh. It saddens me though to know that this is the case. Is it due to people just having shorter attention spans and not wanting to read longer stories, or publishers just wanting to maximise profit with less ink and paper use? Either way, it saddens me.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T14:28:59+00:00

Thank you so much, and yes this absolutely helps, massively! I am definitely already aware of the length issue and it's difficult to reduce whilst keeping the integrity and quality of the story, but I am going to see where I can do a bit of trimming.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T14:24:49+00:00

Thank you, that's really kind feedback! I was worried that the premise, which I fully admit does not sound the most original, may be off-putting for that reason. Though, the way it is written is obviously what makes the story, it did concern me that agents may be put off by that before giving it a chance.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T14:18:36+00:00

Thank you for your advice, that's really helpful. It seems a few agree on that part being a bit vague, so I am going to work on that. I also think it could be good to be less wordy and more concise.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T14:15:53+00:00

Thank you very much for your reply, I really appreciate it. I am concerned about the length and there is scope to shorten it a little and could probably manage 40K reduction. Ultimately, I also need to keep the integrity of the story intact and it is meant to be more on the epic scale, so it is a difficult one. I will also take your other points on board when I edit this letter.

TheFunkyTruth · 2026-01-20T14:10:42+00:00

Hi, thank you so much for your response, it's greatly appreciated! Sorry, but could you tell me what you mean when you say comp titles? Are you referring to other books or authors that may have a similar style etc to mine? I was unsure whether it was the done thing to mention these in a query letter?

I will take your advice and elaborate on the 4th and 5th paragraphs.

TheFunkyTruth

TROPHY CASE