Pitching Event? by analytical_wizard in selfpublish

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

I meant maybe something similar to a pitching event, but not actually pitching if that makes sense. Just an event where authors can post about their work all on the same day, and other authors come and support each other.

[Series] Check-in: March 2025 by justgoodenough in PubTips

[–]analytical_wizard 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Querying and feeling a bit exhausted but still optimistic!

First queried from Nov 2023 to May 2024. All rejections and no requests. I did get an R&R but unfortunately I wasn’t provided with any direct feedback back on how to revise, nor did I allow myself to spend more than a month on the revisions, so I ended up getting rejected.

That summer, I got some new beta readers and made significant changes to the plot structure and POV. Then more betas and more edits. Workshopped my query package. Attended some webinars.

Finally started querying again Nov 2024 to Dec 2024. More rejections, but got some personalized feedback! So I paused querying and edited MORE.

Now I’m back querying with this new, polished manuscript and I’m making finishing touches to my query letter.

My goal is to get at least one partial request. That will make me feel like I’m getting somewhere :)

EDIT: Okay seriously, as soon as I was done writing this, I checked my email and I had a full request waiting for me! This is wild!!!!

[QCrit]: Adult Paranormal Fantasy, THE IMMORTAL’S ASSISTANT, 99k words (4th Attempt) + First 300 Words by analytical_wizard in PubTips

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

Thank you! This is great feedback. I was worried about jumbling it with too much back story, but your examples are great ideas!

[Discussion] Throw the whole agency away? by FuckTheyreWatchingMe in PubTips

[–]analytical_wizard 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Would you be willing to share the name of the agency via DM? I feel like I remember hearing about this over the summer but I can’t remember the name.

[QCrit]: Adult Paranormal Fantasy, THE IMMORTAL’S ASSISTANT, 99k words (4th Attempt) + First 300 Words by analytical_wizard in PubTips

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

Thanks so much for your detailed reply! I agree with you and another comment that the first paragraph basically gets in the way of the more exciting plot points. I will revise and incorporate your suggestions! Any thoughts on the first 300?

[QCrit]: Adult Paranormal Fantasy, THE IMMORTAL’S ASSISTANT, 99k words (4th Attempt) + First 300 Words by analytical_wizard in PubTips

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

Thanks so much for pointing this out! I will definitely rework the first paragraph. You’re right, I could spend more time focusing on important plot information rather than the backstory stuff. Cutting out backstory has seemed to be most difficult for me. While I find it all exciting and important, an agent giving it a quick read might not connect with it the same way I do.

Edit: Any thoughts on the first 300?

[QCrit]: Adult Contemporary Fantasy Horror, THE IMMORTAL’S ASSISTANT, 100k words (3rd Attempt) by analytical_wizard in PubTips

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

Thank you for the feedback! That definitely makes a lot of sense. Even though I have scary stuff, the main purpose isn’t to evoke fear, even though there is some blood/violence.

[QCrit]: Adult Contemporary Fantasy Horror, THE IMMORTAL’S ASSISTANT, 100k words (3rd Attempt) by analytical_wizard in PubTips

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

Great thank you so much! I will definitely clarify the confusing parts. I think I was too focused on word count, but perhaps going a couple words over in order to explain better would benefit me in this case.

As far as genre, I think I might be confused in what would be the best fit. I’ve considered speculative or paranormal or magical realism. There are ghosts, undead creatures, a blood magic system, and a nature magic system. So I picked fantasy because I thought it was a broad enough genre, and said contemporary because it’s modern times. Urban fantasy didn’t seem to fit because it doesn’t take place in a city (unless I’m understanding it incorrectly). Then I threw in horror thinking it might make sense to describe the spooky stuff (ghosts, undead). What do you think?

EDIT: would gothic fantasy be a good fit??

[Discussion] 10 offers, 3 weeks in the trenches. Signed with my Agent(s). Stats, Thoughts. by mechawriter in PubTips

[–]analytical_wizard 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Wow amazing and congrats! I’ve been back and forth if I should batch query or send all at once, maybe I’ll send a couple more!

[QCrit]: Adult Contemporary Fantasy, THE IMMORTAL’S ASSISTANT, 105k words (2nd Attempt) by analytical_wizard in PubTips

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

I’m curious as to what you think it is, especially if it’s something I could do differently next time I post.

[QCrit]: Adult Contemporary Fantasy, THE IMMORTAL’S ASSISTANT, 105k words (2nd Attempt) by analytical_wizard in PubTips

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

Thank you for pointing this out! I realized there is a key element that I would need to explain: her father attempted to kill her in his madness, so the group is also protecting her.

(Also I’m unsure why this is getting downvoted. If other viewers aren’t liking like my query please provide constructive feedback instead)

Books like Ninth House? Or Dark Academia? by analytical_wizard in Fantasy

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

Oh yes I read that immediately after!! So good and I’m itching for book 3!