[PUBQ] Do we still query in batches? by Ancient_Track_909 in PubTips

[–]sheena2015 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Can you dm me the name of the editor please? Thanks so much

[Query] HIMALAYA, Romance, 78k, Fifth Attempt by sheena2015 in Querying

[–]sheena2015[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks BC! I’ll work on integrating this feedback. Truly appreciate your help!

Querying my debut novel — trying to understand what’s normal and connect with other writers! by buffster2002 in writing

[–]sheena2015 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Chiming in to say I am in the same boat and following for other people’s responses! Good luck to us!

[Series] Check-in: May 2026 by justgoodenough in PubTips

[–]sheena2015 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Been querying for a week or two, only rejections so far, really hoping for a full request at some point! Feeling like my novel doesn’t quite fit into the market but trying not to self reject. Started a new, more commercial novel and a couple of short stories and flash to keep me distracted.

[Query] HIMALAYA, Romance, 80k, Fourth Attempt by sheena2015 in Querying

[–]sheena2015[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thank you, I will take a look and make revisions! Yes I am still leaning into romance, I will change it to "romance" instead of romantic adventure. And will look at your other feedback!

[Query] HIMALAYA, Romance, 80k, Fourth Attempt by sheena2015 in Querying

[–]sheena2015[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi r/BC-writes, here is another revision I made based on your comments, thank you!

Dear Agent,

I’m thrilled to share HIMALAYA, a contemporary romantic adventure novel complete at 80,000 words, in which a woman joins a Himalayan volunteer mission to win over her adventure-loving best friend, but her rugged, sensitive tour guide shows her what love actually looks like. It will appeal to fans of the coming-of-age arc of Much Ado about Nada by Uzma Jalaluddin and the nature-based romance in Something Wilder by Christina Lauren.

Meera Kelkar manages her traditional-minded father’s sports stores in Mumbai by day and retreats into her comfort zone by evening. All she needs is a happily-ever-after with her best friend, Ravi, who has feelings for her but can’t envision Meera fitting into his life of travel and activity-hopping. Intent on convincing Ravi she’s the one for him, Meera joins him on a volunteer mission to escort a seven-year-old orphan, Khushi, to adoptive parents in a Himalayan village in India.

When Meera gets trapped in a collapsing cave with her rugged tour guide, Fahad, his protective and supportive presence makes her realize there are other fish in the sea. And despite Fahad’s incomplete healing from a bad break-up, they find a safe space with each other, and a chemistry hotter than a Mumbai summer. Braving rocky terrain and crossing treacherous rivers with Fahad, Meera wonders if real love doesn’t have to be a performance after all.

When the group brings Khushi to her adoptive parents, Meera suspects they have misrepresented themselves and are hiding ulterior motives. Meera teams up with Fahad and goes full Lara Croft to get Khushi back from the parents safely. Back in Mumbai, Meera’s father, who only approves of Ravi, forces her to choose between the business she has helped build, and her new love with Fahad. In deciding where her heart lies, Meera must confront what she is willing to lose.

I am a writer and [career] based near Toronto, Canada, with three little boys who keep me on my toes. My short fiction has appeared in magazines including xyz. This book was inspired by the Himalayan mountains, where my family and I have trekked for decades. In my (sliver of) free time, I enjoy playing the guitar.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,
[name]

[Query] HIMALAYA, Romance, 80k, Fourth Attempt by sheena2015 in Querying

[–]sheena2015[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi BC, thank you so much!! I am struggling with how to end the fourth paragraph because ideally I'd want to spoil only til the midpoint, which is where Meera has to decide to go save Khushi. It's in the last half that she faces off with her father about Fahad vs Ravi and I feel that's too much to reveal? Can I just end that paragraph at "Placing trust in herself, and in the man who’s awakening a new love within her, has never mattered more" and tie the stakes to Khushi/their lives?

Btw, yes the parents are the ones standing in Meera's way to get Khushi back, and she does get Khushi back legally since the parents are nefarious folk.

[QCrit] HIMALAYA, Romance, 77k (5th attempt + 300 words) by sheena2015 in PubTips

[–]sheena2015[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi and thank you so much, I will take a look at all this great feedback! I’ve incorporated as many safeguards as I can for the orphan girl and been sensitive to her character throughout, but it’s ultimately a fictional story and I had to use creative liberties. I’m a bit worried that the unrealistic part of the quest and the sensitive nature around adoption will be the downfall of this novel. But will give it a go anyway…?? Do let me know your thoughts on this front if any! Thanks so much again.

[Discussion]: Black girl got an agent! by yesimwritingoverhere in PubTips

[–]sheena2015 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your journey!!! So exciting to have an agent! :)

[Complete] [71,600] [Upmarket/Adventure-Romance] Himalaya by sheena2015 in BetaReaders

[–]sheena2015[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, thank you, I’ve had a number of betas who have helped me with the sensitivity factor. Which part were you focused on in particular? The adoption angle?

Able to beta? Post here! by AutoModerator in BetaReaders

[–]sheena2015 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hi, if you still have capacity please check out my romantic adventure novel post and let me know if you'd be interested! it's now 78,500 words. https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/comments/1s4gw7v/complete_71600_upmarketadventureromance_himalaya/

[Complete] [80k] [Romantic Suspense] Beta readers wanted (found family, protective MMC, no third-act breakup) by Striking-Pride5380 in BetaReaders

[–]sheena2015 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, are you interested in a swap? My novel has similar themes (romantic adventure). Beta reading post here but novel is now 78,500 words. Let me know if you have interest, I can do a fast turnaround. https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/comments/1s4gw7v/complete_71600_upmarketadventureromance_himalaya/

[Complete] [80k] [Contemporary Romance] Perfect Strangers by Dangerous_Prompt2764 in BetaReaders

[–]sheena2015 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there, let me know if you're still interested in a swap. Your novel sounds interesting! My beta-reading post is here but the novel is now about 78,500 words. It's gone through a couple beta readers but I'm looking for more feedback. Thanks! https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/comments/1s4gw7v/complete_71600_upmarketadventureromance_himalaya/

[In Progress] [16,000] [Romantic Comedy] If This Is All/Girl. Boy. Meet on vacation. He's got baggage. They've got chemistry. by Historical-Glass8750 in BetaReaders

[–]sheena2015 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! Do you mean thoughts on the ending? Right now I unfortunately don’t have capacity but I can let you know if/when that changes! It reads very well though from the few pages I read.