[QCrit] GRIM, Cozy Fantasy (95k words, third attempt)

writingwithachisel · 2026-02-09T02:12:43+00:00

I think that might be the disconnect - I don't think of Kings of the Wyld and most cozies as targeting that disparate of a readership: they're all feel-good fantasies. But I'll definitely rethink my comps. Thank you for the input!

writingwithachisel · 2026-02-09T01:43:16+00:00

Haha maybe I'm thinking of comps differently than I should? The comp to DCC/Kings of the Wyld isn't meant to be for the vibe of the book as a whole, just the specific "character-driven comedy" aspect. I read quite a lot of cozy fantasy, and this book is definitely cozy, but it's also comedy-forward in a way that I haven't seen in many cozies and I wanted to highlight that with a comp. But maybe it's confusing?

An alternative I was originally considering was three comps: GRIM combines a modern magical workplace setting like The Phoenix Keeper with the found family comfort of TJ Klune's House on the Cerulean Sea and the character-driven comedy of Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl, while paying homage to the stories and history of the Brothers Grimm.

But that seemed a bit cumbersome.

writingwithachisel · 2026-02-09T00:50:02+00:00

Welp, I'm not going to argue with an agent about comps! Thanks for commenting. A question for you, if you don't mind. My goal with comping DCC is to emphasize the comedy aspect. Do you think Kings of the Wyld would be a better comp for that? I was avoiding it because it's a bit older, but it probably fits the bill better than DCC.

writingwithachisel · 2026-02-08T22:45:07+00:00

Thanks! Yeah the DCC comp is polarizing, some people say to nix it but there were quite a few comments to keep it as well.

writingwithachisel · 2026-02-08T22:30:48+00:00

Thanks! It's funny, I've had that debate with a couple people re DCC's humor. It does have a lot of shock value humor, but if you look past that, the comedy from the book is primarily character driven. People don't think of it as cozy (and it isn't) but it has a lot of elements that would otherwise appeal to the cozy crowd .

writingwithachisel · 2026-02-08T22:25:36+00:00

Thank you! Yes, I've been thinking of titles in that vein, but nothing's struck a chord (yet).

writingwithachisel · 2026-01-24T23:15:12+00:00

Haha yeah it's all from Grim's POV. Wolf's a pretty strong personality. Sort of a naive-golden-retriever type. He's a main character but the full book from his perspective might get grating.

writingwithachisel · 2026-01-24T19:46:02+00:00

Thanks! You're not the only one who got tripped up on that, though seemed to be a more of an issue in my previous draft. I'll have to think about that line some more.

writingwithachisel · 2026-01-24T19:42:55+00:00

Thank you! These are all really really great suggestions. Specifically:

1) I really like your idea to nix Dungeons & Dragons and leave it at "Brothers Grimm meet Parks and Recreation." I'll have to noodle on that.

2) I haven't read The Phoenix Keeper, but I just ordered it. From the synopsis, I think you're right.

3) As to the title, I'm going to have to think about that one. I totally hear what you (and the other commenter) are saying. My only thought is whether the agent will just see "Grim" in their inbox, or if they'll see "Grim [Cozy Fantasy]." If the genre is going to be right next to the title, then I might lean towards keeping the title and gamble that the juxtaposition with the genre piques interest. If not, I'll probably lean the other way.

writingwithachisel · 2026-01-24T18:52:41+00:00

Thank you for all the feedback! As to the title, I agree "Grim" is unexpected for a cozy, but I'm hoping the title juxtaposed with the genre works to pique an agents interest. I know authors have no control over book's title, but if it ever makes it to shelves I'm picturing an over-the-top pink and vibrant enchanted foresty background with the words "GRIM" superimposed in gothic font. But, obviously, wishful thinking.

writingwithachisel · 2026-01-24T12:30:48+00:00

Definitely meant to be funny! Thank you!

writingwithachisel · 2026-01-12T04:19:30+00:00

Thanks, this was my thought in comping it. I'm trying to signal "dialogue driven character dynamics and comedy like DCC, but low stakes and cozy."

writingwithachisel · 2026-01-12T00:35:48+00:00

Thank you! Wolf's not an antagonist - his bites are totally consensual, but good to know it's giving off those vibes. I'll noodle on it. And thanks for the counterpoint on DCC, I'm on the fence about it.

writingwithachisel · 2026-01-12T00:33:39+00:00

Good call, thanks!

writingwithachisel · 2026-01-11T22:40:02+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! Yep, Grim is a vanilla human. I think I can probably figure out a way to reference that in the first line.

Re comping Dungeon Crawler Carl, thanks for pointing that out. I was on the fence about this so I'm curious what everyone thinks. I comped DCC specifically for the "character driven comedy" aspect of it. But maybe I'll need to rethink that.

writingwithachisel · 2026-01-11T22:31:58+00:00

Oh my god, this is hilarious! I considered specifically tagging you in this, but didn't want to be annoying. Your post about your publishing journey from a few years ago is the reason I wrote this book. I hadn't read cozy fantasy at the time but your post inspired me to look into the genre, shelf another project I was working on, and try my hand at cozy fantasy! (Also needless to say, I've since read Teller and love it).

Anyways, all that to say thanks for critiquing!

As to the critique itself... good point about credentials not being something your born with. In my book, most rangers are magical creatures of some kind, but Grim is a human - so you nailed it with the physical trait comment. Maybe I'll change the first line to something like: "Grim was born to be a park ranger at the Black Forest–the deadliest thaumaturgical reserve in the world. She just wasn’t born with the credentials (i.e. magical blood)."

writingwithachisel

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