The last round of querying is over, and I thought that anyone else who is failing might like a quick recap of how that went. I will include the letter, minus the appropriate personalization, at the bottom of the post for those interested.
I sent the query to seventeen agents in this round. Not a large number, but all together, the query for at least one version of this work went to approximately seventy agents.
In this round seven replied, which is a higher percentage than usual. Agents really do seem to have defaulted to “don’t call us, we’ll call you” as their main method of communication.
I got no requests for full manuscripts or partials, but all the agents I queried asked for several thousand words as part of the query. I wonder if partials are even a thing any longer? It seems as if the partial is built into the process.
Of the seven that replied, four replied with some form of encouragement or critique. I am taking this as a good sign, honestly. This is the first round where I got anything other than form “go away kid, you’re bothering me” letters.
The above does not mean I got long edit letters. The responses were very short and to the point: “I loved the concept and voice, but not a story for me” and “Loved the concept, but the opening didn’t hook me.” etc. All of which is fantastic to receive, but just setting expectations for anyone playing along at home.
My writing still objectively sucks, as nothing lead to an offer of representation.
Weekly Word Count
Still plotting. Was a terrible week health wise — this time for the dog. She’s doing okay, but for the first time I regret not having pet insurance. America — where even pet health care is a scam.
Query Letter that Perpetuated My Failed Writer’s Journey
For reference, if anyone reading along wants to see what a letter that got some positive feedback but nothing else looks like. It might help you learn from my mistakes:
Dear Agent Whose Name I am Certain to Spell Correctly
Taste of Magic is Money Heist meets Blacktongue Thief. Complete at 84 thousand words, it should appeal to fans of magic, technology, and politics. [OR INSERT PERSONALIZATION FROM MSWL HERE IF APPROPRIATE] The story is a DaVinci era inspired fantasy set in a magical Hanseatic League/ Republic of Venice, where a revolution is brewing against the controlling wealthy guild masters who rule with an iron fist.
Arren is desperate to steal enough coin to buy her way out of the Wreck, where life is poor, short, and violent even in the best of times. With the masters turning demons loose in the streets on the revolutionaries, the times are far from the best. But Arren can taste the presence of magic, making it easy for her to liberate valuables behind their magical locks. When she unwittingly steals a charm critical to the success of the revolution, everyone with a stake in the city’s future – merchants, gang bosses, revolutionary nuns, her oldest friend and his revolutionary mates, and the Governor of the city itself – all want what she has. And none of them ask nicely.
Keyne returned from the demon war with two things -- a new commission as Captain of the City Guard and a haunting by the Goddess, constantly mocking his efforts to restore law to the worst parts of the city. Policing should have been easy compared to the war, but there are demons in the streets and now a thief chased by riots, murder, every political faction in the city, and the Goddess’s irritating insistence that the thief’s life is worth as much as any masters.
As the bodies pile up and the city moves closer to revolution, Keyne must decide if the law he protects is the same as the justice he desires while Arren struggles with the reality that she cannot be free until everyone is free.
Taste of Magic is my debut novel. I previously had two pieces reprinted in Untidy: The Blogs on Rumsfeld and am a graduate of Futurescape 2023. I have lived in nearly every region of the country, but currently reside [REDACTED] after working nearly every conceivable job, from home health aide to blackjack dealer, to pay for college. I no longer believe moose are real.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Have a great weekend everyone!