Today it's back to work here at the QQQE. Well, actually, today is the easy part, tomorrow is the work.
Anyway, today I'm featuring Tara Gallina's current query. If you don't know Tara, please go visit her blog, and become a follower.
Back? Great.
Now please keep in mind, today is just for introductions, and so you can have a chance to read the query without my redline. Please save your feedback for tomorrow.
Here we go:
Dear [Agent name]:
[Personalize with reason I chose this agent.]
Seventeen-year-old Lily never thought falling for her best friend and learning the truth of her origins would make her want to die.
Once Lily was a lame teen, who held tight to two beliefs: She's different and probably destined to become crazy, like her father. It doesn't matter, she's got Caden—her eccentric, mythology obsessed BF—who makes everything better.
Now she knows she's part goddess with healing powers that are as defective as her unruly hair. Fays are real, soul-bearers charged to maintain the balance of life and death on earth. Caden is one, and there's a prophecy that links her fate to him. This, combined with the new electrifying pull she feels toward Caden has Lily grappling with indecision, insecurities, and a seriously over active pulse.
Worse, the King of Death wants Lily's powers and won't stop until they're under his control. With death-fays after her, she must put her life in Caden's hands. Soon Lily is in his arms, where she feels both safe and vulnerable—until secrets about Caden's past set forth tragic events that force Lily to choose death over life. But fortunately for Lily nothing ever goes as planned.
FAYTED EXISTENCE, a YA paranormal novel, complete at 87,000 words loosely mixes reaper and Welsh fay mythology. It's character-driven plot with a focus on mystery, secrets, and romance will appeal to crossover fans of Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush saga, and Sophia Taylor's Firelight series.
I am a member of SCWBI, She Writes, and YAlitChat. I work with Lynnette Struble, a professional editor affiliated with Wild Rose Press and Harcourt School Publishing.
The full manuscript is available upon request. Thank you for your precious time and consideration. Have a fabulous day.
Sincerely,
Tara Gallina
That's it!
Please thank Tara for her courage, and say hello in the comments, but remember to save your critique for tomorrow.
26 opinions that matter:
I'm a new follower, Tara! Your story looks really cool. More tomorrow! (and hi, Matt!)
Tara, your story sounds awesome. Looking forward to Matt's critique tomorrow.
I'm a new follower also, and also think your story is awesome. Can't wait to see what you have to say Matt.
This is an interesting way to review query letters. I like it.
Eager to hear your thoughts tomorrow!
Interesting premise. I particularly intrigued by the mixture of mythology the writer mentions. Hmm... Can't wait to see the comments tomorrow!
Sounds like a great story. I'm looking forward to reading query comments tomorrow.
Interesting. Anxious to see the comments.
i already know what i want to say. But i bet Matt covers it all tomorrow. He's sneaky like that ;)
Looking forward to tomorrow's breakdown of what works and what doesn't.
Thanks for sharing Tara. Sounds like a good one for tomorrow then.
Very nice! I can't wait to read your thoughts on it, Matt. :)
The story really does sound interesting. At the end, where you compare it to 2 other writer's works, I believe you have the wrong author's name for the Firelight series. Sophie Jordan wrote the Firelight series. I looked to see if there was another Firelight book written by a Sophia Taylor, but did not find anything. I look forward to reading Matt's suggestions!
OOoooh love this one! So interesting!!
And you know I'm not usually gushy.
Intriguing.
Interesting--and I'm a new follower of Tara's. I'll be back tomorrow to check out Matt's critique.
Hello Tara! I appreciate you opening your query up to us. One day, I hope to be brave like you :-)
It will be interesting to read your take on this.
Went and followed. :)
I'm lame at critiquing queries. I'll have to come back for Matthew's excellent advice. See you tomorrow!
Interested to know what you're going to write tomorrow.
Yvonne.
Gutsy--putting your query out there, Tara. I'm gathering guts to get my query written. I'll return tomorrow to read and learn.
I really like the premise. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts tomorrow!
Sounds like a great story! Looking forward to reading the comments tomorrow. Tara you're so brave!
Hello Tara. Nice meeting you.
Sounds like a great concept...I am a total sucker for mythology-charged storylines!
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