The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Murder, Metafiction, and Query Letter Mayhem
Nov 13, 2025
Dive into a critique of two intriguing query letters! One features a historical novel centered on Shakespeare and metafiction, raising questions about clarity and pitch. The other is a gripping campus thriller that intertwines murder and female rage—though it might benefit from stronger comps and clearer structure. Throughout the show, witty discussions abound, especially about the challenges of blending genres and crafting compelling narratives that resonate with agents. Don't miss the humor and insight they bring to the writing process!
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Episode notes
Write Query Copy As Story, Not Summary
- Rewrite query copy to show story causality instead of listing facts about the protagonist.
- Focus on the inciting incident, stakes, and escalation rather than choppy synopsis sentences.
Simplify Genre And Lead With Strong Comps
- Simplify genre/positioning and lead with one clear market: upmarket historical fiction.
- Put 1–2 strong comps near the top to frame the book, not a long list at the bottom.
Train Your Pitch By Transcribing Jackets
- Practice pitch-language by transcribing back-cover or jacket copy from books you love.
- Repeat until you internalize how pitch copy conveys story and emotional stakes.
