Reading #queries this morning and seeing a lot of:

Historical settings (1930s, 1960s, 1990s);
Serial Killers (with a nod to Ed Gein);
And first lines that begin with:
“My name is…”

#JMSQueryBoxTrends

P.S. I’m still FAR behind in my reading, but I’m trying to catch up. Thanks for your patience!

Seeing a lot of dystopian stories in my query box this July.

#JMSQueryBoxTrends

Last month (July), I received many queries for projects set in the 1990s.

This month (August), it’s the 1980s.

Next month (September), the 1970s?

#WriteTip: Use a past setting to help us understand why we are where we are today. The delight of nostalgia only goes so far.

#JMSQueryBoxTrends

Reading #queries this morning and seeing a trend that thrills me:

Southern Gothic!

I love a good Southern Gothic and want to add one to my list.

#JMSQueryBoxTrends

P.S. Almost through Sept queries, still have Oct (and ~1000 more to read), plus a few from earlier that I’m still considering.

Seeing many queries for #YA novels with elite-college bound students.

#JMSWishList: I would love to find more YA novels about a kid headed for a state school or community college. I find those kids just as vibrant, complex, interesting and relevant as the top achievers.

#JMSQueryBoxTrends

This June, I'm seeing a number of AI-generated queries, which seems like a missed opportunity to showcase one's personal style.

I care most about the writing. I want to fall in love with a writer's voice and hope to get the chance to read it.

#JMSqueryboxtrends