I posted my query letter on Reddit for critique (I wasn't prepared)
People & Blogs
Introduction
Hello, everyone! I’m Caitlyn, and today I want to share my recent experience of posting my query letter on Reddit for critique, a journey filled with unexpected emotions and challenges.
I’ve been working on my first manuscript, “Project Gold,” a literary coming-of-age novel exploring the traumatic aftermath of gendered violence, and I set myself a goal to query agents by the end of 2024. In my pursuit of improvement, I decided to seek feedback on my query letter from the Reddit writing community. Unfortunately, what I encountered felt like a wave of criticism that spiraled out of control.
Despite preparing myself mentally for critique, I was unprepared for the personal attacks that flooded my inbox. The Reddit thread grew chaotic to the point where the moderator had to lock it, leading me to spend an entire day crying, feeling hopeless.
Content Warning: I will be discussing sensitive topics, including sexual assault.
I began my Reddit post with context about my query journey. I was honest about sending out two or three rounds of queries over the past year, receiving nothing but form rejections or radio silence. I knew my query had flaws, and I was seeking help to refine it before the next round. Here’s an excerpt of my query letter:
Dear [Insert Awesome Agent],
I am seeking representation for “Project Gold,” a literary coming-of-age novel completed at 52,000 words that explores the traumatic aftermath of gendered violence through the perspective of a strong, complex female protagonist.
The MC, a 20-year-old Asian-American university student, is on a study abroad in South Korea, enjoying her life until she is sexually assaulted by a stranger. Less than a week later, she returns home to the familiar world of suburban Long Island, grappling with feelings of displacement ...
I thought the premise was strong, but the feedback I received was not focused on the content itself but rather on the comparative literature aspect, and it seemed dismissive. Comments critiqued my choice of comparative titles and even suggested that I might be unaware of the existing literature, leading to further reflection on my part regarding how I framed my unique story.
Despite my emotional reactions to the feedback, I tried to remind myself that the commenters were taking time out of their day to offer me suggestions. However, the negativity and pushback became overwhelming, especially when people pointed out that I should have been more familiar with the genre I was entering. I felt frustrated when they dismissed my past experiences and my emotional connection to my work.
Among all the harsh criticism, there were some constructive comments and support. One person shared their own experience of writing a fictionalized account of trauma, empathizing with my situation, which was comforting. That said, I often felt discouraged and ended up emotionally reactive in several instances.
The situation came to a head when the moderator locked the thread, which left me feeling both relieved and disheartened that my experience was treated differently than other posts.
Ultimately, I learned valuable lessons through this experience: resilience, the difficulty of opening up one’s work for critique, and the importance of processing feedback—both good and bad. Opening up our vulnerable experiences to the world takes courage, and while it’s challenging, it can lead to growth.
Every writer faces rejections and criticisms, and that doesn’t define who we are or the value of our work. I genuinely appreciate the feedback I received; it will help me improve my query letter, and I feel proud of myself for putting my work out there.
To anyone else on a similar journey of writing and seeking publication, I encourage you to build resilience and never give up. Your discomfort now will lead you to growth in the future. Thank you for reading, and best of luck on your own writing journeys!
Keywords
- Query letter
- Reddit critique
- Literary fiction
- Sexual assault
- Emotional resilience
- Feedback
- Writing journey
FAQ
1. What is a query letter?
A query letter is a brief letter sent to agents or publishers that introduces your book project and tries to pique their interest in representing or publishing it.
2. How do I handle critiques of my writing?
It's essential to approach critiques with an open mind, focusing on the constructive feedback while recognizing that not all comments may resonate with you. It’s a learning process.
3. What should I include in a query letter?
A query letter typically includes a brief synopsis of your book, information about your target audience, your author bio, and any relevant publishing history.
4. What if I feel overwhelmed by criticism?
It's normal to feel overwhelmed by criticism. Take breaks as needed and seek support from friends, fellow writers, or writing groups to help process your emotions.
5. How important is feedback from others on my manuscript?
Feedback can be invaluable for refining your manuscript, providing insights you may not have considered, and enhancing your chances of success in querying agents or publishers.