I was reading through Query Manager submissions this week and I found an interesting trend. Nearly every submission (not counting those where the submission wasn't even romance or women's fiction which, remember, I only acquire!) all were stereotypical, trope-ridden and elementary.
Let me explain... Most of these stories involved plot lines you would see beginning writers playing around with just to learn plot. Girl goes to big city only to find her crush is now a lead singer in a boy band (which of course she did not know even though they were known world wide). Women's fiction piece of the main character moving on after a divorce (of course) and goes on a road trip... hmmm, where have I heard that one before?
To add to this, there were numerous just pitching stories that were clearly things that I don't represent or demonstrate a lack of knowledge in the business. BTW 350,000 word story for Harlequin is not going to work.
But here was the best one. Author pitches story. Tells me the story already had an agent once before. Previous agent made a recommendation on making the story marketable. Author refused and stated that clearly the agent did not know what they were doing so now it is off to find a new agent. Hmmm, do I want to work with someone who is not willing to change. Again, BTW, I would have suggested the same thing.
I also had three addressed to someone else.
There is nothing wrong with Query Manager, but please note, you do still need to do your research Don't just sit there and hit submit to everyone who happens to be acquiring.
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