Hey #Pitchwars hopefuls, #TeamXYZ here! Here are some questions that have popped up in #AskMentor and elsewhere that we thought we could answer in more detail. Yvette will ask the questions, and Marith will answer in a reply. 1/10
What is #TeamXYZ looking for in the all-important first pages? 2/10
Voice followed by premise. We love a good premise, it’s the foundation of the story, but the very first aspect to draw us in will most likely be a compelling voice or narrative style.
How is #TeamXYZ narrowing the field? 3/10
In general, we’ll look for the stories that match our wishlist and then narrow down by which ones we connect to and also believe we can help. Marith is reading the initial subs, then Yvette will pitch in with her preferences based on that shorter list.
What are the biggest things that #TeamXYZ is looking for in the sub package as a whole? 4/10
Does the query reflect the voice and preview the story that are presented in the pages? Did you start this ms in the right place? Did we feel immersed in the setting and story? Bonus if the cast and you (the author) are diverse.
When can we expect #TeamXYZ’s requests — and what kind of requests will there be? 5/10
We’ll be requesting partials initially and from that pool, request fulls -- at which point we may ask you some questions so we can learn more about you and the evolution of your ms. This is not writ in stone. There could always be an outlier, and we may request materials quite late in the reading period (late Oct).
What’s #TeamXYZ’s opinion on a manuscript that is part of a series? 6/10
That’s fine so long as it can STAND ALONE.
Marith is a bit more well read in SFF than me. Were there any comps, Marith, that you’d like to add that didn’t make it to #TeamXYZ’’s mentor wishlist? 7/10
Oh fun! Let’s see: Vita Nostra. Translated from Russian, it’s a very different take on the magic school trope. Under the Skin is a creepy, thoughtful, alien pov story that will make you think twice about where your food comes from. And Bok Joon-Ho’s film 괴물 Gwoemul (Called “the Host” in English) is a monster film + dysfunctional family story. It’s heavy, scary, and funny, with really well-developed characters.
Pimp #TeamXYZ time! There are so many great mentors to choose from this year. What would you say makes #TeamXYZ stand out? If you’re on the fence applying to us, here’s our chance to convince you! 8/10
All the mentors are equally fabulous! All I can say is Yvette and I know what it’s like to be on your side of PW. Yvette was a mentee in [?] but M was never one of the chosen. Submit to us because we’ve got the wisdom and experience but also the encouragement and optimism :)
Any #TeamXYZ advice on what to do in the meantime (ALL OF OCTOBER)? 9/10
Make some friends! Both of us made great writer friends, cps, and beta reader connections through PW and other writing contests. It will change your life. Also try writing something new or filling that creative well with whatever brings you joy—music, media, making art, cups of tea, good books, a walk by the sea or through Autumn-colored woods.
If you have any questions for #TeamXYZ, feel free to add them anywhere in this thread! During the reading period, we WILL be offering some observations on what stands out to us from your subs. Be on the lookout for them mid to late October! 10/10