Latest posts tagged with #JMSQueryBoxTrends on Bluesky
Today is a reading day (both client manuscripts and #queries).
If I see any #JMSQueryBoxTrends or think of a #WriteTip or #QueryTip, I will share insight.
Wishing you a great #writing / #revising day and weekend!
A new #query trend has emerged this December 2025:
Picture books about and/or starring #cats
(I received 5+ in a row from authors throughout the country)
#JMSQueryBoxTrends #amreading #queries #StarlingLiterary
Reading #queries and seeing another trend:
Titles with the word “Dark”
I like it!
#JMSQueryBoxTrends #StarlingLit
Reading #queries and noticing some interesting patterns today:
(1) Many projects comped to Denis Johnson’s JESUS’ SON (which I’ve read but—eep—can’t remember).
(2) Many opening lines with the word, “f-ck”—which I don’t mind, but it feels a little jarring at the very beginning.
#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.
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 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
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
Seeing a lot of dystopian stories in my query box this July.
#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
