I’ll try (and probably fail) to keep this short, as I’m already asking for a favor. I’m going to try to get serious about finding an agent for Silver Mystic, something I’ve been hesitant to explore with any intensity. For a variety of reasons, mostly related to my insecurity and anxiety. Anyway, that’s changing.
There are a few things I need to do in order to help categorize my novel so that I can better pitch it to potential agents. While it may seem like I should know how to categorize it better than anyone—since I wrote the damned thing—alas! that does not appear to be the case. I’m still going to try, but if you’ve read my novel, I’d be very appreciative if you’d reply to this email answering any/all of the following questions:
Similar Books
This is the toughest one for me, so I’d super appreciate any/all help any of you could provide. When you think about my book, what other books does it remind you of?
Similar Authors
Very much like the similar books, but for authors. Did my writing remind you of anyone else? I don’t need flattery here (not that I’ll ever really turn it down), so this doesn’t have to be big-name writers. In fact, it might be even better for this process to have some authors that are less successful/influential than say, Frank Herbert or Neil Gaiman or what not.
Tone/mood/style
Here are some suggestions, but if you think there are others you’d select that aren’t presented, send me those too (for example I think “wry” might be appropriate):
Netflix Genre
This is a fun exercise. Think about some of the weird genres that have shown up on Netflix, like “Biographical Tortured-Genius Movies” or “Visually-striking Quirky Action & Adventure.” If it comes to you easily, what would you describe Silver Mystic as if it were a Netflix movie?
Just Reply!
That’s literally it. You don’t have to do any or all of this. If you only can think of a tone that fits, send it. If the Netflix thing sounds awful to try, don’t do it! I think the similar books/authors one would help me the most, but again, just do it if you can think of it. Appreciate y’all.