kind form rejection @ 20 days

upmarket/queer

@BlytheCam, she doesn't want only Asian authors, she wants "own voices" stories (where the main characters and the author share the same marginalized identity). Otulissa3 is describing a response they got from this agent where the agent assumed it was *not* an "own voices" story. She also doesn't say she wants only "own voices" anywhere, but it's generally good form these days not to write a character with a marginalized identity you don't share if that identity is central to the plot. She must have some other reason for your rejection.

Hopefully Otulissa3 can follow up somehow and clarify. @Otulissa3, if it's not a case that Ms. Abellera simply missed it, you should consider listing your identities in the bio section of your query letter, especially, it sounds like, with this story, so it doesn't happen again!

I got a form rejection for my mystery. I had no idea she only wanted Asian authors. She didn't say that anywhere I could see, except in the rejection she sent to Otulissa3. Very strange.

Q: 03/05/26
FR: 03/19/26 (same as comment below)
Upmarket crime thriller, 88k.

Q: 3/5/2026
R: 3/14/2026

Kind personalized response!

NA gothic romantasy, 136k