I queried Marina in May with a contemporary romance. She requested the full and her reply was overflowing with praise, but she apologized saying she believed it included a speculative thread (FWIW I did give the genre as contemporary romance but I think she saw my title and might've assumed the genre connection). She said it was her fault for misunderstanding but loved the prose and premise.

I took a chance after thinking it through and some months later I contacted her asking if she'd like to see the revised version, as I'd decided to add a magical thread. This wasn't a huge leap for me as I've only ever written fantasy manuscripts before this one, and I'd had in mind an implicit speculative thread I could weave purposefully throughout, so I took and built on this. I ended up loving these changes.

To my surprise, she requested the revised synopsis (I sent the query as well but she didn't ask for pages so I didn't send any). I'd worked hard on making sure the synopsis focused on the main premise still but revealed the speculative thread throughout that culminates in a bit of an ending reveal payoff. This obviously wasn't enough though as she replied, again with a lovely, complimentary, and apologetic email, saying she loved my changes and my prose, but wasn't sure how to place the story.

It left me a bit confused because I essentially made the changes she'd envisioned, so I wish I knew what her thinking was. Regardless, she seems very lovely and thoughtful, and like she'd be a great agent to partner with. Bummed about this one, but grateful for the nudge she gave me in this direction. Anyone would be lucky to sign with her I think.

Q: 12/11/2025
Fantasy, 106k
Withdrawn 1/6/2026 for rewrite

Q: 10/09/2025
CNR: 12/11/2025
Immediate automated reply confirming e-mail was received.

99k YA Dystopian Romance