Are you readying your manuscript to query agents? Are you preparing for this year’s RevPit event? What better way to know if your query and first 5 pages have what it takes to stand out in the slush pile than to get an editor’s eye on it? As editors, we offer a professional perspective with insight into ways to improve your work.

We are hosting a #10Queries event, October 9th - October 23rd.

Find out if your query and first 5 pages have what it takes to stand out and hook an editor’s/agent’s/reader’s attention!

In this event, writers will enter their names in a random drawing via our Google Form. If they are selected, their query and first five pages will be randomly assigned to an editor who will then post about the submission using #RevPit and #10Queries tags on BlueSky. Winners will not know which editor received their submissions until after the 10Queries posts have been posted.

Posts will consist of brief feedback based on the editors' first impressions of the winners' queries and first five pages.

Writers must have a complete query letter and first 5 pages of manuscript in order to enter. The query and first 5 pages will need to be uploaded to the form in one document and should be a standard manuscript format (see our FAQ for the format used in our annual contest).

Writers may enter the drawing Friday, October 9th until 11:59 PM Eastern. (Limit one submission per person.)

This event is separate from the main #RevPit contest in the spring. For this #10queries event, winners will not receive a full edit.

Schedule:

• Friday, October 9th: Contest drawing opens for writers. Writers will enter through our Google form (access at the bottom of the page. It will not be active until Oct 9th).
  • The drawing will close at 11:59pm, Eastern time on Friday.
  • To be eligible to win, writers can only enter through our form.
• Saturday, October 10th - Friday, October 23rd: Editors will review the submission packages.
• Friday, October 23rd: Editors will share their #10queries throughout the day! They will post from 9am EST - 9pm EST. Winners will not be named in the posts. Editors will email writers separately to notify which #10Queries post was theirs.

Participation from all contestants is encouraged. Even if your name isn’t drawn in the raffle, you can learn so much from the 10Queries posts.

Editors participating in this event:

Allison Alexander - @aealexander.bsky.social

Allison Alexander is a Canadian freelance book editor specializing in fantasy, science fiction, and horror. She has a chronic illness; an obsession with foxes, dragons, and talking spaceships; and 10 years of experience working with authors. In her free time, she paints and plays video games.

Ash P - @ashpreads.bsky.social

Ash P is a neurodivergent Muslim, BIPOC editor from Karachi, Pakistan. She brings over two decades of experience in literary editing across diverse genres and online content. She specializes in safe-for-work nonfiction and fiction for all ages, and has a particular skill for working with ELL and first-time authors.

Ayesha Ali - @azali-avenger.bsky.social

Ayesha is a BIPOC and disabled book coach/developmental editor who runs Writing Power Up. When working with clients, she aims to get to the heart of their story. Her goal is always to help them reach their full potential and to write the most authentic story they can.

Demi Michelle Schwartz - @demimschwartz

Demi Michelle Schwartz is a young adult thriller author, represented by Bethany Hendrix at Spencerhill Associates, and she has short stories and poems published in anthologies. Along with being an author, Demi is the host of Literary Blend, a freelance editor through Amethyst Ink Editorial, and an award-winning songwriter.

Hannah Kate Kelley - @kelleyeditorial.bsky.social

Hannah Kate Kelley is a developmental editor and Author Accelerator certified book coach helping fiction writers of all genres write, revise and launch their stories. She lives in New York City with her partner. Outside of editing, she runs an adult soccer team, line dances, and is training for her first marathon.

Hephzibah Oluwadamilola Praise - @authorhephzibah.bsky.social

Hephzibah Praise is a lawyer, freelance editor, and author featured in Brittle Paper. She loves stories driven by moral friction, institutional power, and messy, consequential choices across genres. When not dissecting stories, she can be found managing her two cats or re-watching IWTV or Fleabag. Connect on hephzibahpraise.carrd.co

Joel Brigham - @joelbrigham.bsky.social

Joel Brigham (Brigham Editorial) is a developmental editor, author, high school English teacher, former NBA journalist, and all-around good guy.

Leah Rambadt - @leahrambadt.bsky.social

Leah Rambadt is a speculative fiction author and editor, and the owner of The Crafty Fox Editing Services. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from American University. When she’s not helping authors create new worlds, you can find her geeking out over anime or LEGO sets.

Madelyn Knecht - ‪@madelynknecht.bsky.social‬

Madelyn is a writer, editor, and Associate Literary Agent in love with queer, voicey stories. When not reading, she’s crocheting or spending time with her criminal Aussies and lovable cat Lucas.

Natasha Hanova - ‪@natashahanova.bsky.social‬

Natasha Hanova, a freelance developmental editor and author, loves imaginative problem solving and discussing the writing craft. She’s represented by Amy Giuffrida. Natasha specializes in romance, fantasy and SciFi. She’s a #RevPit board member and contributing editor who believes it’s important for writers to come through the editing process with accomplishable goals.

Robin LeeAnn - @dragonediting.bsky.social

Robin LeeAnn (she/her) is a fantasy and sci-fi editor who has the very cool job of helping stories come to life. When she’s not keeping the dragons at bay over at Dragon Editing Services (aka editing), she’s usually playing a video game or hanging out with her three playful puppies.

Enter here:

We hope to see you participate! And remember that every writer can benefit from following the 10Queries posts.