u/Ancient_Track_909

I know this has been asked a few times over the years, but if anyone has any recent experience in the querying trenches [say 2025-now], I'd love to hear.

I know traditional advice suggests querying 8-12 agents at a time, wait for responses to see if your query package is working, and then query another batch. But I'm also hearing people say query more (around 30ish) at a time due to such low response rates/being ghosted entirely.

I have my query letter, synopsis and manuscript ready. [I posted my query to the sub - any feedback is greatly appreciated and apologies if posting it this way is not allowed, I will remove if so] I'm wondering what has worked for others? Thank you!

Hi all, any feedback on my query letter would be greatly appreciated before I enter the trenches. This is the 3rd or 4th round of edits I've made but first time posting here.

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Dear [agent],

After seeing that you are drawn to [x, y and z] I am excited to share BECOMING DARKEY KELLY, a dual-timeline novel that blends adult historical fiction with contemporary crime, complete at 75,000 words. It will appeal to readers of THE LAST WITCH OF SCOTLAND by Philip Paris for its feminist reimagining of a historical figure, and fans of NONE OF THIS IS TRUE by Lisa Jewell for its exploration of how women’s stories are shaped, sensationalised and consumed through true crime storytelling. BECOMING DARKEY KELLY was selected for [novel pitch comptetition] in 2026.

A struggling true crime podcaster investigates Ireland’s infamous serial killer Darkey Kelly, but when she uncovers the woman behind the legend, she must choose between producing a sensational story that could save her career, or the truth that could cost her everything.

Erin’s true crime podcast is failing, and her network manager has given her an ultimatum – deliver a chart-topping episode within one week or be dropped from the network. With her livelihood at risk and her rent increasing, she investigates one of Ireland’s most infamous women - Darkey Kelly, a supposed serial killer said to have hidden bodies beneath the floorboards of her brothel.

 Under pressure to produce sensational content, Erin combs through newspaper archives in search of a story. Darkey Kelly is everywhere in public memory - from ghost tours to pubs named after her - but she is almost absent from the historical record. Erin starts to question the inconsistencies and uncovers the woman behind the legend - Dorcas Stuart.

In a reimagined 18^(th) century Dublin, Dorcas arrives after being forced to give up her child to a powerful family or face confinement in a madhouse. She establishes herself as a Madam of a luxury brothel on Fishamble Street and creates a sense of community among the women in her care. But her independence draws the attention of powerful men who are threatened by a woman who refuses to follow the status quo. Dorcas is soon accused of murder, and the corrupt city is eager to see her punished.

As Erin works to complete her episode on time, she must decide whether to reinforce the myth that has defined Darkey Kelly for centuries – which could save her career – or challenge the narrative entirely, knowing that her choice will shape how women’s stories are told in the true crime community. 

My name is [x] and I live in [county, country]. Writing fiction has kept me sane while I complete my PhD. My academic background has greatly influenced my fiction writing, both of which centre how women navigate power structures within society. 

I have included the requested materials below and would be delighted to send the full manuscript upon request.

Thank you kindly for your time and consideration.

Best wishes,

[my name]

Any feedback would be greatly welcomed!