Searchable transcript at: https://manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live-fantasy-panel
More than 2,000 of you voted for Fantasy--and won a #MSWL live panel! Vote for your genre here: https://manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live
We invited agents Eric Smith (P.S. Literary), Jenissa Graham (BookEnds Literary), Bridget Smith (JABberwocky Literary) and Kelly Van Sant (KT Literary) to talk about what they like *within* the fantasy genre--where they think the genre is going--and lessons specific to fantasy writers.
The event includes:
*Class by Eric Smith: Prologues, And When To Use Them
*Writing prompt contest by Jenissa Graham
*Live query critique with Bridget Smith
*Live fantasy quiz show with Kelly Van Sant
*Q&A with all agents
Timestamps:
Eric Smith's #MSWL (00:01:36)
Eric Smith discusses his preference for accessible fantasy focused on character over extensive world-building.
Agent Jenissa Graham's #MSWL (00:03:25)
Jonathan shares his interest in dark fantasy with big worlds and unique character arcs.
Bridget Smith's #MSWL (00:04:14)
Bridget outlines her desire for character-driven second world fantasy and fun, engaging reads.
Definition of Second World Fantasy (00:05:42)
Bridget explains that second world fantasy takes place in a fully created world, not our own.
Kelly Van Sant's #MSWL. (00:06:12)
Kelly discusses her love for diverse fantasy elements and innovative magic systems.
Eric's Talk on Prologues (00:08:15)
Eric introduces his segment on prologues and their importance in storytelling.
Janessa's Writing Prompt Contest (00:20:49)
Janessa shares a writing prompt focusing on accessible fantasy and ordinary characters.
Live Query Critique with Bridget Smith (00:23:52)
Bridget Smith introduces the query critique segment and acknowledges the numerous applicants.
Discussion on Crafting Query Letters (00:38:13)
Bridget shares key elements for writing effective fantasy query letters: character, conflict, and stakes.
Selecting Flash Fiction Winner (00:39:54)
Janessa announces the winner of the flash fiction prompt and discusses the entries.
Rebecca's Flash Fiction Reading (00:40:30)
Rebecca shares her imaginative story inspired by the prompt about a character entering a painting.
Kelly's Quiz Show Introduction (00:44:20)
Kelly introduces a quiz show where participants can win query critiques by answering questions.
Quiz Questions and Winners (00:45:15)
Participants answer quiz questions related to fantasy literature, with winners announced.
Understanding Fantasy vs. Speculative (00:49:47)
Discussion on the differences between fantasy and speculative fiction, with speculative as a broader term.
Word Counts in Fantasy (00:50:12)
Agents share acceptable word counts for various fantasy subgenres, emphasizing the importance of justifying length.
Comp Titles Explained (00:51:36)
Advice on how to choose comp titles that reflect your book's essence rather than direct comparisons.
Starting with Action vs. World Explanation (00:52:26)
Recommendation to blend action and world-building, avoiding lengthy expository introductions.
Ending a Query (00:53:34)
Discussion on the effectiveness of ending queries with character stakes, emphasizing clarity over formula.
Fantasy Subgenres Trends (00:54:28)
Panelists discuss rising and declining fantasy subgenres, highlighting the popularity of romantic and cozy fantasy.
Querying a Completed Trilogy (00:56:19)
Advice on whether to pitch a completed trilogy or focus on the first book for queries.
Making Your Story Stand Out (00:57:03)
Importance of specificity in queries to distinguish your story from others in the submission pile.
Defining Dark Fantasy (00:58:00)
Exploration of dark fantasy elements, focusing on genre blending and morally gray characters.
Synopsis Structure for Fantasy (00:58:35)
Guidance on how to structure a synopsis, emphasizing summarization of events rather than strict linearity.
Heat Levels in Romantic Fantasy (00:59:45)
Discussion on varying spice levels in romantic fantasy, noting that heat level does not define romance.
Event Wrap-Up and Prizes (01:00:25)
Conclusion of the panel with prize announcements and gratitude towards participants for their engagement.