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Is this a mystery? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 5, 2026 · 43 MIN

Is this a mystery?

from Story Nerd · host Valerie Francis, Kathleen Foxx

What happens when a story is pitched in the query letter as a mystery, but doesn't read like one in the opening pages? Where did the confusion creep in and how can you avoid a genre mismatch? We discuss this and much more (including writing unnamed protagonists and passive characters) in today's Hook Your Reader episode. Enjoy! -V. Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.Watch us on YouTube!

What this episode covers

What happens when a story is pitched in the query letter as a mystery, but doesn't read like one in the opening pages? Where did the confusion creep in and how can you avoid a genre mismatch? We discuss this and much more (including writing unnamed protagonists and passive characters) in today's Hook Your Reader episode. Enjoy! -V.

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Is this a mystery?

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Story Nerd?

This episode is 43 minutes long.

When was this Story Nerd episode published?

This episode was published on June 5, 2026.

What is this episode about?

What happens when a story is pitched in the query letter as a mystery, but doesn't read like one in the opening pages? Where did the confusion creep in and how can you avoid a genre mismatch? We discuss this and much more (including writing unnamed...

Can I download this Story Nerd episode?

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