Query (Paperback or Softback)

City planner by day, tired climate activist by day off, aspiring writer Zilla Novikov’s query letters quickly devolve into a darkly funny exploration of her own psyche. As the rejections pile up, her novel blurbs and biographies grow increasingly unhinged, while Zilla discovers that the road to bestseller-dom is paved with neoliberal hellscapes.

“A metafictional tale from the publishing trenches, packing poignant queer realism and a fragmented story of loss and climate change, told through wry asides. Don’t miss this witty, melancholy story.“
-Michelle Browne, The Meaning Wars

“This book is a scathing satire with genuine passion and heart at its core. Come for the wit and the blackout poetry, stay for the actual inspiration to fight the good fight.“
-Rachel A. Rosen, Cascade

Perfect for your list; instantly familiar; a triumph of optimism. Novikov’s derring-do opens the gates. Now the world will know.
-Tucker Lieberman, Most Famous Short Film of All Time

Filled with laughs, commentary, and truth, Novikov has done a brilliant job at capturing the feelings of helplessness, growth, and the pain of need for something that you can't quite put your finger on. One of my favorite reads, ever.
-Nicole Bea, The Things We Couldn't Save

Whatever you think this book is, it's not.
-Holly on Goodreads