On January 4th, I told you I’d done something I hadn’t done in 12 years. Submit to an agent. Today I had a first. A rejection from an agent.
I didn’t submit to her with a sense of euphoria. I’m not upset, depressed or feeling worthless. No bubble was burst. But since receiving the “I didn’t love it” reject, I’m pondering the ever frustrating question:
Now what?
I could query another agent, but what if the manuscript really isn’t all that lovable? I certainly don’t want to burn bridges with anyone I might want to rep me in the future.
I could pay hundreds of dollars to a freelance editor to help me whip it into shape. But that’s a risky step. All that money for one editor’s opinion?
Then there’s the option that has crossed my mind a gazillion times. Design some cool covers, hire a copyeditor and throw it all up on Amazon. That would be the easy route. And I could man the helm – a major perk for a control freak like me. But then again, I’m no more a Joe Konrath or Amanda Hocking than I am a Stephen King or Janet Evanovich. To be successful on Kindle, you have to be consistent, a quick writer, and offer 2 or more books a year. Quick and consistent, I'm not.
And then there’s the practical choice. Put it in a drawer and go to the next project. Distance has always been my friend. But that drawer is already overstuffed.
So help me out here, guys. What would you do?
Hmmm... Knowing you, and knowing you're a successful author who has more than enough talent to turn out a "loveable" manuscript, I'd have to vote for one of two options...
ReplyDelete1) run it by your crit group or a writer friend who can give you solid advice and feedback.
2) get back up on that horse and ride. So *this* agent didn't love it. That doesn't mean the next one won't. Isn't that what we used to tell each other all those years ago in chats and on message boards? Marketing is about persistence...
Good luck hon. I know you can do it. :)
Rejoicing in the day,
-Mary
Mary, it's been through my critique group and several friends.
ReplyDeleteHey Dottie,
ReplyDeleteLove the blog. My vote is submit it to another agent. I've been told by numerous individuals that you should't submit the same script to more than 5 agents without looking at changes or taking the drawer route. Since you're only at one, I'd suggest giving another four a shot. You can always take your other options into consideration if you get more rejections; however, it only takes one agent to love it. Good luck.
Only *one* agent didn't love it! Hey, I didn't love Twilight! I think a few other people did, though.
ReplyDeleteQuery other agents. If the agent thing just doesn't work out, try subbing to whatever editors are taking submissions (or at least queries). You know you are a publish-worthy writer!
I've had an agent, but sold my books myself, two of them right after my agent and I parted ways. There is always self-publishing, or going with a *good* small indie publisher who does POD and ebook.
Good luck!
Because you've sent it to only one agent, I'm inclined to agree about sending it to other agents. Look at Query Tracker and make your dream list.
ReplyDeleteThey're looking for a great book, you just have to send it to them.
Your novel will find a good home soon.
Every few months, I give away a bag of new books because I didn't love them. CROSSWIRE and MAN IN THE MOON will never be in one of those bags. I humbly suggest you query more agents and write another book.
ReplyDeleteY'all are making me feel better already.
ReplyDeleteYep, my vote is sub to another agent - but I'd also go to a SCBWI Conference or another one where an editor from a major house or agent will appraise it and discuss it with you face to face for 20 minutes. Come to the SCBWI Conference in Australia at the end of June to do this - it will be tax deductible.
ReplyDeleteAll best wishes
Peter
Gah! Peter, I wish I could hop over there for the conference! That would be amazing.
DeleteI'm going to the Austin SCBWI conference next month, then our Houston SCBWI conference is in March. Several agents at both.
Dotti, you are an amazing writer and I'm proud to share a critique group with you. If you want another agent, I know there will be some smart cookie who will snap you up. However, if you ever decide to jump out of the nest, just let me know and I will walk you through it. Lots of options out there. You just have to find the ones who do love it.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
~J
June, you're a sweetie.
DeleteI'm personally perusing the self publishing via Amazon route. I don't write quickly either but the idea of having total control is really too appealing to pass up.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with whatever you do decide.
Dotti, if I had as many successful books published as you, I would ignore that agent entirely - one voice in an ocean of success? Phooey to her and her offspring as well. If you really think an agent will give your more time to write better and better books, then research a bunch of them, and choose 1/2 a dozen to impress with your record and your writing.
ReplyDeleteTrust me - there is an agent out there who would LOVE to represent a writer as talented, imaginative and reliable as you. So, go find them: and then write, write, write to your heart's content, mate. Good luck!!
Books for Kids - Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com
For the record, Margot, that particular agent is wonderful. She really wanted to like the manuscript. She's a fantastic agent and person and I respect her opinion.
DeleteBut I respect yours too. Thanks so much for the comments.
Dotti, I agree with what several people here have said - you've clearly got the talent, and you just need to find an agent who meshes with your style. Keep sending. And my feeling is, in the publishing world today, there's no longer time for "exclusive submissions." Send out your work to at least 5 agents before you revise again, and don't wait for a response for longer than 3 months.
ReplyDeleteDotti, I have to agree with everyone who's encouraging you to send to other agents. I seriously doubt you have to worry about burning bridges. It's a good story and you are a strong writer.
ReplyDeleteYou've definitely got the chops, Dotti. Why not sub directly to a publisher?
ReplyDeleteHey Dotti. Having been affiliated with QueryTracker for more than 4 years, I can tell you that a 1 out of 20 request rate is not unusual. Send some more. A few at a time, but send more.
ReplyDeleteYes, sub to more agents for sure! I hope you're submitting to a few at a time.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! You'll find someone who loves it and the other work you've done.
Dotti, though I'm bad at following my own advice, I can understand your trepidation. What if it goes to too many agents? what if you send it to editors, but how many is too many rejects to make an agent unhappy? Is it the book, the difficult times with full agents, or just finding that right person? All valid questions.
ReplyDeleteYet, I agree you should try a few more. You are a fabulous writer, Dotti. And if I can keep submitting with my obsessive fears, I know someone as bright and smart as you should try it a little more. Sorry for the rejection. We both hit that this month.
Hey Dotti, I read your post and was going to write something positive and uplifting, because let's face it, rejection is an absolute pain on so many levels (and just par for the course as a writer). But, all your other followers have said it.
ReplyDeleteIf those you trust like your story, trust them and re-query.
Yikes, now I'm feeling really nervous about reading this ms before it goes out again! However, the bit I've peeked at utterly intrigues me, although I suspect we may have a 'discussion' about the title ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm up for a name change. Though I doubt the title is the only thing you'll suggest changing.
DeleteAdd my vote to the "try another agent" column. There are a lot of agents out there; the opinion of one doesn't mean none of them will like the book.
ReplyDeleteDotti ~ It's a unique project, and it only takes one - one agent, one editor, one person who loves it willing to push it. Send it out, get other opinions. Then you'll have a better idea about Indie publishing if you choose to go that route.
ReplyDelete"Never surrender, never give up!"
Never! Thanks, Jo Anne.
DeleteDotti, I know it's hard, but IF you want an agent--knowing that it's not a requirement to be successful, but IF you want an agent, you've got to "query widely." I submitted the same MS to 66 agents. The 67th loved it and signed me. Don't give up, get back on the horse, and keeping going. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI queried my MS to 34 agents two weeks ago and have received 10 rejections so far. And I'm really starting to get used to it. So my suggestion would also be to, um, collect some more rejections. The pain wears off :-). And who knows, one of the next ones might be a request.
ReplyDelete