Keep your fingers crossed...

[ImperialBlether]

Two agents have asked to see the full MS of my new novel. One has had it a fortnight and asked for it within an hour of getting the first three chapters. I sent the other the first three chapters yesterday and today got a lovely email back asking to read the whole thing.

Wish me luck, please!

That's sounding positive, Imperial :) Hard work though!

Have had another two generic rejections. It's all I can expect, really, with my very first ever attempt at submission on my first novel, but still it's so frustrating - the not knowing why it's not suitable for their list - are they sitting there sniggering at how abysmal it is, did the covering letter put them off, are the first three chapters too weak? It's enough to make your head ache. A lot.

I hope that this agent is the one, Imperial, and I'm happy to do any reading for you too if you want another (somewhat amateur) eye :)

Thanks, madhairday!

Try not to give up - hardly anyone gets an agent never mind a deal without a hell of a lot of angst. Nobody's sitting there laughing at your novel!

Now I'm making changes and another agent's written saying she's about to read it all, so I've had to put her off until it's rewritten.

Best of luck to everyone going through this now.

Just an update. The agent who has been most keen has read a second draft and disagreed with some bits but liked other bits. She's written three pages of editorial notes and wants to know if I would rewrite it and resubmit it. Ummmm... YES! So that's where I'm up to now.

I know there's a long way to go. Completing another draft doesn't mean she'll take me on. If she takes me on it doesn't mean we'll get a deal. But tonight I don't care! I'm really happy and excited and although I know the problems that might occur, I just want to enjoy this moment!

Best of luck to everyone else.

Imperial that's brilliant- really positive- enjoy these special times and go for it!

And then got another rejection today from a different agent... Ho hum!

At least there isn't conflicting advice- then you'd be all over the place.
This is good news- three pages of notes for you is an investment in you and your book - you have to do it now!

Brilliant, Imperial! Very exciting.

Thanks, but I'm feeling terrified!

That's fantastic news Imperial! 3 pages of notes shows genuine interest. Agents don't waste their time out of politeness unless they really see potential. It's looking very promising! Keep us posted and best of luck with great big bells on!

Thanks, MissB! I've sent the rewrite to her and am waiting to hear from her. Every time an email comes in I jump a mile!

Imperial, you move fast!!

Fingers crossed.

Helmetbymidnight, that sounds like a Mary Stewart book!