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Waiting on agents

777 replies

IceRoadDucker · 12/02/2016 13:24

I'm a regular but frequent name changer, if that matters to anyone.

My first novel went out for query at the end of last month. So far I have a great success rate - 11 rejections, 3 partials and 1 full. The first partial only went out on 5 Feb but the wait is already killing me! I've been taking the rejections really, really well but I know a rejection on a partial or full will sting.

I'm trying to put my energy into writing my third novel - 48k words in - but I can't write continually and whenever I have a spare moment I'm impatiently drumming my fingers on any hard surface I can find.

No reason for posting this thread except that I need to keep my hands from refreshing Gmail every 10 seconds even though it's way too early to expect replies, I have desktop notifications AND it updates itself automatically.

OP posts:
Furrydowny · 15/09/2016 17:20

Thank you both. Sorry that you didn't get there this time; I imagine it's particularly difficult after the excitement of getting an agent. Best of luck with your new projects Smile

I had an unexpected rejection today from one of the other agents I originally queried (even though I emailed them all back in July to say I'd signed with another!) Anyway it was a very nice and encouraging rejection about how they had um-ed and ah-ed over it but in the end felt there wasn't a big enough market for it. So now of course, even though I do have an agent who thinks there absolutely is, I am convincing myself that they are right and my agent is obviously wrong! Oof.

Madhairday · 15/09/2016 19:20

Welcome furrydowny and good luck!

MissB Flowers it's so bloody hard. I'm so sorry. It just sucks but do keep going, sounds like you have a great book and you will get there.

I feel incredibly frustrated. I think I've just written the wrong book. Sad had a lovely reply from an agent saying she really enjoyed it, thought it was well written etc but that Dystopian YA fiction is just so hard to sell because of the Hunger Games and Divergent basically cornering the market so she felt she couldn't pitch me against 'the big two.' I'm really grateful she wrote it and was so encouraging but I think it might be that it is simply not original enough to compete. She said she'd like to see any further work from me.

Trouble is all the ideas I have are Dystopian YA!

Just don't know where to go from here.

But want to thank Imperial so much for all her help and encouragement. Flowers

Aaaagh.

Helmetbymidnight · 15/09/2016 20:30

Hello Furry and everyone,

Oof, that's difficult Madhair. Seems a bit/slightly cop-out to me - Surely one would be looking for the NEW Hunger Games etc? I wouldn't give up the genre if that's where your heart is.

I'm trying to write but unconvinced with all my ideas. Meh. It'll pass.

Furry, I wasn't sure what narrative non-fiction is. I'd love to know! Give us a hint!

Keep posting, people, especially happy endings :)

Helmetbymidnight · 20/09/2016 08:48

Well, seem to have reached the end of the road with my book now. We haven't been able to sell it.

The difference between the UK and US rejections is quite something. The UK ones appear v. heartfelt, they love my writing (hmm)and like the subject of the book. Most of them mention other books they have published/working on which are too close in either subject matter or tone. They were very complimentary though.

I get the idea however that the Americans didn't much like it. Worse, they had issues with the main character - she was apparently sarcastic, unemotional, and semi-dislikeable Shock. Seeing as she is very similar to me, that was awkward to read. Grin.

I had got used to the idea that this book wasn't going to be a go-er so it doesn't come as too much of a blow, and I've started working on something else which at present is going ok, and actually there's still the last few we're waiting on so...we'll see. I'll keep checking in here too.

Maybe this time in a couple of years...

Furrydowny · 20/09/2016 10:26

Sorry to hear that Helmet but if there are still ones out there, there's hope. Fingers crossed. What happens with your relationship with your agent now - do you go back to her when you have a new project?

Narrative non-fiction is things like Bill Bryson, H is for Hawk, A Shepherd's Life - so non-fiction with lots of writing, that tells a bit of a story, rather than non-fiction reference. Mine is food-related.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 20/09/2016 11:17

Solidarity, Helmet.
And ouch at the American publishers' response. Do you think this is just English reserve not translating to America?

MissBattleaxe · 20/09/2016 11:56

Oh Helmet, that's very tough. It's awful when it''s the opposite of what you were hoping for. All that work too. I really do feel for you.

I am in the same boat. Writing new stuff is very hard when you've had a blow to your confidence, but write you must. If you were a terrible writer, your agent wouldn't have taken you on, so believe in your talent. Flowers

Mind you, I find that easy to say to you, and impossible to tell myself.

Helmetbymidnight · 20/09/2016 13:04

Yeah, sucks, right.

Do you think this is just English reserve not translating to America? I'd like to think that, but it may be they are just less polite! I really dunno. The US responded so differently to the main character. Funny.

if there are still ones out there, there's hope. Mm, I think they have been ignoring Agent - and this is a BIG sign!

The agent will continue to represent me, I think/I hope. Several editors (UK ones!) said they want to see whatever I write next...I suppose, I will just have to write something better.

Ho hum!

MissBattleaxe · 20/09/2016 14:49

I don't think the US publishers always get sarcasm. There is such a different humour. I probably would have liked it, Helmet!

pinocchiosnose · 20/09/2016 17:36

Sorry Helmet :( . I've never got anywhere near as far as you so I really can't imagine how that feels after all your work.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice. I emailed an agent nearly 5 weeks ago. She wrote back the same day thanking me for sending "such an interesting submission" and she'd get back to me the next week. I have heard nothing. I wouldn't even have been bothered if she hadn't said that but now I don't know whether her reply was just her being polite or if she has forgotten. I guess you don't forget stuff you really like but is there any point in nudging? Does that look too desperate?

Furrydowny · 20/09/2016 18:49

Pinocchio If she said she would get back to you, I think you should politely email in reply to her email, asking if she has had a chance to read your submission. Perfectly reasonable. I think the holidays have delayed everyone and only now are they getting back into gear. Good luck Smile

pinocchiosnose · 20/09/2016 19:29

Thanks Furry I think I'll give her a shout. I don't think I've much to lose.

wordassociationfootball · 20/09/2016 20:40

Oh farts, Helmet. Really sorry. In what fashion are you morosing? Under the duvet, on the credit card, at the bottom of a bottle, on the treadmill?

Did you enjoy writing it? I hope so. And I hope you enjoy writing your next. It must have been horrible to hear those MC criticisms.

Keep on keeping on.

Helmetbymidnight · 21/09/2016 08:55

All of the above, wordsassociation - except for the treadmill!

Nah, I'm alright. My next book is going to be the 'one'. ;)

How's your going anyway?! I just scanned up to remind myself: 'mothers and daughters...resisting temptation'....Is it out there?

Pinocchios, I'd definitely give her a nudge/shove. 5 weeks can't be construed as nagging.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 21/09/2016 09:56

Definitely nudge. If she was just being polite she wouldn't have said she'd get back to you in a week - she will be perfectly capable of a firm no thanks if that was what she wanted to say.

pinocchiosnose · 21/09/2016 10:58

Thanks all , I've done it. Nothing to lose Smile

MissBattleaxe · 21/09/2016 13:39

Good for you Pinnochio. A polite nudge after five weeks is fine.

wishfulblinking · 22/09/2016 05:10

Sorry, Helmet. What bollocks this business is. Really admire how you're pressing on with the next book - that's a true writer and that's why you'll be published.

pinocchiosnose · 22/09/2016 18:51

That's great Imperial good luck!!

Thank you all for encouraging me to nudge. The agent got back to me and whilst she didn't say yes or no she asked if I was interested in working on it and resubmitting it to her (I am of course).It's a picture book text so I'm hoping it shouldn't be too hard to tighten up Confused

Dontrocktheboat · 22/09/2016 22:01

Hi all, am still following with interest and being inspired by this thread!

Helmet and Miss B, really sorry to hear things not working out - it seems like such a long and daunting process when even having the holy grail that is an agent does not always guarantee being published. I guess you have to take heart that what you are writing is great to have got you this far.

Pinocchio, well done, hope nudging the agent pays off!

Furry, that's fantastic to have an agent and your book sounds really interesting, hope you get some good news soon.

Well after 6 outright rejections for my novel I have had one agent request the full! Am amazed, not expecting it to go much further but has boosted my confidence a bit. This thread has been really helpful, especially some advice from others about making sure to approach agents that may be a good fit.

MissBattleaxe · 23/09/2016 10:46

Thanks Dontrocktheboat. I may have had a knockback but this is still an exciting thread as there is so much potential to hear good news from other people, and maybe in the future I will get better news to share.

I am now working on another book so back to Square One, except at least I have an agent- although there's no guarantee that she'll like it or can even sell it. It's all such a leap of faith.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 23/09/2016 13:47

Great news, Dontrocktheboat Smile
I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Furrydowny · 23/09/2016 16:10

Great news pinocchios - definitely worth a nudge then! Has she told you what she wants?

Dontrock - exciting news for you too. Best of luck!

No news here. I have managed to sort of forget about it all...sort of...

Have a good weekend everyone.

MissBattleaxe · 23/09/2016 19:28

Keeping my fingers crossed for you all. We could do with some great
writer-y news on this thread!

pinocchiosnose · 24/09/2016 10:10

Good luck Don'trock ! Hope your writing goes well with the new one MissBattleaxe

furry yes she's given me loads of advice. It's all stuff that now seems glaringly obvious so hopefully I can do it justice. Even if I can't it's certainly advice that'll help with other work too. I think it's given me the kick that I needed. I've been slacking recently Hmm

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