Advice on approaching agents

[Lottie2017]

Hi all,

I have written a young adult novel as part of a PhD creative writing course and would now like to try getting the book out there and approaching agents. There seems to be some really experienced writers on this thread and I was hoping for some practical advice about the process. Thank you 😊

Hi @Lottie2017

There are lots of gems embedded in this thread if you have time to read through (it’s an epic).

Congrats on completing your novel!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/creative_writing/3581699-How-do-you-stay-sane-while-querying-agents

Thanks so much 😊

Good luck

Good luck, OP.

Is it a part creative, part critical like the Goldsmiths programme? How have you found your experience, OP?

One thing I would warn you is that agents are allegedly snowed under right now because so many people wrote a novel during lock-down. I’m also submitting at the moment and I’m doing it very slowly, but I feel like the responses are even slower than they’ve been before (this is my third time through the slush-pile). I’ve also noticed that a few entire agencies have currently closed their lists to submissions, which isn’t something I’ve seen before.

So… be prepared for long waiting times would be my suggestion. Also persevere, even when it feels you’re being constantly rejected. Hopefully there’ll be someone out there for both of us.