How many queries do you send on an MS before giving up?

[ChaoticCrumble]

Just curious. I use querytracker to track which agents I've sent submissions to.

I've got my current book out at 18, with 8 rejections already (one personalised).

Had a look at the data for a book I queried two years ago, and I only did 26 for that one in total before giving up, despite getting three full requests! Looking at it now, it's pretty good, so why did I give up so easily? I'm half-tempted to query it again, but not at the same time as the current one obviously.

Or is 26 a 'lot'?

I know some of you will have found an agent pretty quickly, but I'm wondering if there's anyone out there where persistence was key?

No answer but following. Debating whether to hire an editor to go through my 5th draft (as a learning exercise for me) then I'll need to consider querying.

I gave up early years ago as well then kicked myself years later! I’d just keep going as long as there are agents out there you’d want to work with.

I did a spreadsheet recently for a full script with over 80 agents and producers in it in different ‘waves’ (in order of preference) which worked well and meant sending the queries was easier. I try to have the attitude now that when I’ve finished writing something I no longer have an emotional connection to it and move on to something else - that makes the 45336783267 rejections easier to take. Good luck!