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?

[LuciferRising]

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.

[SmugglersHaunt]

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!