Blogger: Wendy Lawton
The long-awaited letter arrives in that dual creased self-addressed, stamped envelope you remember tucking into the proposal and sample chapters you sent an agent many months ago. When your query resulted in an invitation to send that proposal, you were over the moon. You carry the SASE reverently into the house. Hope wrapped up in a number ten envelope. Do you open it immediately to see what it says, possibly destroying that last shred of hope? Should you hide sharp objects? Do you put it aside until you’re in a stronger mental state, armed with a Starbucks and a friend? Snap out of it, you tell yourself. After all it’s either yes or no, right? You finally receive enough self-therapy that you can slit open the envelope.
You read the letter. Twice. What does that mean? Interesting concept. Great voice. Unfortunately not for me at this time. What?? It makes no sense.
Or what about that full manuscript you submitted when an editor requested it. When you finally received it back with a polite little decline, the only feedback you got was, The story just didn’t do it for me. What’s a writer supposed to do with input like that?
It’s happened in person as well. You sit down at an editor appointment at a writer’s conference and the editor hands back your manuscript, saying, “I’m very interested in you as a writer, just not in this book.”
What does a writer do with all this non-specific feedback?
Realize that editors and agents are reluctant to give specific feedback for a number of reasons:
- Sadly, it takes a tremendous amount of time to give meaningful feedback. Anything less just raises questions. No agent or editor has time to invest in a book or author he is not going to pursue.
- Critique is highly subjective and what bothers one editor may not even be an issue for another. What if the writer revised using feedback that was specific to that one particular editor? A writer needs to be secure enough in his writing that he keeps submitting until he finds the editor or agent who loves it.
- Specific feedback seems to invite debate. Many a disappointed author is only too happy to reference the book that says to use the exact technique he employed. No agent or editor has time to engage in debate over a book he’s not going to acquire or represent, so he avoids giving critique.
- In our examples above the writer really did get some valuable, if nonspecific, input. Interesting concept. This is a big one. It means the book or story is appealing. It means you’re on the right track with the idea.
- And, great voice. This is only something that comes with time. Those two comments alone should give encouragement to keep going.
- The example of the in person meeting? That’s a good thing. The agent or editor is impressed with you, impressed with your writing but just not that particular book. That’s okay. This is a long haul, not a one-time shot. You’ll have lots of different books.
- If you hear the same thing over and over, you need to do your best to analyze it.
- In the example above– it’s not for me at this time-– you cannot take anything personal from this. It could mean your idea is so fabulous the editor just acquired something similar two months ago. That would be a huge encouragement that you are on the right track.
- It could mean that the number of slots just got cut and “at this time” he can’t acquire anything.
- It might mean that though yours is interesting he didn’t fall in love with it.
- It might be a sign she had a fight with her teenage daughter that morning and the nothing in the entire world appeals to her today.
This is a very timely post for me as I’m getting ready to send a manuscript in to the same agent for the third time. In the last year months, I’ve received a full request followed by ‘love this, love that, love everything–not quite there, please resubmit’. Not quite a rejection, but not an acceptance either. Talk about being on the fence. *g*
I’m encouraged by the words and I’m very grateful for the time and feedback I’m getting, yet at the same time it’s hard not to be discouraged by the ‘not quite there’.
This is indeed encouraging. Agents have so little time for those outside their practice, it means that you are almost there.
Knowing it could lead to that final decline, at some point, you may need to press, asking, “I’ve shown you I’m willing to revise and retool, what can I do to get that offer of representation?”
If you get to that no, the fact that an agent worked this long with you tells me that you’ll have other interest from agents. Keep moving forward– you’re almost there.
Thank you, Wendy, for the encouragement to keep moving forward.
What a great post, Wendy!
Truthfully, the confusing feedback starts as early in the process as critique partners sometimes. I view it as preparation for the big stage. 🙂 I’m also finding that the more confident I become in my own writing skin, the more clarity I feel when I get confusing feedback.
Critique partners are wonderful but I have seen some awful advice as well. Hopefully your partners are not newbies who cling too legalistically to “rules” of writing. I do occasionally see manuscripts that I call “workshopped to death.”
I love that you are getting the confidence to critique the critique.
I’m blessed to have awesome critique partners, Wendy. They enrich my work without stealing my voice. And still they can have differing opinions. That’s when I turn to my gut and ask what it thinks. 🙂
Love that term, “workshopped to death.”
Wendy, I eat posts like this up! Love it!
My first rejection, years ago, was a form letter. The message I took from it was your book was so bad we didn’t bother signing our name. And, guess what? It spurred me to really study the craft of writing and find critique partners. Some rejections, though painful, help us grow as writers. Others just make me scratch my head!
That’s a great way to look at it, Jill. I use my critique groups the same way. Showing versus telling was easily pointed out in the beginning as an area of weakness for me. As I studied more about it and practice more often, it came easier. I still don’t find it a strength, but the feedback showed me where I should focus some attention.
Cheryl, my writing has improved so much from my blessed cp’s. I love that they’re encouraging but honest. Plus, they’ve helped my confidence in my writing grow. Like you, I have areas that aren’t strengths (they probably never will be!), but I know to pay extra attention to them while revising. Let’s hear it for critique partners!
I love your attitude but a form letter gives neutral feedback. It may mean exactly what you inferred or the agent could have been tucking it into the envelope with great regret thinking, “I hate to decline this book– it has such possibility but I can’t take on another client at this moment. I know this author will find representation.”
There’s no way to know. I’m always an optimist so I’d like to imagine the second scenario. 🙂
Oh Wendy, you’re very kind. It was actually a requested partial I’d submitted to a Harlequin line, and I did NOT know much about writing! Sure, there’s always been a storyteller lurking in this body, but I can confidently say, I didn’t have the writing skills at that point!
The worst part? It arrived on my wedding anniversary! Ouch!
I’ve begun submitting and have not yet received any feedback, which is difficult. I think I just am not sure at this time where exactly I’m at and would love a little something to give me some direction. I’ve submitted to a few contests that give feedback, but won’t receive that feedback for several months. So for now, I’ll keep submitting and keep writing. I don’t want to sit around languishing and stagnating as I wait.
Your words are encouraging, though. 🙂 Thanks for this post.
Lindsay, that waiting time is so hard! Praying you get some answers and feedback soon! In the meantime, have you joined a critique group for your genre? I find those are great to give almost immediate feedback, and are SO much more specific than agent feedback can be.
Like Wendy said, agents can’t break things down and explain everything that didn’t work for your novel (though I’ve been guilty of asking them if they could just give me a LITTLE direction there!). Even if you get NO reason for that rejection, try to be thankful and know that wasn’t the agent God had for you.
I’m saying this now, because I never believed it until now! Every “no” is truly a step you’re taking to an unbelievably satisfying “yes,” if you know writing is what God wants you to do right now!
Aw, thank you for your prayers, Heather! I was part of a critique group briefly, but people in the group couldn’t commit to doing as much as I wanted to do. I’m talking with someone about being critique partners, but she can’t really start until the fall. I think my trouble has been in wondering how I would find a group with people who are at a similar “level” and just as committed as me. Any suggestions?
Hi Lindsay, can’t comment directly under your post, but I’ll hop over to your blog and try to find your email and tell you what I know about crit groups!
I used to play a mental game when, as a writer, I was submitting and waiting for that yes. I’d pretend there were a certain number of no responses I had to hit before the door would open to the yes. The trick was, I didn’t know the number. What if I had to get past 40 no responses before getting to the yes and I stopped at 38?
It helped me keep going.
That’s the perfect response, Lindsay. “I’ll keep submitting and keep writing.”
If you can manage a writing conference where you will get face-to-face feedback that would be a great next step.
Thanks, Wendy. I plan to be at the ACFW conference this September. Hoping to meet a lot of great people there.
Lindsay,
Good for you! I found my cp’s after connecting with them on their blogs. I would also suggest trying to find people at or above your own writing level. Like Wendy mentioned earlier, sometimes newer writers get overly obsessed with “the rules” and unintentionally stifle your writing style. Always trust your instincts when you get feedback. You don’t have to take advice you don’t agree with. 🙂
I love your “mental game,” Wendy! Thank you for that thought as well as this encouraging blog.
Lindsay, I know the waiting is hard on the heart, but your decision to just keep writing is spot on. The writing that you’ve sent out is out of your hands and in God’s now. Just keep working, knowing that your labor will be fruitful. All you can do is tend the garden and trust. Blessings!
What’s that saying about just enough light to see the next step? My encouragement has come in drips and drops. A requested proposal here, some chapters there and one “compelling, but not right now.” Enough to keep me plugging away, but perhaps not enough to inflate my ego . . .
Sounds like you’re moving closer, Sarah. Requested proposal and request for chapters is almost there.
True.
Humility.
Nobody gets published without it. When my first book (http://amzn.to/jICNRd) underwent scrutiny at Mt Hermon, I “filed” every suggestion from each editor, agent, and janitor. I ran back to my room, and incorporated each one. Barbara C., (my favorite critique team member) said, “It’s going to happen. You’re going to be published. You’re humble.”
I was tempted at times to get my undies in a bunch, but by grace I resisted. Listen and learn. Don’t push back. God will make it happen.
it’s hard not to be humble in this industry, right? And the process is so convoluted that the puffed-up writers who come with a sense of entitlement lose interest fast.
It’s like making it in Hollywood. There’s no way to strong-arm yourself in. It’s hard work and one audition at a time.
Your post is so accurate. It is so unnerving to have that message in your inbox or envelope in your hand, and you’re looking at it thinking, “should I open it?”
I got a rejection to a query with sample pages recently from someone who “only responds if interested.” It read: …truth be told, though, these pages didn’t draw me in as much as I had hoped. I am pressed for time these days and with my reservations I suspect I wouldn’t be the best fit.
It’s certainly a nice letter. And I want to believe this is encouraging. Otherwise, why would she decide to send a rejection if she didn’t have to. Right?
Right! I think for every personal response, there’s about 20 impersonal ones. You should be very encouraged. Way to go!
Wow! That’s very encouraging. I wouldn’t rule out sending something new to this agent when you have something.
Really? Yea! Thanks, Wendy, for the extra encouragement!
Thanks for this post, Wendy. I so appreciate the stance that you all take that God knows the right timing, right agent, right editor for each book. In fact, I think it’s a lesson of encouragement that extends into many, many other areas of life- His perfect timing often employs shut doors in many forms to get us where He wants us to be. It’s something He’s been gently teaching me in another area of my life as we wait on adoption– that he doesn’t abide by ratios and probability. He abides by His perfect timing (blog post here if anyone’s interested http://bit.ly/GVo5SB).
And in the meantime? We just learn all that we can, apply all that we can to our writing, and keep up on our end of the deal: persevering in what He’s laid before us.
Amanda, I can so relate! I not only have the experience as a once-waiting writer but we are an adoptive family as well. I remember when I had that baby hunger for a second child and we kept getting doors slammed in our face. “You already have had one perfect baby. Nobody gets two.” I wasn’t willing to accept that. We cut out a picture of a baby with our then six-year-old and taped it to the refrigerator. Every time we went by, we touched it and prayed. I also called our social worker every single week and humorously tortured her. Our persistence paid off. His name is Patrick and he’s now 28. We ended up with a third child dropped in our laps years later.
These lessons in patience– both in writing and in building a family– will be worth it. You’ll never doubt that either of these outcomes came from God’s hand.
Oh, Wendy. Thank you. Thank you, thank you.
I thought I had things pretty well pulled together perspective-wise until your oh-so-generous and empathizing words disarmed me and the floodgates let loose. Such encouragement in your words, especially to continue, continue, continue praying for this child and his/her birth family.
Thank you.
Thank you for an excellent post!
My experience with rejection letters has been entirely positive. The first contained some of the best advice ever. “You have potential. Consider joining a writing group such as …” At the time, I didn’t know such groups existed! Joined one that evening for a paltry sum. Their conference was in a nearby city, so I signed up for that too. Some of the best money I ever spent!
When I had manuscripts and proposals worth shopping around, one editor in particular went out of her way to be encouraging. Though “not at this time” were hard words to read, her email let me know how far my story had made it in their process. She actually CALLED the next year to ask if I would submit the story again. Though they were again unable to use it, I will be forever grateful to her for taking the time and interest to inspire a beginning writer.
A wannabe author can write for a long time on “I love this story” and “Keep writing. I believe in you!”
You can’t believe how many writers are on my “not at this time” list but I keep watching them. That response “not at this time” usually has more to do with the agent’s practice than with any faults in the writer.
Wendy, how many new authors does an agent usually take on per year? Is there a limit? I’m just thinking that could be a lot of balls to juggle!
That is so helpful to hear. Thanks!
Lindsay asked how many clients an agent takes on in a year. That would depend on the agent and where they are in their career. Many of us already have very full practices and we are able to add precious few clients. In order to take on a new client I pretty much have to lose one due to attrition.
An agent who is just building his practice is likely to have a set number of clients they want to add in a year, say ten new clients each year.
Next week, on Tuesday, I’m going to start blogging about this. I’m going to talk about what specifically I look for in a potential client, dividing it by where that writer is in his career. It will take me a few Tuesdays (my new blogging day) to get through all the career level but hopefully it will give a good picture of what I’m looking for.
Maybe I’m feeling grumbly today because I am willing to rant a tad. 🙂 I anonymously submitted a first page to be read aloud to an agent panel at a conference in October. One of the agents actually snickered, stating, “What does this have to do with kids today?”
I was distracted for the rest of the panel, even though no one else in the room knew it was my submission. It’s a Christian juvenille fiction story; and while upon reflection I could see why it was too sweet for her, it seems meeting kids where they are today means writing about disfunctional families. It’s almost a sin to write about a family who isn’t torn apart by some controversy.
Once I calmed down, I was able to rework the opening chapter to strengthen the hook and add in a bit of the conflict on that first page. My concern remains, however, is it all for naught? Is there a market for a Christian historical that features some sibling rivalry but not a totally dysfunctional family?
Thanks for this post, Wendy. Despite my grumpiness, it reminds me to step back and reflect on any and all feedback.
Cheryl,
It’s okay to be grumpy sometimes. Criticism is hard to take as it is, and to add snickering or language that doesn’t even try to build someone up is rough. And, IMHO, mean.
I know this might seem like strange advice, but it actually helps to have other people look at your work even after something like that has happened. I was a part of a very informal crit group and got some constructive stuff, but for the most part, the way the group was set up, people critiqued my work (and everyone else’s) with no regard for anyone’s feelings.
I’m not saying we have to sugar-coat things. What I’m saying is something like this might have been more helpful: when you want to hook a YA reader, you need conflict to appear on the first page. Kids today are less likely to connect with a character who has everything going for them than they are to a character who, right off the bat, exhibits some sort of weakness or flaw.
That would still address the issue they saw, and be respectful. Find respectful partners. The critique process will still sting, but it’ll be worth it. 🙂
Those first page public reviews are killers. We tried it once at Mount Hermon and it was near disastrous. Here’s the dynamic that writers don’t consider: those agents are feeling insecure in front of their peers. You look at them as a panel of professionals but each one of them knows his weak areas and he’s been put up there and feels judged by the wittiness or the insight of his snap judgement.
Many agents, especially in the ABA, are expected to be funny or snarky. Pressure. With an anonymous submission it’s easy to play the critic. Don’t forget, that every critique could merit a rebuttal. I’ll bet there were those on that panel who would have loved to argue that point but dynamics kept them quiet.
All that to say: Take that public critique for what it is– a staged opportunity for the critiqued to pontificate. *grain of salt*
As for the market for middle grade and YA in the CBA– it’s pretty depressing right now, especially for classic-type stories. Christian young readers are buying in the ABA– scary considering some of the offerings, but there you have it.
Cheryl, I feel for you and your grumpiness. Having your work critiqued in a public forum is very brave, but I really liked Wendy’s explanation of what goes on under the surface. It made sense, and I hope it helped ease the sting.
I love that you write middle-grade. It is too bad that there isn’t a great demand for middle-grade fiction in the Christian market. However, there is a great demand for it in the general market (ABA)–even “classic” middle grade, which sounds like what you’re writing. (I know, because that’s what I love to write.) There are so many beautiful classic stories out there now, from newer authors like Kimberley Griffiths Little (Circle of Secrets and The Healing Spell), and more-established ones like Patricia Maclachlan (she just released a new one, Kindred Souls, which is amazing). Many agents who specialize in children’s literature are looking for classic MG, so I encourage you to keep going to conferences and keep writing what you love.
Marilyn, thanks for that information about YA in the general market. And thanks for letting us know that Patricia MacLachlan has a new book out. I love her work. One of my favorite books of all time is a picture book she wrote called All the Places to Love. Exquisite.
Cheryl, as a middle school English teacher, I am drawn to your idea. It is SO hard to find quality fiction with good values, relationships, etc. represented with an intriguing plot and strong characters.
I would love, love, love to see more like this… and you know, teachers/school looking for that kind of book buy class sets. Have you looked into BJU Press? I love their JourneyForth imprint/YA fiction as a teacher, and unless things have changed recently, you can also submit straight to their acquisitions editor. http://www.bjupress.com/books/journeyforth/
(hard at that level, to find literature I am comfortable with endorsing to students/families, I should say. Sorry for my poor word choice. Not hard in general to find quality fiction- there’s tons of quality CBA fiction out there in general!)
🙂
Thanks to everyone for their kind words and encouragement. Wendy, thanks for your insights too. It’s not always possible to see situations from the other side of the fence. Amanda, I’ll definitely check out that link. I’ve added it to my favorites.
You have all been such a blessing to me. My spirit is lifted by your kindness. Thanks again.
And obviously I’m still too grumpy because I didn’t even spell dysfunctional the same both times. 🙂
Oh, I’m so sorry Cheryl. My heart goes out to you. It’s one thing to get a snarky judge from a contest judge (I’ve been there–it wasn’t pretty), and it’s another to hear a roomful of snickering.
I’m no editor, but I believe there are many teens who want wholesome books with characters they can admire.
Does the market reflect it now? Maybe not. But that doesn’t mean in a few years it won’t change.
Wendy, the reasons in your post are so familiar. My first reject was a form letter. It stated that my story wasn’t suited for them. I’d read several hundred of their books. How dare they say the story didn’t suit.
After 2 wks of keeping it in, I finally bawled to my online writing community that it was so ridiculous. How was I supposed to improve when I didn’t know what was wrong. One of my multi-published friends offered a quick one chapter read-through. Quick? She had it back in 20 mins. Including notes. And what a blessing.
I can’t say enough about published authors who reach out and share their knowledge. They are a treasure. And now with blogging, we can add some agents to the treasure chest. 😀
What a gift. That’s the biggest disappointment in our job as agent, that the logistics just don’t allow us to give meaningful feedback. (That’s why we blog– we want to give help to the community at large but can’t do it individually.)
What a blessing those published writers are who remember what it was like and jump in to offer help and encouragement.
Don’t forget that it’s a two-way street. You can pay back that gift by helping those writers get the word out on their own books. And when you become a bestselling author, take the time to reach a hand out to those coming up the ladder behind you.
Thanks, Wendy, for your thoughtful feedback about feedback.
I recently complained to Rachelle that I didn’t like or understand the feedback that I received from a query (a different agency) and she, too, gently reminded me that ANY feedback is a blessing and that if I can learn ANYTHING from the feedback I received, that I’ve moved one, albeit tiny, step closer to being successful.
Oh, but I DO get tired of baby steps…..
Becky D
But don’t forget at the same time you’re taking those baby steps you’re building your skills (remember Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hours to mastery), learning the industry and building your network. All things you’ll have precious little time to do once you’ve gotten your first contract. The fact that you’re hanging out with us and on Rachelle’s blog tells me you are building a nice foundation while you wait.
Although the rejection stings at first, I have found encouragement in my rejection letters. One agent said that I had a voice that made him want to read more. I lived on that thread of hope for weeks (still do, I suppose)! I completely understand the lack of time for agents to respond more specifically, just like I don’t have all the time I would like for writing, reading, blogging, and all other life necessities. But I do appreciate even just the tiniest of a personal response.
You have no idea how much that personal response cost. That agent said that despite the worry that you would come back and want something more specific, or you’d ask if you could submit again or. . .
Those all sound like small things but when you’ve got twice as much work as time, most of us fear what Janet calls “the echo effect.”
I’m guessing that comment was significant. When you have a different book, send another query, reminding him of that first comment.
Wendy, this post is so timely. I just received a rejection in my inbox about a half hour before you posted.
I get the nicest rejections. So far I’ve been told I have engaging characters, great writing style, a wonderful premise, and quality work. I find myself wishing they would say something negative so I’d know what needs to be fixed. That said, I appreciate that they took the time to say anything at all, especially since they were so nice.
There are items I know need work in order to sell an agent on me. My platform is pathetic. I need to make sure my first five pages capture interest. My book could probably use a fresh look. More market research could be done for comparison. My synopsis reads like it was written by a scientist (which it was!). Oh, and most importantly, write that second book.
Thanks again for the encouragement, Wendy.
Sounds like it’s just a matter of time, Ann. With fiction, you don’t have to worry about platform as much– it’s all about the book.
Okay, Wendy… Wasn’t going to share this, but it’s all between friends, right?
Our DD recently read part of my WIP. When she solemnly handed it back to me, I nudged, “Well?”
“Well, I guess it’s pretty good if you like this sort of thing, but Momma… do you think you could write more like Wendy Lawton or Robin Jones Gunn, for instance?”
My jaw dropped, but she quickly explained. “Their books are more relative to me.”
(This coming from a 13-year-old whose whole world at the moment is all about her Nook and Dating Do-Over and several other faves by the same author. 😉 Oh, and let’s not forget the Christy Miller hardback series that has it’s own place of prominence in our little downstairs library.)
My point is: Any grain of feedback is important, whether it be that of editors, agents, critique partners, or even Cousin Matilda, twice removed.
As you indicated, the good, the bad, and even the ugly is what ultimately propels us forward.
Now…time for chocolate and coffee. Gotta get back to work!
*BLUSH*
Last year, in a face to face meeting, I was told my manuscript started in the wrong place. But I was never sure if she meant wrong place in the scene or wrong place in the story. So, first I re-wrote it in the scene, and then, I rewrote it in the story. I have both versions in contests. I’ve gotten mixed reviews from my crit partners about which they like best. We’ll see what the contest judges think. Either way, I feel the new scenes have stretched me as a writer, so none of it is wasted time.
Connie, this is such a common mistake we writers make– starting at the wrong place in the story. We think chronologically when the most compelling place to start a story is the middle of everything. It takes real skill to wind all that backstory in, tiny bit by tiny bit, but it makes for a much better story. (It’s far easier to recognize this than to explain it.)
Think about the television shows we enjoy. They start with strangers walking into a crisis and we learn all the details later. But we’re so used to “en media res” now, it’s hard to get a reader to let us set a scene or develop a character before the crisis strikes.
I love how you responded to this critique. You experimented two ways and put those both in competitions so you can be sure to get feedback. Brilliant.
I have sent out my unsolicited manuscript five times so far as there’s not many publishers who print non-fiction self help here in Australia. Two of the publishers sent me a standard letter – thanks but no thanks. However, I received a call from number three publisher. They loved the book and the style but self-help of this kind isn’t something they publish. The lady even went on to say that she took my three chapters home and read them in her own time and was so impressed she decided to call me and recommended publisher number four. This was encouraging, and even though I was turned down I felt I must have done something right. After two week of submitting my manuscript to publisher number four I again receive a phone call – love the book and style but unfortunately we can’t support the project with our resources. She tells me my best bet is publisher number five. My book is apparently “right up their alley”.
People tell me it’s fantastic to get phone calls from publishing houses but as I wait for publisher number five’s response all I expect is this – a phone call – a yes it’s great but however, it’s so different that we don’t have an editor to support it.
I am trying to prepare myself by conjuring up a plan B as there’s so few publishers in Australia who publish non-fiction self help. I have already decided I will not self-publish, so that option is out. I suppose the next plan is to knock on some doors in America. I don’t know how you do that from this far away. It seems to be that attending a conference is important – that’s not the case here. Do American publishers/agents consider overseas writers?
I am encouraged by what’s happened so far with my book and yet I am slightly afraid my book will not find a home no matter how “great” it is.
Thanks for letting me rant.
You have every right to be encouraged and it sounds like maybe you should try New York publishers. Australia had her chance, now she’ll have to buy foreign rights. 🙂
All wonderful comments from you Wendy, and great stories from all the above.
I find the whole journey of writing with the hope of someday publishing to be exhilaratingly exhausting and uncertain. Quite frightening and confusing at times as evidenced in the above comments and stories. Yet, my prayer continues to be, Lord, whatever door You open, I’ll walk through–knees knocking and all. It’s incredibly humbling.
As to confusing…I had 3 editors at ACFW Indy show interest. One wanted a proposal, one the whole MS, one loved my pitch but couldn’t accept a thing without an agent. But God didn’t give me an appointment with any agents. So, I sent the proposal to one editor and got a rejection that said, “not strong enough yet.”
So, I set it aside and I’m working on the next WIP. I often wonder if book one will just be a jumping off point, or if it’s even worth reworking. I also wondered if I was better at pitching than writing–probably. Sigh.
So, I keep writing. I figure God’s timing is perfect.
But I still wonder, should I have sent the entire MS to the other editor?
Should I have sent tons of queries to agents, hoping to catch one and nab the editor who was so excited?
Also, I wonder, did I jump the gun? Did I risk a bad impression that will cost me once I’m a better writer with a stronger project?
Anne, with great feedback like you received at ACFW why would you put this one aside because of one subjective comment. When you receive a comment like you received, the next question to ask is, “I will rework this. May I resubmit?”
And then, like so many have suggested, get a fabulous critique group and go to work. From the response you received I certainly wouldn’t bottom drawer this story.
And yes, send the manuscript to an editor who asked for it! You could send a stack of queries to agents or wait until next ACFW and focus on agents. Or both. (Queries cost you nothing.)
As for your question about jumping the gun– absolutely not. As I’ve said many times this is a process. I’ve signed writers on the fourth or fifth connection. I’ve seen tremendous growth in them and it is exciting. Some I didn’t sign until much later because I wasn’t ready or didn’t have room and they were great from the beginning. It’s different every time.
And here’s a secret: most of us see so many people that when we meet you again we only have a vague memory. I usually have an impression– I really liked that person. But as for remembering details or even what manuscript you had, it’s not likely on a first or second meeting. So, no. You didn’t jump the gun. You started making the connections that are so valuable in this industry and you did a great job.
So you so kindly Wendy. What a boost and breath of freshness to my questioning. I’m so glad I dropped by for this post from you. It helps tremendously.
Thank you, Wendy, for decoding some of the comments that come with rejections. Also, thank you for all of the encouraging comments you’ve made to all who’ve responded to this blog post.
For myself, I’ve come to delight in ANY personal feedback. After getting a number of form letters, I cherish a rejection that says, “Great story, great voice, just can’t use it at this time.” I understand that editors and agents don’t have the time to give specific feedback, so to get personal feedback rather than a form letter tells me that something in the writing made the agent / editor decide to encourage me. Maybe this is just my mental game, but it keeps me going.
Blessings!
Thanks, Wendy. I think I needed to hear/read this today. 🙂 You’re so right. Hang on to the positives and glean what we can from the rest, eventually setting it aside and moving on. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with all of us, at various stages in our writing careers.
Thank you for this post, Wendy. The truth is, I keep revising and editing my work, afraid to submit it. I had a friend tell me I should be prepared to “paper the state” with rejections. I’ve received exactly two so far, one a “not for me at this time” and one a simple no response. So I revise and wait, afraid to send my work if it’s not ready. But I see that I could be learning from rejections. Maybe it’s time to submit my work again. Thanks again for the great post, Wendy.
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I’ve received two agent rejections. Both were very positive, but neither offered anything specific or personal. Just 1) strong writing, but failed to capture my enthusiasm, and 2) liked your voice and writing, but I’m currently shopping something similar. That agent asked me to send her anything new I was working on if I hadn’t found representation in the next six months.
I found them both encouraging. It was actually a contest judge that gave me the most confusing/unhelpful advice: “You need to push your dialogue a little more.”
“Push” it? What does that even mean?
A dear friend and many times published critiqued one of my efforts. She commented that it would work well for a specific publisher and I should query them. I did sent a query, but was told they weren’t accepting any queries at the time, try again in two months. So, of course, I sent off another query two months later. At that time, another delay in acceptance of even a query was in store, never might asking for a partial. I write again at the time indicated they would be considering new acquisitions and after a half dozen tries, I gave up. My friend, had sold them two books and they sent a proposal for three more, one with a synopsis, one with an idea and one just because it was a three book deal. When I complained in my frustration how it just didn’t seem fair when they were obviously acquiring books that they wouldn’t even let me submit a query, her reply was, “Well, they hold slots open for their established writers.” And while I know that to be true and I am equally certain she had no idea how her reply came across, to me it sounded arrogant and totally depressing. It was the classic Catch 22. If you are already published you can get your next project looked at, but if you aren’t, they don’t want to look at you at all.
The same is true of agent queries vs publisher queries. The agent is interested if you have a publisher interested, but the publisher only considers agented material. How is a new author to get past this mind set? I have finally sold a book and hopefully, bored a hole in the Catch 22 of my life, but I am equally excited that electronic publishing has burst onto the scene and leveled the playing field. Self published authors with a good story and strong writing, no longer have to wait and hope and pray that their book just happens to land on the right desk on the right day. They can put it out there and let the reading public decide on the merits. It might be helpful to readers if there was a way make note of a professionally edited manuscript so we as readers don’t end up frustrated by good stories and great characters ruined by poor editing, but on the whole, I think this is a wonderful burgeoning reality. Instead of having to choose between all the offerings that are basically a change of names and a few minor details, but it’s been told before and sold well last time so the publisher keeps buying the reruns. Now the reader will have so much more to choose. Some very out-of- the-box ideas will turn out to be fantastic reads that never would have gotten past the intake editor’s desk before.