Among the common responses an agent may give a writer, is “Your project isn’t quite ready yet. Keep working to make it the best it can be.” The writer inevitably is left feeling frustrated, and maybe a little lost. What about the project isn’t ready? Why can’t the agent just help the writer make it ready? There are many reasons why an agent can’t sign everyone that queries us, even if we do like the projects we are presented. The main issue, is of course, time. If we signed every project that needed major revision, we would have no time for our other clients, who brought us publishing-ready or near ready projects. So, while it is frustrating to hear that your project isn’t ready now, be encouraged that down the line when you have an agent, you will be relieved they aren’t taking time away from you for writers who need to work some things out on their own first.
If an agent says your project isn’t ready, it could mean:
The writing needs improvement
This perhaps is the most obvious, but often it is the exact reason I decline moving forward with a project. Even if the concept is compelling, if the writing isn’t where it needs to be, it’s a pass. I want to be so thoroughly invested while reading a writing sample that my brain doesn’t switch into “editor mode.” As I read, I want to become enthralled, entertained, and oblivious to the outside world- just like when I’m tucked into a corner of my couch with a good book. When I begin to wonder why a writer phrased something a certain way, or chose a certain word, I know the writing could use some polishing.
The pacing needs work
Adding to the above, when a book’s pacing doesn’t feel like it flows well, this is not something an agent can fix for a writer. We’ve all read books that feel rushed at the end, or too slow in the middle. Sometimes nonfiction books will hurry a reader through a subtopic, or underestimate a reader’s need to delve deeper into a thought for longer than a paragraph or two.
The project is missing a unique hook
Sometimes a book seems like it addresses the perfect felt-need, but the writer hasn’t considered that many other books do as well. If a book doesn’t have a unique angle on a common topic, it is going to be a very difficult sale for an agent to make. The best books addressing common felt needs do so from a unique vantage point, offering readers insight into an issue they didn’t have before.
The bottom line
When an agent says your project needs work, that’s not a sign for you to spend thousands, or even hundreds of dollars on professional editing. Editors can be helpful, but we want to see how far you can take your own project. We want to see your writing ability, as well as your ability to take a project from its first draft to nearly final form. Keep in mind, an agent will be working with you- not the editor you hire. This is true after we sign you as well- you will be working with an editor at the publisher, and he or she will expect your writing ability to be what was originally implied, too. Don’t get discouraged- we know perfection isn’t possible, and we are cheering for you every step of the way.
Let us know in the comments, what helped you take a project from good to great?
Did you know that Books & Such is hosting our Writing Intensive February 16-18, 2027? We would love to have you join us! Learn more here!
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