The worst part is waking up I see rejections in my inbox, going to the mailbox, I come away with rejections, sitting at the computer at night, I find a rejection. If nothing else, at the end of this I should have a thicker skin.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Rejections
You kinda set yourself up for rejection when you send out so many queries. When reading JA Konrath's blog, he said he sent out almost 250 queries before he got a positive response. I'm at 115. I guess I should get ready for more disappointment. I figure if I get 250 "no's" it's time for a re-edit and another impartial read through for some ideas.
The Novel
So the novel for which I'm trying to find representation is entitled Toe the Line. 68,000 words, light cozy mystery. It's not my best work, but it is the best I got so far. I'm hoping my next novel, Body Count, will be better, but it is still mired in production.
Nevertheless, I'm applying many of the lessons I've learned via the Writer's Market, several different blogs, and other venues to try and find an agent. The novel is complete and edited. At the moment I'm querying.
Thus far I've queried 115 times both through the web and through snail mail. My spreadsheet that tracks my queries is getting quite out of control. I started querying on July 20. I've sent 115 in less than a month. I think that is pretty aggressive.
I have screwed up a few times. I can count on one hand the number of times I've misspelled an agents name (Rubio instead of Rubie) or accidently written to two agents at the same agency, but all in all I've not done too bad.
I've gotten one positive response. 115 queries, about 18 rejections and one request to read the manuscript. Inside I'm thrilled, but tentatively thrilled.
The positive response came from Firebrand Literary Agency, specifically Stacia Decker. I think she is building her client list. I can only hope that I become a brick in that foundation.
Nevertheless, I'm applying many of the lessons I've learned via the Writer's Market, several different blogs, and other venues to try and find an agent. The novel is complete and edited. At the moment I'm querying.
Thus far I've queried 115 times both through the web and through snail mail. My spreadsheet that tracks my queries is getting quite out of control. I started querying on July 20. I've sent 115 in less than a month. I think that is pretty aggressive.
I have screwed up a few times. I can count on one hand the number of times I've misspelled an agents name (Rubio instead of Rubie) or accidently written to two agents at the same agency, but all in all I've not done too bad.
I've gotten one positive response. 115 queries, about 18 rejections and one request to read the manuscript. Inside I'm thrilled, but tentatively thrilled.
The positive response came from Firebrand Literary Agency, specifically Stacia Decker. I think she is building her client list. I can only hope that I become a brick in that foundation.
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