Writing Update: Querying #7
I’m just riding the wave and re-evaluating now that we’re getting down to the final few, but against my better judgment I’m finding myself placing all my eggs in one basket, for better or worse…
After a few weeks of relative quiet, this past week had a surge of querying activity.
I’ve gotten several rejections (including three on my full manuscript submissions, ouch) and one full request from the partial request from March.
I’m nearing the end of my query list, with my handy spreadsheet nearly entirely filled in. I’ve closed out a handful of queries due to lack of response after their indicated timeframe. Not all agents respond to queries. Some indicate on their website that they will respond to queries within 8 weeks or whatever if they’re interested; otherwise, we won’t hear from them at all. So, on those few, I updated my spreadsheet to close them out. That leaves just 5 outstanding queries awaiting responses.
I’ve said since the beginning that I wouldn’t query more after this list unless something changed. I’m still on the fence about it, but I do think I’m going to spend some time researching additional agents, really focusing in on those interested in representing queer and/or cozy fantasy. I’ve seen a few really great agents over the past several weeks, but haven’t queried them. I did write down their info in case I decided to do another round, but they’re all specifically looking for cozier fantasy, which is what I want to write long-term, and based on responses from these first 2 rounds of querying, the feedback I’ve received is that they love the cozy vibes. I think if I decide to send it out to another 5-10 agents, I’ll be pitching it as cozy fantasy with a little bit of mystery, since that’s what it is, despite everything else it may be (contemporary, speculative, etc).
That said, I’m still not sold on querying more agents. My full is out to one agent, and they’re one of my top 3 agent selections. They’re with a smaller agency and I am just really hoping they love my book enough to offer. We can only “know” an agent so much based on their website and other online listings/posts, but I’ve read a couple blog posts they’ve written and researched them via their agency’s website, MSL, Publishers Marketplace, etc. and I can’t really explain why, but they’re the one I’ve wanted since I found them. So, when they sent over the partial request back in March, I was thrilled, and when they followed up last week to request the rest of the manuscript, I couldn’t have been happier.
I did query one agent from my original list that I couldn’t query before since they weren’t accepting submissions back then, but are open now.
I’m not usually a “put all your eggs in one basket” kind of person, but I’m finding it hard to consider another round of queries while this agent has my full. I know all the logical reasons to have others, including leverage and whatnot should someone offer, but I guess this is just where I admit that I’m letting my emotional brain take over a little bit these days. I’m not managing my expectations, and I’m following my feelings, which are both so counter to how I typically operate. I’m going with it, though.
LOTS OF REJECTION
27 rejections, including the ones I closed out for no response and the ones who requested my manuscript but passed.
The Universe has a sense of humor! I posted about how it had been quiet on my querying journey as of late, and about how I wouldn’t be managing my expectations—meaning, if I was excited, I’d just let myself be excited and not try to temper that as a means of self-protection. It’s something I’ve been working on for a while now, if I’m being honest. I decided I’d let myself feel ALL the feelings in the moment as they came up, regardless of how illogical that seemed. The Universe was like “Yeah? Bet. Let’s see if you really mean that” and promptly sent me two manuscript rejections the next day. LOL! After weeks and weeks of silence, I finally hear back from the agents that requested, only to have two of them reject the project, the day after I declared I’d allow myself to be excited about the process.
I’m happy to report that, at least as of right now, I’m pretty sure I really have learned the lesson I’ve been working on for the past year or so… I’ve still enjoyed experiencing the full range of happy feelings, celebrating those victories, even if bad news followed not long after. Ignoring my excitement wouldn’t have protected me from the disappointment of those rejections, and it was wonderful to feel those happy vibes in the meantime.
I RECEIVED ANOTHER MANUSCRIPT REQUEST… SORTA
Back in March an agent requested a partial manuscript (50 pages).
They emailed about a week ago asking for the full.
This agent is in my top 3, so to say I was excited is an understatement.
It’s hard not to feel fear creeping in since I just had my full manuscript rejected by 2 other agents, but overall I’m feeling optimistic. I’m super annoyed at myself because I sent my second to final draft instead of my final. It’s mostly the same, but in the final draft I’d caught a few minor errors and clarified a scene near the climax of the book. Rereading the version I sent them, I was cringing at that pivotal scene because it’s confusing in that iteration. I’m just hoping it’s not so distracting that it overshadows the rest of the book, which I feel really confident about.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I won’t lie and say that the rejections on my full didn’t shake me a little bit; they did. I’ve found myself questioning what I could have done differently or better, and since the rejections didn’t provide a ton of feedback other than “the story is great” and “you’re a talented writer” but ultimately, “it’s not the right fit for my list at this time”, I don’t have much else to go on but my own thoughts. No amount of “I’m sure you’ll have no problem finding an agent to represent your work” would be able to banish those little, lingering doubts and insecurities.
But was also able to enjoy and celebrate the excitement I felt when that other agent requested the full after reading the first 50 pages. With the exception of that one scene, I feel like my book only gets better from there. I’m crossing fingers and toes that they agree and offer representation. So, while I’m allowing myself the space to feel the disappointment of the others, I’m also focused on what’s going well right now.
Whether I decide to query additional agents or not, I’m proud of what I’ve done so far, and I’m proud of my writing. I’m going to keep working on future projects, and if I end up querying more people, I’ll be sure to update here so that I can track how those go as well. Until then, wish me luck!
Today’s date: April 21st, 2024
