Writing Update: Querying #9
I heard back from an agent who had my full manuscript, and the feedback they gave was amazing!
I’m resisting the urge to hide away and do nothing but write, but not very well! I kinda wish I could rent a cabin somewhere in the woods and do nothing but work by a crackling fireplace for the next week! Since I can’t do that, I’ll make my own space as cozy as possible. But before I get into the details of this update, let’s do the quick stats. They’re easy this time!
REJECTIONS
I have received 0 rejections since last update.
FULL REQUESTS
I have received 0 full requests since last update.
REVISE & RESUBMIT
I received 1 R&R since last update.
New Energy
When I first opened that email, there was a mixture of emotion. I was disappointed, because they are one of the agents I’m most interested in, and they said in the second paragraph that they would not be offering representation on this draft…
That’s not the end of it, though! They won’t be offering on this draft. However, they were generous with their time and energy, and provided wonderful feedback on my manuscript, including all the things they loved about the story, the characters, and my writing. When detailing the critiques and concerns, they were honest and clear while also being incredibly kind and encouraging. They reiterated that they were interested in reading a revised submission if I was willing to incorporate some of their changes and suggestions.
So, while I obviously would have loved an offer of representation, I’m also eager to rise to the challenge and make my book even better. It’s given me some fresh energy, and it came at the perfect time. I just completed the first draft of NLTO this past week, so I was able to spend the rest of the week outlining my revision plan.
Feedback & My Plan
Their editorial letter included several suggestions and ideas to improve certain elements, and specified things that weren’t working on a larger scale (namely, I need to strengthen some characterization and work on the tension/heightening the stakes toward the end).
I love that they want more on the character side of things because I feel like I lost some of what I’d intended when I originally outlined the plot and identified themes and questions I wanted to explore. If an agent noticed it and I already had that concern, it’s worth paying attention to. Especially when my favorite part of writing stories is the internal world of my characters as they navigate relationships, tackle heavy themes, and develop as people. My personal projects lean for more interior, so it’s actually energizing to be able to dive deeper into it during these revisions, because I think that’s how I’m going to be able to show those progressions better (through her interiority), which will inevitably also reflect in her actions on the page. Hopefully it’ll help us feel more grounded in who she is and how she’s changing throughout her various stages of life.
I have always been one to enjoy critique. So long as it’s coming from a constructive place, I welcome feedback even when it’s critical, because I want my work to be the absolute best it can be. And I’ve found that happens most effectively when I’m open to what others have to say on it, and apply the things that enhance the piece. In this particular case, I agreed with literally every point they made. When things resonate in this way, it’s easy to put my editing hat on and get busy. I hadn’t looked at this project in months, but it’s fun to go back into this world.
I created my checklists for the major revision points, breaking down each one into actionable tasks. I’ve set timelines for myself to stay on track with them, and was able to then use that to create a new outline for the manuscript. I took a look at where everything fell and saw where I could add a few scenes to address some of the issues. Then, I created my spreadsheet, showing where each scene falls currently, including word counts on each chapter, breaking the story down into percentages. I like certain beats to hit at certain points percentage-wise (it’s a range, not exact) so that I can make sure that any changes I make only move those marks closer to where I want them. My spreadsheet will track scene completion, mark where it lands within the story, and insure I’m staying near my structural goals.
I was immediately able to identify some issues, and I’ll be rearranging some things to improve that structure. I think it’ll really help with the point this agent identified, which is that the rising action and climax feel quiet. Some of that is the way I wrote those scenes themselves, but some of it may also be pacing, both leading up to it and afterward. The resolution felt less satisfying than I’d like, because it was longer than the climactic parts, throwing off that balance. I’ve changed the climax entirely at this point, and at least at first pass, it’s sitting right where I want it in the overall flow of the story.
Now that I’ve got the bones of the new structure constructed, and I’ve written the new scenes, it’s a matter of going through the manuscript in at least 2 full passes to incorporate the other changes/suggestions and smooth any remaining edges out before sending to my readers. After they get back to me, I’ll apply whatever resonates from their feedback. Only then will I resubmit to this agent. I don’t want to lose an opportunity by rushing.
I think if I disagreed with their feedback, or felt like they wanted to change my whole story, I’d be feeling very differently. I know authors who have received R&R’s that ask them to change fundamental elements of their stories, and they were understandably hesitant to take on that revision. In fact, two of them opted not to do it, and passed on pursuing an opportunity with those agents. For me, what matters is that their vision aligns with what I’d like to see my story be. Because it does, I’m more than willing to do the revisions and see where we end up.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I’ve read that email at least a dozen times now, and not all of them have been to organize my revision plan! Haha! I fully admit that I’ve read it a couple of times just because I can. Just because an agent took the time to read my whole manuscript and offer their expertise and encouragement. Even though they didn’t offer, it felt like a win to read such thoughtful things from an industry professional. If anything, it’s only made me want to work with them even more, because if that’s how they offer editorial notes to someone they don’t even represent, I know they’ll do the same or more for their own clients. I like the way they communicate, and as an autistic person, that’s a huge part of any relationship for me, professional or not.
I’ll be working on this R&R over the coming weeks, so wish me luck!
Today’s date: May 20th, 2024
