Very timely as I just got my NO from a March query submission. It went down like this: I enter contest and get in portfolio showcase. Agent from premiere illustration agency sees and requests my dummy. I send submission. Crickets. In June, I nudge with more work. More crickets. I write them off as a CNR. Two weeks ago, I get an email from the brand new associate agent responding to my nudge, asking to resend my dummy because they can’t find it. I send an updated version. Yesterday I get my no, citing “We love the story and the writing but we would like the portfolio to be more developed.” Fair enough! But why did they need me to resend the dummy if it was all about the portfolio? They could have looked at that and made the judgment back in June. No, I’m not bitter BUT…But.. after all that something a little less vague would have been helpful. I realize nothing about this process is about me, and the humans on the other side are overloaded and doing the best they can. But even choosing a more descriptive word from “developed” could be helpful after an 8th month wait. Not to mention saving me the late night sleuthing of how my portfolio is lacking. Sigh… so your tough love was good to read this morning… if a bit frustrating. Thank you. And a side note: Move On is my theme song and has been since I was in my 20’s. It speaks volumes of how to approach this process.
Wow! I knew it was going to be tough to get an agent but not this tough. Like shall I even bother pitching my book? I’m serialising it here on Substack: rosygee.substack.com Would love to hear from anybody who feels inclined to boost my morale - even temporarily.
Yesterday, I received a response to a query I had sent out less than a week ago. It was a polite "no." I was grateful to hear back at all. That it arrived so quickly made it feel extra thoughtful, even kinda poignant.
Thank you Kate for once again humanizing the role of an agent and detailing the challenges that they face when passing on a query. As an author, the "no thank you" without much of an explanation still stings, but knowing that agents WISH they could do more to help writers out is soothing. Like always, your honestly and willingness to inform and encourage authors who are seeking representation is greatly appreciated!!
Helpful and scary...just completed the final edit on my novel (after 22 years of weaving words together) Now I understand that the journey to getting my words out into the world will be a whole new adventure. Looking forward to more of your wisdom as I go forward to getting my words out into the world.
Very helpful newsletter. I remember being rejected by one agent who I've totally forgotten now. Thank Goodness. I asked about his favorite writer and he gave me 10. OKAY , I Thought. Then at a different time I asked him about his favorite book and he gave me 10. I guess I'm going to think that he's not the best agent for me.
Very timely as I just got my NO from a March query submission. It went down like this: I enter contest and get in portfolio showcase. Agent from premiere illustration agency sees and requests my dummy. I send submission. Crickets. In June, I nudge with more work. More crickets. I write them off as a CNR. Two weeks ago, I get an email from the brand new associate agent responding to my nudge, asking to resend my dummy because they can’t find it. I send an updated version. Yesterday I get my no, citing “We love the story and the writing but we would like the portfolio to be more developed.” Fair enough! But why did they need me to resend the dummy if it was all about the portfolio? They could have looked at that and made the judgment back in June. No, I’m not bitter BUT…But.. after all that something a little less vague would have been helpful. I realize nothing about this process is about me, and the humans on the other side are overloaded and doing the best they can. But even choosing a more descriptive word from “developed” could be helpful after an 8th month wait. Not to mention saving me the late night sleuthing of how my portfolio is lacking. Sigh… so your tough love was good to read this morning… if a bit frustrating. Thank you. And a side note: Move On is my theme song and has been since I was in my 20’s. It speaks volumes of how to approach this process.
"Fuck odds. Write your book." One of the best lines I've ever read in this or any other writing/publishing newsletter. You rock Kate.
Wow! I knew it was going to be tough to get an agent but not this tough. Like shall I even bother pitching my book? I’m serialising it here on Substack: rosygee.substack.com Would love to hear from anybody who feels inclined to boost my morale - even temporarily.
Yesterday, I received a response to a query I had sent out less than a week ago. It was a polite "no." I was grateful to hear back at all. That it arrived so quickly made it feel extra thoughtful, even kinda poignant.
Great piece.
Thank you Kate for once again humanizing the role of an agent and detailing the challenges that they face when passing on a query. As an author, the "no thank you" without much of an explanation still stings, but knowing that agents WISH they could do more to help writers out is soothing. Like always, your honestly and willingness to inform and encourage authors who are seeking representation is greatly appreciated!!
Helpful and scary...just completed the final edit on my novel (after 22 years of weaving words together) Now I understand that the journey to getting my words out into the world will be a whole new adventure. Looking forward to more of your wisdom as I go forward to getting my words out into the world.
Very helpful newsletter. I remember being rejected by one agent who I've totally forgotten now. Thank Goodness. I asked about his favorite writer and he gave me 10. OKAY , I Thought. Then at a different time I asked him about his favorite book and he gave me 10. I guess I'm going to think that he's not the best agent for me.