I think my problem with my manuscript after having queried a small amount of agents, was that I loved the story, but felt there were parts I could still improve on. I just didn’t really know where to start. I had hoped the book would get signed, an editor assigned to me, and then they would help make it perfect. Wrong. The problem is, they see the same faults we do. They want us to get our books as close to perfect as we can before they sign. I don’t blame them. This is why I hired my own editor (Alison Williams) who I adore working with. She is helping me to get Adeline’s story to where I am proud to send it to agents knowing it is the best I can make it.

As always, thank you for your comments, Sheila. It is nice to see you coming back each day 🙂

It’s so very true. Agents advice is very subjective as would be anyone’s who reads your work. Having said that, their opinion should still carry weight as they’ve been in the business longer and have seen a lot of what works and what doesn’t. Thanks for stopping by, J.R.!

I’m excitedly dreading the point when my manuscript will be ready for query submissions. I’ve been trying to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for the rejections that I’m sure will happen, but it helps to keep things in perspective and I totally agree with your advice to listen and consider suggestions that agents make.

I like how you stressed ‘can take their suggestions’ but still let writers know it’s in their hands whether or not they will.

J.R.

That sounds about right! Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell, was rejected 38 times. Agatha Christie’s books were rejected for over five years before they were finally picked up for publishing! I find it amazing that so many famous authors struggled with this same thing when they first began. It makes the journey to publication, and getting the rejections, a little easier to manage when I know that I’m in good company.

That is so true! I bolstered my confidence against rejection by doing a lot of research prior to querying. The research told me how much rejection happens in this business and not to be put off by it. It’s just a stepping stone to getting where you want to be!

Thank you, Jackie! The more you get, the easier it gets. That’s why, when an agent leaves constructive feedback, it is that much more special. Something in your writing struck them enough to want to take a moment to write a personalized response. Those are the best kinds of rejections 🙂

That is great that you didn’t let the comments of one professor (who sounds like he was off-base in his feedback) stop you from your writing! Not everyone would have pushed forward after that. It just goes to show, you shouldn’t let rejection stop you from what you love. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by, Saraallie. I hope to see you again!