I have made quite a few submissions and frequently I have heard nothing more. With my latest attempt, I have been getting positive responses. A few have enjoyed the book, even liked the idea. Several say very encouragingly to try elsewhere.
What is common is that they say the book is not for them, sometimes adding 'at the moment'. One said she just did not like it enough.
In all of this I know getting any response and even more a positive one, is rare. I am left feeling that it is taking on a novice that is really putting them off.
What do others think? I should add I am male and retired.
Hello Tony,
Might I ask how your search is going one-year on? I’m in the same position as you were in Jan 2023.
Meg, Hi,
Frankly no further on. I have a number of books under my belt and send them all around in phases with the same results. Of course many are no reply at all. I think the market is might tighter, especially with the big names in entertainment dominating the scene. I alternate from despondency to enthusiasm through all the stages. I will say that a proposal is hard work in the sense you need to target the agent individually. With a few that give you no clue at all that is not easy! I think my next strategy will be to try a few short stories be it the US market or competitions. I don't know if anyone has any experience here
In reply to Hello Tony, Might I ask how… by MegP
Hi Tony,
I'm sorry to hear that you're having difficulty during the submission process! What Victoria said is absolutely right. If you're receiving positive feedback about your story that is a great sign. I know it must feel hard to take that positive feedback and encouraging tone when they're ultimately passing onto your work, but do hold onto that feeling.
I actually wrote an article about tips on managing the submission process, which you can find here: https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/advice/10-tips-help-you-manage-subm…
Be kind to yourself!
It's always difficult finding an agent. I've long-since held the fantasy that I would go about it like a character from Hustle, ensuring their day was full of cues that would help them find my work appealing or somehow relevant. I wouldn't, but it's a fun thought.
If the tone of the rejections is encouraging, be encouraged! Remember, many great books were rejected several times before publication. Yes, being a novice will put them off. I'm sure many would admit to that. Launching someone new is hard. But that doesn't mean no one will. If you believe in the work, keep going.