Hi
I finished my novel last year and have so far submitted to around 25 agents- still awaiting four replies from last batch. I had a request for the full ms in February from a large agency but the agent then said she hadn't fallen in love with it as she thought she would but that I was a very talented writer and that she would encourage me to continue submitting until I found someone who did. She also said she thought PERHAPS the plot needed work which confused me a little as the plot was very clear from the synopsis so can't work out why she asked for the full in that case! Another said she liked the idea but didn't like the way I had executed it on the basis of synopsis and first three chapters. I am wondering if I should continue to submit. Any advice based on what they have said would be appreciated but I can't go anywhere near affording to pay for readers or editorial. I really don't know where to go from here. Keep plugging away as- 21 seems an awful lot of"no thanks" (of those who bothered to answer at all) - or put it back in the drawer and do something else. Help!
Hi Anne
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer and good luck with your work- I'm sure you will get there in the end!. I have tried to do as you suggest in the past but as you say it is very difficult. Part of the problem is the critisisms are very vague and really not terribly constructive or helpful."Perhaps the plot needs work" (Does it or not??) "I don't like the way you have executed it" (Subjective and not really giving a clue as to why) are the only thing I've had so far which don't help much.I have looked at the plot and can't see any issues but allowing for subjectivity they would probably have to be glaring. I really am at a loss!!
Hi Heather, if you dont mind advise from someone who has never submitted a manuscript here goes. From what you have said above you have had complimentary comments from people who know what they are talking about. However, there are obviously things they don't like. It is really hard to be objective sometimes with your own work, particularly when you have spent so much time and effort getting to where you are but try to take a step backt. Look at the constructive criticisms and then look at your MS again. Perhaps it just needs a bit of tweaking for it to be accepted. Whatever you do dont give up. Best of luck I only wish I was where you are now rejections or not!
Kind Regards
Anne