One important lesson I have learned over the years trying to sell manuscripts is that I had to develop a thick skin and learn to accept constructive criticism and rejection.
The agents who look over proposals are professionals and must feel strongly about a story before taking it on -- and putting their reputations on the line -- and pitching it to the rest of their agency or to publishers.
Got a "rejection" e-mail over the the weekend. The lady was kind enough to even offer a suggestion for improving the manuscript, which many don't bother to take the time to do. Here's a portion of that e-mail: "I read the material with interest, and do think the project shows potential, but for now, I'm going to wait. I think the story needs a conclusion, and since the trial is coming up early next year, the final outcome in still in the offing. The verdict will have a major impact on how this story will be viewed by publishers, so it's a little premature to shop it."
As cordial as it is, it's still a rejection and I've got to keep searching for an agent that's a perfect fit. Wish me luck.
Keep writing!
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Comments
It certainly has her interest....don't give up on this agent. That excerpt tells me "Hey, I want to see how it turns out." It's not so much a rejection, but a suggestion to put the whole development of the case in the book. I think it's going to do well, Sonny. It's a story that needs to be told and you are the writer to do it. No one else. Keep it up. :-)
October 9, 2008 at 8:23 a.m.