November last year, I started to submit my fantasy YA novel to agents. I freely admit that I committed one of the major cardinal sins of writers - querying too early. Since then, I have editing and polished the MS until it shone, with the help of some very talented beta readers. The story is much stronger now than it had been back in November. I honestly can't think of anything that I would change in the story.
That said, I accumulated a lot of rejection letters from my first query-go-around for this novel, many of which were just on the query letter itself, without a writing sample. I also revamped the query letter. It's much stronger now.
So my question is, is it all right to re-query agents? I was only planning on re-querying the ones who rejected the story passed on the old query letter, although I could mention that the novel has been revised since they had last read it. Should I mention that they already rejected the novel?
Querying agents is hard work, and despite all of the agents' blogs that I read, and authors who have agents, I can't help but have some questions. Not that I think there is one right answer for everyone.
And for those that are curious, here are my query stats for my other novel, Hidden in Shadows:
queries sent: 40
rejections: 11
partial requests: 4 (2 rejected)
7 comments:
I wish I could be more help, but I haven't even begun querying agents because I know my novels aren't ready for that stage in the process.
If you do re-query, I would mention that the novel has undergone revisions, but I don't know whether or not you should mention that they rejected it before.
I just don't know, but I do wish you the best of luck!
I also left you the Versatile Blogger Award on my blog. I enjoy reading your blog, and thank you for sharing your writing journey with us. Also, thank you for being a friend. I can't wait until the third Kingdom of Arnhem book comes out!
http://cheriereich.blogspot.com/2010/07/versatile-blogger-award.html
Your query stats look a lot like mine! If you changed the title, I bet they'd think it was an entirely different book. That would get you around the re-querying part of it.
I don't think a lot of them will be very happy to see another query for the same book from what I've read on their blogs and online.
Thanks for the award, Cherie!
I have changed the title, Aubrie, so that's a very good point. Although I'm thinking of changing it yet again. Hm...
You have a beautiful blog, Nicole! Thanks for the follow, and I look forward to reading more from you, too.
I'm working my way through the first draft of my first novel, so I'm no help at all on the subject of querying. I plan to check back, though, and read the advice you draw from others further into the journey than I am. So, thanks in advance!
Best of luck with both your ongoing projects :))
I have no idea! I'm sorry I'm not much help. I think I'd be hesitant to re-send to the same agent, but that's just me.
Have you ever visited the boards at VerlaKay.com? If you post the question, other writers will answer!
Thanks, Nicole! Your blog looks great. Btw, I love your name, lol :)
I'm hesitant too, Julie, that's why I thought I would ask for everyone's opinion. I just would really hate to lose out on getting an agent because I queried too early. And I'll definitely have to check out VerlaKay.com, thanks!
Post a Comment