Ouch!

I spent the weekend perfecting and working on my queries to a list of select agents that I hand picked to send my query and samples (if they accepted samples) to, via email for the agents that are ‘green’ or e-friendly. I took the time to research each agent’s profile and the agency profile. I took the time to personalize every query, proofread each one about a jillion times, and then sent off about eight of them this weekend and then promised myself I wasn’t going to hold my breath or frantically refresh the inbox.

I wasn’t expecting to hear from anyone this morning.

I did.

Now I wish I hadn’t.

I got my first agent rejection.

Did I mention, ouch?

Ouch!

It was a form letter, but a polite one, from an agent with an agency that wasn’t on the top of my list, but was a decent agency. It was honestly a bit of a stretch that this particular agent would want my manuscript, but I have a manuscript in the works he would really like, I think, so I took a shot with this one to feel him out.

I really was prepared for the rejection.

Still, it hurts.

What do you mean, they don’t want ME? How could they possibly not want me? whhhaaaaaa!

One day, when I’m a rich and famous multiple best selling author, I will remember this man fondly as the first agent to reject me. I mean that, seriously, not sarcastically.

So, time to find my gratitude.

• I am grateful he responded at all; some agents don’t.
• I am grateful that he rejected me so quickly, so I did not have to agonize over his decision.
• I am grateful he sent a form letter so I wouldn’t pick apart every little word he said wondering what it meant.
• I am grateful this wasn’t a rejection from the agency I was most interested in representing me.
• I am grateful to get this first rejection under my belt, so I can honestly say I’m querying agents, and feel all official and stuff.
• I’m grateful I didn’t cry when I read the email, though I did pout for a short time.
• I am grateful this agent only rejected my query, and was not one of the agents I sent a partial manuscript to, so I know he only didn’t want the concept and not the writing itself.
• I’m grateful he rejected me early enough I was able to blog about it and share it with you guys.

I’m sure as the day wears on, I’ll find additional things to be grateful for.

For now, I’ll keep searching for the perfect fit for my book and me, and hopefully I’ll be a good fit for them too. I have 7 more agents/agencies on the list, and I’ll add more as I research and learn about them.

I’ll keep you guys updated on my progress.

Now, if I can submit a query and get rejected and not cry and then turn around and make a blog post out of it, then you guys can at least finish writing your novels or get your queries written, and start making your list.

In fact, when you find yourself stalling on your novel writing, why not go agent searching? It’s sorta like dream building, or a dream board, only it’s an dream agent board. Read about the agents, check out the websites of different agencies, get a feel for the folks who are behind the scenes that make all the dreams you have happen.

You’ll get all excited and start writing again!

For now, that’s where I have to go. Lots to do today, and only so many people can fit inside my head at one time before I explode.

Love and stuff,
Michy

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