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art, blog, Fiction, Martin J Frankson, Noir, Pmartinwriter, publishing, writing
Well, it’s a landmark that almost all writers experience; the rejection letter. Firstly, it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. I shan’t mention the agency in fear of prejusticing future dealings but they did reply very positively:
“you are undoubtedly a very talented writer and there’s much to enjoy in the chapters. Although I really enjoyed your work, my reaction wasn’t strong enough to represent it”
The agent continues…
“The main concern to me was I got a bit thrown by the structure and jumps in narratives. In the commercial market, it’s really important that the characters don’t overshadow the story”
In short, there were only 3 chapters to judge my entire novel on. Within those 3 chapters, I had two POVs. I feel perhaps that this gave the impression that my novel was too experimental and jerky.
I know it’s not like that but I didn’t give this impresssion. This is how the industry works and there’s no point in complaining about. As a writer, I have to fully understand the industry insofar as knowing exactly who I am sending my manuscript too.
I did my research in that I sent my submission to an agent with many great crime writers on their roster but I should have known that perhaps the mood and tone of my work didn’t fit with the mood and tone of the writing that agency represented.
We all know not to send our crime and noir masterpieces to Mills and Boon but it’s not quite enough to just send your work to any old agent of crime fiction.
Read widely in your genre. Get to know whose writing style closely resembles yours. In doing so, you’ll be able to target your submissions that little bit more smartly.
The agent who rejected me did so because she knows what works in her camp. At the end of they day, she can’t spend time or money on writing which will may not fit into her agency’s brand which in turn may not sit well with the other stable mates.
As I said, work with with the industry and work it to your advantage. There is an agency and publisher out there for you but you have to kiss many frogs!
Good luck and happy hunting
Hi Martin
The fact that you got any feedback at all is a great thing and it means that you’re doing something right. Most agents will tell you flat out that they can’t send personalised responses. And I think as the slush pile gets larger, this will increasingly be the case. Keep plugging away and be very happy that someone out there thinks “you are undoubtedly a very talented writer”!
Thanks very much Derek! yeah, I’m under no allusions as to the difficulty ahead but I’m keeping digging and some day, my tunnelling will hit the sunshine of a bookdeal… I hope!! A lot of agents won’t reply at all and I was fortunate to have chosen a well regarded and considerate agent for my debut submission
Hello My Good Friend Patrick,
Please do not be discouraged by your recent rejection. I feel your pain, as I have read similar letters of rejection. Keep your passion hot and the writing going, you are sure to find your way to success soon my friend…I believe in you!
I’m truly touched by those comments Stephanie. Your encouragement is truly wonderful. x
I agree with Derek here Patrick. To receive such a personal response and feedback from an agent is a positive sign. You know your stuff. You do the research. With a rejection letter like that, I have no doubt that you will find representation for this novel with someone. Good luck with it!
Thanks Rebecca! That’s v nice of you to say so. I’ve restructured it since then and resubmitted so fingers crossed!
Rejections are so grim & awful to get, but as folks are saying on here the fact you got feedback is an encouraging sign, I think. We keep on keeping on, us writers don’t we? Good luck! Cath
Thank you Cath and how true. True artists don’t give up. Art is our blood