I’m querying too! Thanks for the tips. ❤️ I got a a MS request within 36 hours from a top agent and she read my MS and provided amazing, actionable feedback which I fixed but I asked if she would look again (because she passed and didn’t say revise and resubmit 🙈😬) but now I’m just getting rejections (okay at least 10 thus far). But I remain hopeful (or delusional 🤣🤪) that there will be one out there as it only takes one. And I’m only into my second month. Good luck. 🤞🏻🥰🫶🏻
Loved this post, and it most definitely resonated as I'm also immersed in the querying process. FWIW, before I went to spreadsheet (I'm sort of an Excel freak), I used large form art paper to create my initial list. (There was something about writing the names/agencies and 'ratings" --I used A/B/C--in different-colored glitter pens that made the task feel less onerous--and also served to cement the names on my list and in my memory.)
Additionally, I used the new AI Agent Matcher feature on Publishers Marketplace--where you feed your one sentence pitch and are delivered results based on that. It's imperfect, but you can see where there is repetition in names.
Finally, what I found--and I wonder if this is your experience? Is that there is often inconsistency of information on the agency's website as compared to the agent's Manuscript Wishlist and/or Publishers Marketplace home page. For example--some agents who say they are looking for historical fiction in one place might say in another, that they only want contemporary fiction.
Querying--as you detail so well in this post--is a process that requires commitment and care, and also one that is, as you say, a numbers game. I think it also requires a certain emotional detachment. My goal is to get to "100 Rejections" before I let it go....and the way I've come to see it (she says with a giggle) is that every rejection gets me a little closer to the goal.
And I think the other thing that has helped me achieve peace is knowing that I'm incredibly proud of my novel--regardless of what happens from here. (It took me a long time to get to this place--many drafts--lots of independent editors and great feedback.)
Great tips--I'm saving this email for when I begin the querying process! (I'm currently revising my WIP.) Best of luck to you on your adventure! And thank you for the link to the article on Diane Keaton. She was one of my favorite actresses.
I’m querying too! Thanks for the tips. ❤️ I got a a MS request within 36 hours from a top agent and she read my MS and provided amazing, actionable feedback which I fixed but I asked if she would look again (because she passed and didn’t say revise and resubmit 🙈😬) but now I’m just getting rejections (okay at least 10 thus far). But I remain hopeful (or delusional 🤣🤪) that there will be one out there as it only takes one. And I’m only into my second month. Good luck. 🤞🏻🥰🫶🏻
Loved this post, and it most definitely resonated as I'm also immersed in the querying process. FWIW, before I went to spreadsheet (I'm sort of an Excel freak), I used large form art paper to create my initial list. (There was something about writing the names/agencies and 'ratings" --I used A/B/C--in different-colored glitter pens that made the task feel less onerous--and also served to cement the names on my list and in my memory.)
Additionally, I used the new AI Agent Matcher feature on Publishers Marketplace--where you feed your one sentence pitch and are delivered results based on that. It's imperfect, but you can see where there is repetition in names.
Finally, what I found--and I wonder if this is your experience? Is that there is often inconsistency of information on the agency's website as compared to the agent's Manuscript Wishlist and/or Publishers Marketplace home page. For example--some agents who say they are looking for historical fiction in one place might say in another, that they only want contemporary fiction.
Querying--as you detail so well in this post--is a process that requires commitment and care, and also one that is, as you say, a numbers game. I think it also requires a certain emotional detachment. My goal is to get to "100 Rejections" before I let it go....and the way I've come to see it (she says with a giggle) is that every rejection gets me a little closer to the goal.
And I think the other thing that has helped me achieve peace is knowing that I'm incredibly proud of my novel--regardless of what happens from here. (It took me a long time to get to this place--many drafts--lots of independent editors and great feedback.)
Wishing you success on your journey! Diana
Ohhh I didn’t know about this AI tool in Publisher’s Marketplace. I also have a spreadsheet. 🙏🏻🫶🏻
Great tips--I'm saving this email for when I begin the querying process! (I'm currently revising my WIP.) Best of luck to you on your adventure! And thank you for the link to the article on Diane Keaton. She was one of my favorite actresses.