I have had five rejections now. I am still not crying in my coffee. All of the rejections have been personal to me. One as you know was a Ms Smy but very supportive. The rest have been Dear Glynis, keep trying.
This is my latest:
Dear Glynis,
Thank you for your query. Although it sounds like an interesting novel, I’m sorry to report it’s not quite right for my list. So I’ll have to pass. I certainly appreciate your thinking of me with your work, and I wish you the best in your search for suitable representation.
Now how lovely is that one?
This letter made me look at my genre, and I am now thinking I have placed my novel into the wrong one. I had sub genred it into Historical Romance Thriller, but having looked at those who have rejected and said it is not right for their list, I think I have made a boo boo.
I now think my novel is more Historical Crime (With a Romantic twist for the women's fiction market).
Has this happened to you? Have you ever had to change genre half way through the submission process?
I know why I have gone off on the wrong road, it was my POV's fault. She started off as the MC for a pleasant Historical Romance, but a few chapters in, she changed everything, and became part of a crime story.
See, it wasn't my error after all, it was Kitty Harper's!
9 Comments:
Glynis-I'm not to this point but I want to thank you for sharing all of this. I'm learning so much.
Mary
The rejections are almost always this vague. You have to figure out what's wrong. Sounds like you're on the right track with the genre labeling change. And yes, keep trying!!
Ann
Mary, it is a learning curve all the way!
Ann, yes I read between the lines. The genre change will open up the field for me as well.
Thanks for visiting me today ladies.
Sometimes I think it's hard to put a book into one certain genre. For the most part, a book is a little of this and a little of that to make it work. What if you expand into all genres that your book could possible fall into and send your letters to all. I know it would be extra work for you, but you never know which editor might love your book had they had the chance to read it. Just a thought to ponder. Good luck.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
That is a good idea, Mason. I don't mind the work. I actually enjoy querying, that is how crazy I am. Thanks for the tip and for visiting me today.
Great attitude, Glynis!
I follow several sites that critique and review queries if you're interested. Maybe they could help with the problem Kitty created.
Polite rejections have to be the best kind of rejection - sending no message has to be the worst.
Alex, thanks I will think about your offer. I have a couple of people looking at them for me at the moment.
Elaine, yes I love my rejections, it shows good manners and thoughtfulness on the part of the busy agents.
Thanks for visiting me today.
That has to be one of the nicest rejections I've ever read.
I haven't ever change genre, but I know someone that I have suggested that she do so. She never went for the idea, and I think that's part of the reason her book hasn't sold yet.
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