When you submit a manuscript or query to an agent, you may wonder what happens to it, and what our thought processes are regarding the properties we offer to represent versus those we must respectfully decline. Every agent is different, but you may find learning about my process helpful.
I have a very smart assistant. When she reviews my slush pile submissions, she goes through a winnowing process.
The first submissions she rejects are those that are obviously not a fit for me. These include:
1.) Stream of consciousness submissions. If she can’t figure out what you are talking about, she sends it back. By this we don’t mean that we don’t understand systematic theology. It means that the query letter is incoherent.
2.) Error-ridden letters. Even the best of us can type “here” when we meant to type “hear” but more than one error in a final letter is a red flag that either the author is not well-versed in basic grammar or will turn in careless, sloppy work.
3.) We rarely acknowledge queries sent as an email blast in the cc line to the entire industry. It is a form of spam. Target a select few and then personalize your proposal to each.
4.) Books that aren’t in categories we represent.
Submissions that bypass these four problems, among others, and otherwise show promise are passed on to a reader. The reader looks for factors such as:
1.) Excellent writing.
2.) For fiction, coherent plot.
3.) For nonfiction, whether the intended audience is likely to connect with the topic.
4.) Overall message of book, whether fiction or nonfiction.
Our reviewer’s opinion carries weight. If the manuscript doesn’t pass muster, the reviewer reports as to why it doesn’t. Based on the evaluation, unless my assistant has an extremely good reason to disagree, a rejection is sent. But if it survives that initial read, then the submission is sent to me for final evaluation. At that time, I must consider many factors as I make my final decision. The factors differ, depending on the author’s publishing history, type of manuscript in question, and my belief in its marketability. The main point to remember is that rejections from my office are never a reflection of a writer as a person, and I think most agents would make the same statement. I wrote books and articles for many years, so I know what receiving a rejection letter feels like. Since so much of yourself is put into your work, rejection does feel personal. One of the most difficult parts of my job is sending a rejection notice to an author I know and like. But if I waste her time, mine, and the editor’s, then attempts to market out of a sense of friendship won’t help any of us.
On the flip side, when I do offer representation, you can be confident that in my representation, you will have the full support of The Steve Laube Agency.
Your Turn:
What is the longest you’ve had to wait for an agent to reject or accept your work?
Did you earn an offer of representation for your first manuscript, or did you write several books before finding success?
Yes, my first MS did get picked up by an agent, but I let the contract run out after six months for a variety of reasons (poor communication being high on the list). And I’d say that two-three months was the max I had to wait for rejections on queries, for the most part.
I’m thankful every day for the agent who plucked my current MS out of the slush pile and is now one of my biggest champions. A good agent is worth his/her weight in GOLD, so keep looking till you find one on board with your mission!
What a relief to hear I’m not the only one who never heard back from an agent/editor on a submission! I have attended numerous writers conferences where I’ve had the privilege of meeting with editors and agents, several of which have requested my book proposal. Unfortunately, most haven’t responded at all.
Without a doubt, it’s been tough. But, as Nietzsche said, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” My past successes have encouraged me as a writer and I believe God called me to this, so what else is there to do but keep going and seek His guidance? Though I would have loved actual feedback instead of silence, I know it must not have been the right fit.
Great post, Tamela. When I first started writing, I’d get rejections by return mail. But now that my writing has improved (working with Susan May Warren at Deep Thinker retreats),the wait is much longer. ;>)
Seriously, I’ve had some really helpful and encouraging rejection letters lately. Bottom line, it’s not my timing that’s important. It’s His, and when He thinks I’m ready, He’ll bring it to pass. After all, I am the apple of His eye! His favorite! (So are you)
These infinite waits (on the part of publishers, this time — a fact of life with which I’m more familiar) are part of what’s making authors go direct-to-reader. If “no answer means no” becomes industry standard, how many writers will have the patience or pluck to simply sit there and take it? My guess is that it might be a decreasing number, as time goes on. We’ll see.
‘Course, I’ve been known to get rejections on manuscripts I never even sent to that particular house…
P.S., I’d love to challenge editors not to ask for submissions at conferences if they know from the pitch that there’s no chance they will ever seriously consider that project. This is meant to be “nice”, but in my view it’s disingenuous.