So, I tackled rejection a couple of entries ago, but after reading one of the blogs I follow, decided it was worth revisiting. Suzie Townsend, an agent I've had my eye on for a while, just offered a wonderful opportunity on her blog. Check it out here. She will read your query and a few sample pages next week and respond with an answer of why she is passing or with a request for more. You'll notice her entry is titled, Can You Handle the Truth? It made me wonder. Can I handle it? Lord, I hope so. What better way to learn from someone who knows exactly what I may be doing wrong. I don't think I can pass up this opportunity and encourage you not to either.
A couple of years ago, I queried an agent at a prestigious literary agency. This particular agency has you send only the query letter first. I was so excited when she requested a partial and sent it immediately. After what felt like an interminable 2 or 3 weeks, she responded saying she would have to pass. Bummer but what she wrote next totally changed my writing. She wrote (and I'm paraphrasing), While I liked your idea, you need to work on showing versus telling. It was a key piece of advice for me and something I continue to struggle with everyday, but I'm working on it. Who knows how long I would have gone on not knowing my writing was lacking in this way without her kind words? I had queried her before without any such imparted wisdom, just a polite no thank you. So, to me, this felt like she thought I had potential with key changes put in place.
This agent is definitely on my short list as is Suzie Townsend. My advice to you (that is if you want my advice;-D) is to take such an opportunity. Be sure to read what Suzie is seeking first. If she doesn't rep your genre, look around. There are other agents out there who offer this on occasion. The response may just change your writing life. Consider this possible kind of rejection a Godsend. Good luck!
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