I blogged about my pitch to an agent, and about hearing 'send it'. I blogged about actually hitting 'send'. So now it's time to blog about the response.
I only had to wait ten days for a response (though it could have taken two months). No, I didn't check my email constantly, mainly because I had company and a crazy schedule due to my daughter's impending graduation.
The answer was 'no', yet I feel like the query process was a complete success. Why?
First of all, I had the honor of pitching to Kristin Nelson. Need I say more?
Second, I was aware that out of 36,000 queries a year, she takes on one or two clients. Understanding reality is a big part of avoiding disappointment.
Third, I had a goal: to get feedback on my writing from an industry professional I greatly admire. And I got it! Kristin gave me her views on my idea, its saleability, and even made a suggestion that could bring more emotional impact to the first chapter. And she remembered how out of breath I was because I ran up seven flights of stairs when the elevator broke.
So what's next? I haven't yet submitted to other agents, so I'll digest Kristin's advice and make the changes I decide on. Then, I'll start submitting to several other agents who have asked for pages. It's time to really put my nose to the grindstone.
So, for me, my first query and response was a great experience. I realize that if I hadn't pitched in person and just sent my query to Kristin's slushpile, I might not have received a response at all, and definitely not a personalized response. That's one reason writing conferences are a great idea.
If you've been slogging through the query process for a while, you may be losing some of the excitement you had when you started. So here's a dose of encouragement from Missy Tippens at Seekerville: how to tackle fear that kills creativity. She offers a fantastic quote that just may remind you why you started writing in the first place. And if you're feeling really low, it may be time to quit writing so you can write.
How do you react when you hear 'no'? Have you heard it yet? Is it time to start accumulating some rejections?
Hello Deborah,
ReplyDeleteYou are the prototype sunny side up writer. Translated that means--a model for all of us. Thank you for all you do. And good luck with the next round.
Thanks so much, Jack. You're so encouraging!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
It sounds like you handled that perfectly! And congrats on pitching in person, just the thought makes me sweat. :) As a writer I have heard "no" many many times, but it's all worth it when you hear "yes"! Keep on going!
ReplyDeleteDebbie:
ReplyDeleteThis is why I love you--I admire your positivity and perseverance. You not only see the silver lining, but turn events into a learning experience for yourself and others.
I'm sorry about the "no" but glad you received personal feedback from Kristin Nelson.
Good luck to you in the next round, and keep climbin'!
Smooches.
Positive and brilliant. Love the idea of saying I quit because yes..... if writing is in your heart there is no way you can quit so you rally and write again.
ReplyDeleteI have a fear of success much more than failure because I fear that if I query and they say yes that I may not be able to produce the perfect peice. We all have fears to battle but the only way to win is to keep writing and submitting. Thanks for the encouragement and congratulations on your first success.
I admire your reaction and positive outlook. It's obvious that you did your research and understood the reality (odds?) of getting a "yes," and doing this correctly help setup your expectations. I will keep this in mind when my time comes to query, hopefully sooner than later!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that, but the feedback sounds helpful. I agree it's important to pitch in person. I didn't at the last two conferences, because I didn't have a complete manuscript. I've heard no in the past to my memoir for a variety of reasons. I appreciate the reality remark. You should submit this to the Pikes Peak Writing blog. Good luck with your next step.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on feeedback! I heard no, but to be honest I wasn't prepared and queried before everything was reading. I think hearing no is helpful, especially when they tell you why it wasn't to be. Keep going!
ReplyDeleteOh the number of rejections I've had... The only thing you can do is keep going! Your view on the matter is the right attitude, I use say. Keep at it! I know you can make it!
ReplyDeleteWow, you guys are so encouraging!
ReplyDelete@Sharon- I'm sure you'd do a great job pitching, even though it's nerve-wracking.
@Janette- I'm fortunate that there was such a great silver lining. That might not always happen, but I'll take it!
@Teri- I definitely understand the fear of success. It can be really paralyzing.
@Todd- You're right. Understanding the statistics went a long way to giving me a realistic set of expectations.
@Stacy- Thanks for the recommendation--and the retweet!
@L.M.- That's great that you diagnosed the reason for the no. Next time, you may hear a different answer. :)
~Debbie
I've learned to take it positively, and actually look forward to putting to use what I have learned from the experience. A few years ago, I would have been devestated, but now I anticipate any help I can get to polish my manuscript. I'm glad you found your silver lining, Debbie!
ReplyDelete@Sonia- Just your work ethic always encourages and challenges me!
ReplyDelete@Jarm- Isn't it amazing to realize you're growing a thicker skin? I agree. A few years ago, my reaction would have been a different story.
~Debbie
Next to getting that coveted "yes" to a query, I think a pitch session is one of the most valuable experiences we writers can have. I've pitched my book twice so far, and both times came away with advice to make the story stronger. I just finished touch-ups based on the last one, revised the query letter, and am ready to hit "send"! Rejections may still come, but I feel lots better about the finished product :-)
ReplyDeleteDr. Seuss's first book was rejected 27 times, and he still went on to become Dr. Seuss, so one rejection down, you've still got some wiggle-room. Congratulations on this important step. Good luck on the steps ahead!
ReplyDeleteI of course don't like hearing no either, but I am always appreciative when I get any kind of response. And it's almost worth celebrating if you get feedback on how to make it better.
ReplyDeleteI once got a referral to other agents from one I queried who wasn't taking any more clients. That felt almost like an acceptance! Unfortunately I never heard back from the agent he referred me to...
@Kenda- I agree that pitching is such a worthwhile experience. Combined with querying and contest entries, all three make a writer's project better. Even if I was sure I'd e-publish, I think I'd navigate the submissions process to strengthen my manuscript.
ReplyDelete@Genevieve- Dr. Seuss really hung in there! I think The Help received over 70 rejections. And Stephen King filled a huge spike with his. I guess it's a rite of passage.
@Julie- It is really nice to have some kind of response. How nice that someone thought enough of your work to recommend another agent (except for the not hearing back part!).
~Debbie
This was a really great and thought-provoking post. I had some answers to your questions but they were too long for a comment, so I wrote a whole post about it. http://kendramerritt.com/?p=193 It was really nice to actually set down my process and realize how much I've grown as a writer.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Kenda! For anyone who wants to read Kenda's amazing take on her experience with submissions, check out the link. http://bit.ly/KLNcE9
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Your attitude about this is simply awesome. That coupled with your amazing talent and gift for words will lead you to the success you are working for. Love you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Angela. You inspire me all the time! Love you back.
ReplyDelete~Debbie