Positive words in a rejection

[KG Christopher]

So this is an image from Richard Dadd's most famous work, 'The Fairy Fellers Master Stroke'. I have always loved this picture. It's on display in the Tate Gallery in Millbank. When I was young, I would wander over to it and study every detail. I was always drawn to this character, which I believe is Dadd's father, whom he killed. I have a beautiful print of the painting and it presently adorns the wall above the washing machine in the back room of our home in Malaga.

The thing is this. This character sums up how I feel right now. I have sent out a raft of queries for my MS 'Pet Food - The Starter' and so far, have received 16 rejections. Not all of them are bad?

'I enjoyed reading, it's imaginative and well written.'

'Very entertaining.'

'Even though I liked it, I have to believe 100% in the story to sell it effectively'

etc...

What can I take from this? I sometimes think that because I am based in Switzerland and Spain an agent might think I am too far away to contact? Lots of things are whizzing around my head, just like poor Dadd's father.

 

[Paul Whybrow]

In my experience of making 220 queries, it's unusual to have any personalised replies, so congratulations on hearing some positive words. I'm still waiting on 40 of the submissions I sent out last October. Twenty have said 'no' so far, with only one rejection containing praise for my writing.

It's a sad fact about publishing, that the writer is as much a product to sell as their book. Had my crime novel been written by an already famous celebrity, then the manuscript would have received special attention, and in all likelihood have been published. But, I'm a nobody, an unknown writer. This doesn't affect the quality of my novel, which I have faith in—after all, a lump of gold is still valuable even if it hasn't been discovered by a miner.

If you're worried that your location is holding you back, there are several agents, some of them U.K. based, who specialise in European authors.

 

[Marc Joan]

Yes, I've always liked that Dadd painting. An interesting artist.
You should be encouraged by personalised, positive rejections -- they are rare.

 

[Katie-Ellen]

I understand those sort of responses as 'there's something here, definitely, but it needs more work.'

At which point one wishes to relieve one's feelings by ripping a tissue into teeny weeny shreds, or by performing some other act of random, but not disproportionate violence.

Get a few of those, maybe a redraft is called for.

Maybe the hook needs to be stronger?

Otherwise it's a numbers game and also a matter of taste. Nothing to be done about that but carry on.

 

[KG Christopher]

I understand those sort of responses as 'there's something here, definitely, but it needs more work.'

At which point one wishes to relieve one's feelings by ripping a tissue into teeny weeny shreds, or by performing some other act of random, but not disproportionate violence.

Get a few of those, maybe a redraft is called for.

Maybe the hook needs to be stronger?

Otherwise it's a numbers game and also a matter of taste. Nothing to be done about that but carry on.

I think you are all correct in your analysis. Katie-Ellen's point is the one that hits the spot: Nothing to be done about that but carry on. I get the impression that I have to be in it for the long slog, a bit like trench warefare.

 

[Paul Whybrow]

Several agencies with European offices have English writers among their clients, such as Susanna Lea Associates:

Susanna Lea Associates - Versilio

Susanna Lea, Literary Agent | What you need to know

If a writer stops querying, then their work will never see the light of a day. Literary agents don't go door-to-door seeking unpublished manuscripts. From reading of the time it took well-known authors to achieve success, it's plain to me that one just has to keep knocking on the door.

Even when one's work is published, it can take years to make a useful income from writing, as Ian Rankin found

 

[KG Christopher]

At this stage, the thought of making any money out of my stories is far over the horizon. I think one step at a time, if an agent recognises my worth, then that will be another feather in my cap.

 

[Peggy Lou]

Personalised responses are rare. I know rejections are hard, but personalised rejections are something we should be happy about.

I think perhaps you should send another round of queries, and if you get the same kind of response, work with a beta reader or a CP or even an editor.

In the meantime, write something. Your next novel, a short story anything. That's the way to keep sane.

Good luck

 

[Paul Whybrow]

 

[David Newrick]

It is a tough market KG. Just keep trying. It is not necessarily a reflection of your work, but I bear in mind always that it has to be the best you can do at all times. Try not to feel down - the best revenge is to live a good life.

 

[Sea-shore]

So this is an image from Richard Dadd's most famous work, 'The Fairy Fellers Master Stroke'. I have always loved this picture. It's on display in the Tate Gallery in Millbank. When I was young, I would wander over to it and study every detail. I was always drawn to this character, which I believe is Dadd's father, whom he killed. I have a beautiful print of the painting and it presently adorns the wall above the washing machine in the back room of our home in Malaga.

The thing is this. This character sums up how I feel right now. I have sent out a raft of queries for my MS 'Pet Food - The Starter' and so far, have received 16 rejections. Not all of them are bad?

'I enjoyed reading, it's imaginative and well written.'

'Very entertaining.'

'Even though I liked it, I have to believe 100% in the story to sell it effectively'

etc...

What can I take from this? I sometimes think that because I am based in Switzerland and Spain an agent might think I am too far away to contact? Lots of things are whizzing around my head, just like poor Dadd's father.

View attachment 1477

That sounds like good feedback to me! Good luck!

 

[KG Christopher]

So have 23 out of 50 rejections so far. Not bad seeing as I sent the MS out in December. Thanks for all your words of encouragement. I think @Peggy Lou is spot on. Keep on writing.

 

[Kitty]

Those look like very positive and encouraging comments. Keep going!

Just out of interest how many full requests are people getting?

 

[KG Christopher]

Those look like very positive and encouraging comments. Keep going!

Just out of interest how many full requests are people getting?

I haven't had any yet.

 

[Kitty]

I haven't had any yet.

Well if you only started sending out in December there's plenty of time for them to start rolling in.