I've received several rejection emails, but today I got the my first rejection from an agency that actually wanted to read the first four chapters of my book before lowering the hammer. I'm a tough girl, and I can take rejection, but this one hurts more since they actually read my story--not just a query letter.
So you know what I did? I sent out 19 more query letters. "It only takes one." That's what my mom told me, and she's right.
I sent one query letter at about 3:00 p.m. and received an email back about 20 minutes later asking for the entire manuscript.
Well, crap. I thought. I don't have the entire manuscript done yet!! I've always held the philosphy of "why write the whole thing if no one wants it?" So now I'm trying to figure out what to tell the agency. I'm torn between not responding until it's done (but who know's how long that could take?) and telling them it's not done and sending what I've got thus far. Of course there is a chance they will tell me to wait until I'm finished to send it in. I already had one agency tell me to contact them again once the manuscript is done.
I figure that after rejection, this is probably a good dilemma to have, so I'll take it. I'm just trying to figure out what to do next.
-JGP
Jana, you must write one heck of a query letter. I know other writers who take years to even get a partial request. So mega congratulations! My advice for what its worth is to say nothing, work like mad to finish your story, and submit when ready with a brief reminder that it was a requested manuscript. Lots of luck! (And will you help me write my query? LOL)
ReplyDeleteWell, I ended up telling them it's not finished and sent them the first 4 chapters. In my experience, they don't need the whole manuscript to know if they are interested. I was afraid if I waited they would be like "Who is this girl? And why is she sending us crap?" Haha.
ReplyDeleteProbably a good idea sending what you have, but now you have some motivation to keep writing!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI know! It's finding the time to write that's tough! :) I did sit down the other day and make a clear outline of everything I wanted to happen in each chapter, so hopefully I can actually sit down and get it written soon.
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