Not really.
But it does make some people nervous. For me, it's kind of a mixture of all the above adding to that a dash of excitement. I'll tell you the reason why.
Just over a year ago, I queried my novel to about ten agents. It was right before the birth of my child, but I decided I was ready, my book was ready, and that it was time.
Ten rejections later, one baby, extreme postpartum, crazy colic, selling a house, moving across state lines...basically it was a hectic year.
Was I upset about the rejections? Maybe a little. But it didn't take me long to realize I was more relieved than anything. And here's what I'm getting to.
Things will happen when they're supposed to happen.
Had I gotten an agent last year, they probably would've dropped me within two months. No joke. My life was absolutely crazy and things wouldn't have worked out.
Which brings me to the present time. Since those ten rejections, I have gone through my novel two more times, enhanced key emotions, and added another level to the conflict and characters. My book is one hundred times better than it was a year ago. And I thought for sure it had been perfect.
Now I'm certain beyond any doubt that it's ready. I'm ready. Life has settled and it feels right. Hopefully my premise and voice can catch the eye of a few agents, but I also understand that it's a subjective kind of business. If they don't love my book, I wouldn't want them to rep me.
To be honest, we don't all like the same books. We have different tastes, styles, interests. If I can't find the right agent for my book right away, I'm determined not to get discouraged.
Because it will happen when it's supposed to with the agent who will love it the most. I love my story and my characters and I want the most for my book.
So here's to another waiting game!
Time to continue writing my current YA Contemporary. In a nutshell...it's AWESOME!
I'm currently drafting my query. It's tough work. And I'm of the same mind- things will happen when they are supposed to.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! We don't want just any agent, we want an agent who falls in love with our work!! As someone in the query trenches too, I SO needed this reminder this AM.
ReplyDeleteJudging by your awesome pitch from WriteOnCon, I think your story is totally ready too!
Summer. I'd love to critique it for you when you're ready if you want :) After this pitchfest at writeoncon, I kind of like reading through them and helping if I can.
ReplyDeleteCarissa. Your pitch is awesome as well! Good luck with your querying. And like they say in Hunger Games..."May the odds be ever in your favor." :)