What do agents want to read??

schecterrocker · Jun 23, 2009

what do agents want to read?

I've been rejected several times now and all the agents are saying that my book isn't right for them 'cause it's not their style.

what kind of book are they looking for? some predictable girl meets boy, they fall in love, something happens and they break up and then they get back together? or what?

Blind Writer · Jun 23, 2009

All agents want different things. There is no answer as to what they all want to read. If I were you, I'd post your query in SYW and let them help you polish it some. Then see what the agents think.
I've discovered that the query really can make or break you.

Clair Dickson · Jun 23, 2009

schecterrocker-- you and I probably don't like to read the same types of books. Neither do my husband and I.

Some people like chocolate ice cream. Some people like vanilla. Some people eat coconut. Agents probably eat ice cream, and they won't all like the same flavors.

Also, you can look at the books agents have had published to get an idea of what flavor they like.

Best of luck!

schecterrocker · Jun 23, 2009

thanks guys

that was helpful

im just really frustrated 'cause i can't seem to find anyone...

schecterrocker · Jun 23, 2009

oh what's SYW?

dragonkid · Jun 23, 2009

What do agents want to read? An interesting story told well, usually in their listed genres of interest. (Rarely “some predictable girl meets boy” novel without great writing or a new twist.)

It’s hard to give you advice without knowing the specifics of your situation. What genre do you write? How many agents have you queried? Are you paying attention to guidelines? If you are getting form rejections on your query (it sounds like you are from your post), you might want to post it in the Share Your Work forum (SYW) to get some feedback.

pixydust · Jun 23, 2009

It stands for Show Your Work. It's a forum toward the bottom of the bulletin board. I think you need permissions, though.

I think getting some eyes on your query might help. You could Private Message it to me if you want and I'll peek at it for you. Just click on my name and it'll give you options.

schecterrocker · Jun 23, 2009

my books about this girl Rose Adams who has a pretty screwed up life: parents who are always fighting, oversexed boyfriend, and a horrible best friend
and she learns to not run from her problems
oh and its called Over the Edge

lm728 · Jun 23, 2009

You might not be querying the right agents.
Seven is too small of a demographic.
Or it might be that your voice, plot, style, theme, etc. might not be fully developed yet.
You could always revise your query and revise your MS.

dragonkid · Jun 23, 2009

Sounds like an interesting concept, Schecterrocker. Like Pixydust, I could take a look at your query via PM if you would like.

Agentquery.com and querytracker.net are both good resources for finding agents interested in your genre (in this case, YA contemporary) if you are having a hard time tracking them down.

Blind Writer · Jun 23, 2009

I'd be willing to take a look at the query, too. XD It sounds like you write my genre.

I'd also suggest finding a beta reader and having someone read the book before you query again. Having fresh eyes on the work might help.

Sage · Jun 23, 2009

"it isn't right for me" and variations are common form rejection phrases.

tengraceapples · Jun 23, 2009

schecterrocker said:
what do agents want to read?

I've been rejected several times now and all the agents are saying that my book isn't right for them 'cause it's not their style.

what kind of book are they looking for? some predictable girl meets boy, they fall in love, something happens and they break up and then they get back together? or what?

Hey!

I can understand being frustrated. But I think you have to keep in mind that agents are people. They all want different things.
There is no 'one' book that they are looking for. But more importantly, you're an artist. God knows no one writes cause its a quick way to make a buck.
We are storytellers. Unless you are doing a 'work for hire' type deal, you have to write what moves you. Screw what you think they will like. What do you LOVE to write?
Submitting your work and getting rejections is at times soul sucking and awful. But if you write what you love, then the writing process itself won't suck. Writing is hard enough. I will be damned if I write for other people. The first audience is you. Write what excites you. Write what moves you. Because you don't know "agent Bob" and what moves him.
Hell, I don't think even "agent Bob" knows. LOL.

:Soapbox:

schecterrocker · Jun 23, 2009

thanks guys

you've been really helpful
and rejection is soul sucking!!!

tengraceapples · Jun 23, 2009

Man, is it ever.
But we march on...: )

What do agents want to read??

schecterrocker

Fire ze missiles!

Blind Writer

YA/MG Author

Clair Dickson

A dark core to every cloud

schecterrocker

Fire ze missiles!

schecterrocker

Fire ze missiles!

dragonkid

Beware of killer butterflies

pixydust

Mother Flippin' Rhymnosorous

schecterrocker

Fire ze missiles!

lm728

i'm baaaacccckkkkkk

dragonkid

Beware of killer butterflies

Blind Writer

YA/MG Author

Sage

Our Lady of Parentheticals

tengraceapples

schecterrocker

Fire ze missiles!

tengraceapples