Should I send it back???

awhyley · Sep 19, 2009

Hi guys,

I haven't been around for a while, but a question's come up and I need some advice. The last time I was here, I was in the query letter section, asking about cover letters to agents. Now, that I've sent the letters off, I've received a few rejections already, but the one that really has me stumped is the one that I received yesterday.

It was hand-written, which was really refreshing based on the number of typed auto-reject letters I've received thus far. She stated that the mss needed work; "less telling" and a "better ending", and she ended the note with "workshop it!". So I'm wondering whether this means that I should re-submit directly to her when my editing is completed. However, she didn't say that flat out, so now I'm confused.

What should I do? What would you do? Thanks for the input (in advance).

Wayne K · Sep 19, 2009

I started here http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6710 I'm not saying you need to. But early on, I've learned a lot.

if the tell goes on throughout the ms, and it needs a new ending, then she's saying you should write it over. Changing tell to show is a lot of work, for me it's been a complete rewrite.

the journey is half the fun. Have fun with it.

dawinsor · Sep 19, 2009

My own take is that if she didn't invite you to resubmit or say she'd be happy to see it again, then you don't resubmit.

katiemac · Sep 19, 2009

What dawinsor said.

jannawrites · Sep 19, 2009

I could take it either way, but given the weight her suggestions hold, it may be better not to resubmit. Not, at the very least, until you've done the work, "workshopped" it and gotten many critiques. Then you could resubmit, with or without mention of the initial query (your choice).

Good luck!

Libbie · Sep 19, 2009

katiemac said:
What dawinsor said.

What katiemac said.

Danthia · Sep 21, 2009

If you want to resubmit after you've made changes and revised the novel, go ahead. Just mention in your new query that you made changes based on what they said, etc. Just because they didn't spell out resubmit doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't. I wouldn't send it back unless you've corrected the things she specifically pointed out though. (As long as you feel they're things you need to address)

Stijn Hommes · Sep 22, 2009

The agent told you to workshop it (in other words to get critiques from other people and fix issues). They didn't invite you to resubmit, so it's better to send to someone else before considering a resubmission.

RJK · Sep 22, 2009

It sounds like your novel needs a total rewrite, but perhaps, the agent liked the story or premise. Follow the agent's advice, get some professional critiques, then put it back on the market. It wouldn't hurt to re-submit to the agent, worst case - she says no.

awhyley · Sep 29, 2009

Wayne K said:
I started here http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6710 I'm not saying you need to. But early on, I've learned a lot.

Wow, what I link! I am going through it slowly but surely, and I am learning alot. Thanks for posting it!

jannawrites said:
I could take it either way, but given the weight her suggestions hold, it may be better not to resubmit. Not, at the very least, until you've done the work, "workshopped" it and gotten many critiques. Then you could resubmit, with or without mention of the initial query (your choice).

Good luck!

I am planning to do a rewrite, but I hadn't even thought of getting any new reviews, so thanks for that suggestion. If I'm brave enough, I'll bring it to the forum for dissection.

(More comments in next post)

awhyley · Sep 29, 2009

[cont'd]

Danthia said:
If you want to resubmit after you've made changes and revised the novel, go ahead. Just mention in your new query that you made changes based on what they said, etc. Just because they didn't spell out resubmit doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't. I wouldn't send it back unless you've corrected the things she specifically pointed out though. (As long as you feel they're things you need to address)

My only fear is that after making the changes, if they're not well received, the agent may cut me off for good. I'm still on the fence as to whether to mention the initial query, but I'll get it sorted by the time the rewrite's done.

RJK said:
It sounds like your novel needs a total rewrite, but perhaps, the agent liked the story or premise. Follow the agent's advice, get some professional critiques, then put it back on the market. It wouldn't hurt to re-submit to the agent, worst case - she says no.

Yes, she did. She stated that she loved the concept of the story, just not the way the story was written, which means that I've got a long way to go. I think I may get more critiques before I start the re-write, to make sure that I'm stepping in the right direction.

Thanks so much for everything guys. I'll update in due course.

Darzian · Sep 29, 2009

Do try out SYW (Share Your Work) and get feedback from fellow AWers on samples of your work. It really really helps.

maestrowork · Sep 29, 2009

My take: she gave you advice, but did not invite you to resubmit. So I'd say no.

But you can always send it back to her -- what do you have to lose? Another "no"?

awhyley · Oct 9, 2009

Darzian said:
Do try out SYW (Share Your Work) and get feedback from fellow AWers on samples of your work. It really really helps.

AMAZING idea! I've been asking for feedback, but it's from people who I know, and I feel that they do not want to be brutal. I will post to SYA today. Thanks much.

Edit: If anyone's interested, here's the link:
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4130800#post4130800

(I don't know if it will take you directly there as SYW has a password portal)

Lady Ice · Oct 10, 2009

I don't think they want you to resubmit it. They're looking for money and if they thought they could sell your book, they'd definitely want to mention it in case you send it to other publishers.

I don't know if you're allowed to do this but what you could do is send it back, mention that you've had a lot of interest from other publishing companies but as you used their advice, you felt that you would like to send the edited copy back to them.

Cricket18 · Oct 10, 2009

Absolutely resubmit! You have what to lose exactly? Especially if you truly rework your ms, and it becomes stellar. I'd think something along the lines of, "After taking your advice, I have done a major rewrite. Would you be interested in looking at the revised version?"

I'd be shocked if she said no. And if she does, what did you lose exactly? I say go for it.

Rowan · Oct 10, 2009

Cricket18 said:
Absolutely resubmit! You have what to lose exactly? Especially if you truly rework your ms, and it becomes stellar. I'd think something along the lines of, "After taking your advice, I have done a major rewrite. Would you be interested in looking at the revised version?"

I'd be shocked if she said no. And if she does, what did you lose exactly? I say go for it.

I agree...If you had submitted via e-mail I'd say reply asking if she'd be willing to reconsider the MS after you make the suggested changes. As you rec'd the msg via post you could always draft up a polite letter asking same. You've got nothing to lose --- if she liked your premise I'm sure she'll allow you to resubmit and the worst thing she can say is "no thank you".

GOOD LUCK!

Should I send it back???

awhyley

Wayne K

dawinsor

Dorothy A. Winsor

katiemac

Five by Five

jannawrites

no, really

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

Danthia

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...

RJK

Sheriff Bullwinkle the Poet says:

awhyley

awhyley

Darzian

To-to-to-ron-to

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

awhyley

Lady Ice

Makes useful distinctions

Cricket18

Gnawing my hairless tail

Rowan