I'm sorry to hear that, Sissy. I actually think your novels are your best form. But I think her comment about your work not being commercial enough is simply another way of describing "quiet books." I say phooey on that! While I'm sure Mary Kole is a competent agent (I know a fellow AWer who is one of her clients and speaks highly of her), she is still pretty new to the game. I raised the point last week in my rejection thread that I felt the agent, while really liking my book, may have been too new to have the necessary contacts to sell a quiet book. But they do get sold. Although I haven't read either, I understand both Love, Aubrey and The Underneath are on the quiet side. I actually picked up the latter yesterday and plan to read it once I finish my current selection.
But your work definitely has merit, and not just because I or anyone else on this board says so. Mary thought enough of it to contact you. Keep writing and submitting, and don't discount those veteran agents. The newer players may be hungrier, but the seasoned ones have the deep Rolodex.
ETA: Did I say "Rolodex?" Are those still even used? Damn, I'm getting old!
