NEED ADVICE!!! FAST!!!

reenkam · Jul 1, 2007

I just sent a query to an agent about an hour ago about a story with an ambinguous ending...I kept the ending ambiguous in the synopsis, too, since it seemed to make sense that way.

The agent just wrote me back saying she doesn't like endings where the main character dies in the end...now, the thing is, he doesn't die. The point is that he lives. There's a sequel. But I didn't explain all of this in the initial query because, well, it's not the subject of that book...

Now, should I email the agent back? I feel like I should, because that seemed to be her only hang-up, but I don't know. Is that too pushy? Too assuming?

WHAT DO I DO?!?!?!

Shady Lane · Jul 1, 2007

I would. You didn't get a form rejection. That means she doesn't think you suck.

Good luck!

JoNightshade · Jul 1, 2007

Yeah, what've you got to lose? Just be brief and polite. Don't waste her time.

Geist · Jul 1, 2007

I agree with the others.

reenkam · Jul 1, 2007

Thanks everyone!!!

I wrote her back apologizing for the mix up and explaining that he does live...Hopefully she won't completely hate me for being annoying/writing a bad synopsis.

*crosses fingers*

JeanneTGC · Jul 1, 2007

You emailed the agent and in an hour she replied, basically saying that she liked everything but the ending? Definitely reply back BUT make sure that you craft this reply -- don't just write wildly. Take the time to think out how you can best explain that you see this as 2 books (or however many) in a series. Make sure that you sound professional in your reply, just like you (presumably!) did in your initial query.

reenkam · Jul 1, 2007

I hope I didn't sound like the hectic and crazed writer I felt like....I read it over several times and it seemed okay....maybe I should have waited....

I really wish I had just put a note in the initial query like I was going to before...it would have made things a whole lot better, probably.

I reflected her dislike of mcs dying in the email (and mentioned The Giver...I don't know if this was a bad idea or not) and the fact that it'd send the wrong message...

Maybe she'll reconsider...maybe she'll think I'm insane...

*sigh*

Shady Lane · Jul 1, 2007

I'm crossing my fingers for you, reen! I think your chances are really good.

JoNightshade · Jul 1, 2007

You should probably change your synopsis/query in the future to be a little less ambiguous about the death of the MC. I didn't realize THAT was the ambiguity you were referring to on your other thread or I would have advised against it. Killing off your MC is always a big no-no, so it's best not to imply that you've done so.

mscelina · Jul 1, 2007

hmm....wonder if JK Rowling knows that? *grin*

JoNightshade · Jul 1, 2007

mscelina said:
hmm....wonder if JK Rowling knows that? *grin*

You think she's gonna kill off Harry?

reenkam · Jul 1, 2007

JoNightshade said:
You think she's gonna kill off Harry?

That'd be depressing....

oddly satisfying....

but depressing....

Zoombie · Jul 1, 2007

Voldermort is going to pull out a big gun and go, "Magic this." Then blow Harry's brains out, sending him plummeting off the Empire State's Building to shatter on the streets below.

reenkam · Jul 2, 2007

But they're in London.....

Zoombie · Jul 2, 2007

Shush you!

reenkam · Jul 2, 2007

Zoombie · Jul 2, 2007

So tell us when and what the response is.

Stijn Hommes · Jul 2, 2007

Next time, make sure your synopsis is not ambiguous. It needs to explain the entire story without confusion.

johnzakour · Jul 2, 2007

I learned early on that agents and publishers are NOT big fans of ambiguous synopses. As one publisher I work with told me after I gave him an ambiguous pitch, "You need to show me how it ends, clearly and precisely."

swvaughn · Jul 2, 2007

Zoombie said:
Voldermort is going to pull out a big gun and go, "Magic this." Then blow Harry's brains out, sending him plummeting off the Empire State's Building to shatter on the streets below.

That is a freaking awesome idea.

Soccer Mom · Jul 2, 2007

Agents don't want ambiguous. They want to know that you understand a story arc and bring that puppy home.

Good luck, BTW.

reenkam · Jul 2, 2007

Hmm, I'm thinking it's a no-go. No response yet, and since she's already read everything in the query package I'm going to guess rejection.

On one hand it's kind of bad...but I least I know to change my synopsis. Now I have a whole new list of agents to query, since I didn't have a synopsis before this weekend.

Star · Jul 2, 2007

Keep up the great work and remember, never despair, ABWW writers are here!

WordGypsy · Jul 2, 2007

Chin up and keep writing!

Star · Jul 2, 2007

Hey Reenkam,

This is very tacky, but maybe it will get your mind off of the present agent situation. I see you live in PA - any recommendations for a hotel in Bush Kill? Please feel free to slap me if this is wayyyyy in appropiate. Thanks

NEED ADVICE!!! FAST!!!

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