I talked to the agents...

Vandal · Aug 14, 2008

and they still say they love the story.

But, they passed on it.

Five members of the agency on a conference call told me they would pay money to see the movie, but the tone of the manuscript still isn't right.

I guess I didn't nail the conversion to YA, after all.

The lead agent recommended that I "workshop" it. In fact, the consensus seemed to be that the original was better. All this after they thought it would be a natural YA story.

They are still open to any other new manuscripts I may generate in the future, but that will be a while.

Ouch.

IHeartWriting · Aug 14, 2008

Ouch! Geez, they couldn't have told you that in an email?

Still, you should be encouraged that they thought so highly of your work. Otherwise they would not have spent the time on the phone with you.

Feel free to wallow tonight, tomorrow is a new day.

:Hug2:

Susie · Aug 14, 2008

Vandal, sorry 'bout the non-acceptance, but it does sound like they really liked your work, so make sure to send them more, k. Much good luck!

WendyNYC · Aug 14, 2008

Dang it.

But it sounds like you are nearly there.

Good luck.

regdog · Aug 14, 2008

Sorry about the rejection. Ouch!! Is there anyway you can write your story as a screenplay??

Mr. Anonymous · Aug 14, 2008

aw, I'm sorry Vandal. That wasn't nice of them, getting your hopes up by scheduling a phone conversation like that.

CAM · Aug 14, 2008

Vandal, I'm sorry! It seems like you've been through the wringer on this one. Still, if five agents got on the phone to tell you they liked it--that's got to mean something, right? What if the next agent or the next one after that likes it and wants to represent it?

triceretops · Aug 14, 2008

Wow, I say workshope/beta that puppy around and see if you can't tone that baby in to satisfy the masses. Honestly, it sounds so damn close.

Tri

bethany · Aug 14, 2008

So sorry for your rejection, the closer they are, the more they hurt, I think.

Karen Duvall · Aug 14, 2008

So close, Vandal. I thought you were a shoe-in, but what a great accomplishment to have gained so much of their attention! They're not fooling around. Good luck with whatever you decide to do next.

xiaotien · Aug 14, 2008

oh man. i'm so sorry,
vandal. that SUCKS!!

after all that hard work to be let
down. allowe yourself some sad
time before you attack again.

ink wench · Aug 14, 2008

Aw, so sorry Vandal. :Hug2:

Have some wine, have some chocolate. Then take heart that you are so close.

Calla Lily · Aug 14, 2008

Oh, Vandal. Allow yourself a little time to throw things and vent. Then take heart in that you're VeryNearlyThere.

Tasmin21 · Aug 14, 2008

Oh no, Vandal! Just keep on trying, you're so very close!

MsJudy · Aug 14, 2008

I'm going to have nightmares about something like this happening to me.... I'm not sure I'd be able to handle it nearly as well as you seem to be. You have my deep respect, as well as my sympathy.

Good luck with the next project.

dawinsor · Aug 14, 2008

NO!!! I was sure this would be good news. Crap.

GJB · Aug 14, 2008

Pass Call

Wow. That sucks through and through. My first reaction is not to Beta/Workshop/Writers Group it. It must be terrific already to get five agents salivating, calling with an advance appointment. I bet they didn't know which way to go until they dialed and ten minutes earlier might have gone the other way.

Couple others round here got so close, then rejected, then just shopped their precious baby a tiny bit more and Bingo--offer of representation. I feel you might be that close. g.

IceCreamEmpress · Aug 14, 2008

Yes, keep shopping it--you were clearly incredibly close. Agents don't make phone calls to reject as a rule--I've only heard of this happening one other time (and that person sold their MS in the next couple of weeks).

Carmy · Aug 14, 2008

So sorry to hear that, Vandal, but it's encouraging to know you came so close. The next time out may be the time you nail it!

Good luck!

maggieuc · Aug 14, 2008

I'm so sorry! And surprised! Don't let this get you down though, you obviously have a good story on your hands. You'll get an agent soon

Woodsie · Aug 14, 2008

My head would be spinning after that! I'm so sorry!

MelodyO · Aug 14, 2008

What a tough break! Being that close, you'd have to think another agent would love it enough to take it on. Keep goooooing. You're so close even I can taste it!

Maui Author · Aug 14, 2008

I am so sorry Vandal!!! They are going to be regretting they passed when you get another agent in a few weeks and get a fantastic book deal! Don't give up, you're so close!!

Julianne Douglas · Aug 14, 2008

So sorry, Vandal! But I agree with GJB. Keep submitting it to agents---that pass was so close, there's sure to be other agents who will snap it up. Don't lose heart.

Blondchen · Aug 14, 2008

*sigh* Sorry Vandal. We were all so hoping it was fantastic news. Still, I feel like you are getting closer!

I talked to the agents...

In the Center of things

Lurking in the shadows

Thanks, special friend for my avi!

fiddle-dee-dee

The Scavengers

Just a guy with a pen & a delusion

:)

Chalice the Hatchet Knight

bedazzled /bootay shaker!!

ray of motherf#%&ing sunshine

On hiatus

They will come from below...

Dorothy A. Winsor

Oh, what a ride

Hapless Virago

I have tendencies.

Waiting for love on the web

Halfway between here and there

Honey Badger don't give a shit.