Querying an Agent that Rejected

Kirby · Sep 3, 2008

The first agent I queried for my novel requested a full read. I received the friendliest rejection a writer could ask for, which included a critique. She said good luck with finding an agent, which I understand means move along. I have since rewritten the novel and incorporated her suggestions. Is it in poor taste to send her a new query? I queried her last December (2007) and here it is September 2008. She's a respected agent in the business and I wouldn't mind having her represent my work. Another agent has requested a partial read, which I'm waiting for a reply.

scope · Sep 3, 2008

I'm assuming you queried many more agents than the first and the one who requested your partial. If not, and assuming you are more than satisfied with your query letter--query,query, and query. Rejections are to be expected. All of us have all received our share of them. If you receive any personalized rejections with critiques that make sense to you, consider rewriting your query letter to make it as good as you can. It's the most forward and important thing you have in your attempt to land an agent.

No harm in sending another query to the first agent. All she can say is no!

ezc_19 · Sep 3, 2008

I agree with scope, what can you lose? On a side note, I think you got your years mixed up. I started panicking, thinking that I've been in coma or something.

Kirby · Sep 4, 2008

Thank you, Scope and ezc_19. Sorry about the years lol. I've been working on a project here on the job and due dates were flying around.

My query has changed since my first letter was sent. I'm constantly revising that and the synopsis.

Thank you again.

Danthia · Sep 4, 2008

I'd re-query. You lose nothing by trying and it's been a long time since the first. Worst case she says no.

Kirby · Sep 4, 2008

Thank you, Danthia.

Madisonwrites · Sep 4, 2008

I've heard that agents don't like it when you re-query something they have already rejected (and I've been doing a LOT of research). But let me quote literary agent Nathan Bransford on this topic, "Will I really remember?"

Kirby · Sep 5, 2008

Lol, Madison. I really don't want to make enemies in the business, but I was also wondering if she would actually remember me. I spoke with an author that had queried agents with no success. He shelved the book for three years and then requeried the same agents. He received several offers and took one. What a finicky business we're in lol.

HannaRay · Sep 5, 2008

HannaRay

Hi Kirby,

I re-queried my agent after two years. She remembered my story, and after the usual back & forth, I signed on with her in November of '07. She sold my novel to Ballentine/Random House in March of this year.

So, I wouldn't hesitate to re-query, particularly now that you've incorporated her changes. It's a compliment to her.

Best of luck to you,

Hanna

veinglory · Sep 5, 2008

If s/he critiqued the work in some depth s/he will likely remember. So be sure to be up front in the letter.

Kirby · Sep 5, 2008

Thanks, HannaRay and veinglory. And congratulations, HannaRay. That must be a good feeling. For me, it hasn't been two years. More like nine months. But as you all have said, what do I have to lose?

Querying an Agent that Rejected

Kirby

Destined to serve and roam.

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

ezc_19

Kirby

Destined to serve and roam.

Danthia

Kirby

Destined to serve and roam.

Madisonwrites

The Unicorn Writer

Kirby

Destined to serve and roam.

HannaRay

veinglory

volitare nequeo

Kirby

Destined to serve and roam.