Submission Question

Shadow_Ferret · Jan 1, 2008

Hey, when I started subbing my novel early last year, in April I sent it to one agent and was rejected. This agent moved to a different agency in June. My quest for an agent has brought me to the agency she moved to. Should I address the query to someone else on the agency? Or to her? Could she possibly remember me after 8 months?

In the meantime, I've also revamped my query letter and done some revisions on the novel itself, including the opening. (Its a disease! I can't NOT touch it!)

Suggestions?

Birol · Jan 1, 2008

Query a different agent in the agency.

Shadow_Ferret · Jan 1, 2008

Thanks Lori. Guess that answers my question.

Feel free to delete this now to save space.

SpookyWriter · Jan 1, 2008

Birol said:
Query a different agent in the agency.

Shadow_Ferret · Jan 1, 2008

Crum!

Of all the agents at the agency, only two deal with my genre, the one I alreadly submitted to and the other one isn't accepting unsolicited queries at this time.

Shadow_Ferret · Jan 1, 2008

SpookyWriter said:

Maybe it seemed obvious to you, but that agent was one of my dream agents. I thought I'd get a second chance since she had moved and was looking for new clients.

ChaosTitan · Jan 1, 2008

Shadow_Ferret said:
Maybe it seemed obvious to you, but that agent was one of my dream agents. I thought I'd get a second chance since she had moved and was looking for new clients.

If this novel doesn't snag an agent, you can always query the dream agent with your next book (assuming it's the same genre).

SpookyWriter · Jan 1, 2008

Shadow_Ferret said:
Maybe it seemed obvious to you, but that agent was one of my dream agents. I thought I'd get a second chance since she had moved and was looking for new clients.

Ed, if she moved to a different agency and doesn't remember you then you're new. Right?

Shadow_Ferret · Jan 1, 2008

Yes, but how do I know she doesn't remember me?

Then again, how do I know she does?

I guess since she's the only one accepting... all she can do is reject me again.

Right?

SpookyWriter · Jan 1, 2008

Right. If it's been more than a year then there is a good chance she doesn't remember you. The story might sound familiar though. But if she likes the writing then you're in, buddy.

jannawrites · Jan 1, 2008

Yeah, what he said. And Shadow, maybe your ms didn't grab her fancy then, but this could be your chance! Go ahead and sub it again. But don't tell her she already rejected you once. Just go with the updated query and see where that gets you. Good luck! The worst she can do is say "no."

bethany · Jan 1, 2008

Um, how's the query? I'd do another query, maybe focus on another angle? That way unless something really stood out to her, she'd be less likely to recognize it/you.

Shadow_Ferret · Jan 1, 2008

I've rewritten the query several times since I submitted it to her the first time. Let me put it this way, I was rejected outright 9 times with the other queries, but this last incarnation has gotten me two requests for more.

jannawrites · Jan 1, 2008

There you be, then. Send it to her!

P.s. Sending warm good luck fuzzies your way.

Mayntz · Jan 1, 2008

I'd go ahead and send it along too, and don't worry whether she'll remember you -- odds are, she won't. It's been more than six months, she's moved to a new agency, and undoubtedly she's looked at dozens, if not hundreds, of other queries and manuscripts in the meantime. Keep your approach professional and you've got nothing to lose. Best of luck!

jenngreenleaf · Jan 2, 2008

Shadow_Ferret said:
Crum!

Of all the agents at the agency, only two deal with my genre, the one I alreadly submitted to and the other one isn't accepting unsolicited queries at this time.

In my opinion, it's a sign . . . with a giant red arrow pointing in her direction. There's a reason why paths cross more than once.

Stormhawk · Jan 2, 2008

Everything happens for a reason.

At worst, you'll get another form letter to add to the burning pile.

At best...well, you never know.

Judg · Jan 2, 2008

Include 3-5 pages!

blacbird · Jan 2, 2008

Whaddaya got to lose, other than your immortal soul?

caw

kuwisdelu · Jan 2, 2008

Well in that case... After this long, I think she'd only remember you if your query was either very good (but not good enough) or very bad. I doubt you committed the latter, so either the improvements you've made will put you over the edge, or she doesn't remember you and you have nothing to worry about in that regard anyway. I'd say submit again. Can't hurt.

Submission Question

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

Birol

Around and About

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

SpookyWriter

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

ChaosTitan

Around

SpookyWriter

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

SpookyWriter

jannawrites

no, really

bethany

:)

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

jannawrites

no, really

Mayntz

jenngreenleaf

Here to network and learn.

Stormhawk

Angry Bunny Girl

Judg

DISENCHANTED coming soon

blacbird

kuwisdelu

Revolutionize the World