Query letters and rejections: the quest continues

"Winners never quit, and quitters never win." Vince Lombardi


After extensive research, hundreds of revisions, critiques begged from friends and enemies alike, I derived a proper query letter ready for the submission “slush piles”.


The results came in less than eight hours. A rejection by a secretary. (My first drafts were all turned down by the “main guy.”)


It reads nicely and follows:

Thank you so much for allowing The ________Agency to consider your material. Unfortunately, after carefully reviewing your query, we’ve determined that this particular project isn’t the right fit for us at this time. As I’m sure you know, the publishing industry changes swiftly now, as do readers’ tastes and trends. As a result, our own agents’ needs shift and change, as well; therefore, we would like to encourage you to consider querying us with future projects as you may deem appropriate.

Again, thank you very much for allowing us this chance to consider your material, and we wish you all the best in your publishing endeavors.


Sincerely,

Submissions Coordinator and Associate Agent



The take-away from this blog post is simply “never give up”.


David Baldacci submitted numerous screen plays and novels for over a decade before his novel Absolute Power was published. This is the common thread in the publishing world.


Writing Contests: there are several first novel competitions with dead-lines on April 1st or earlier in March. We’ll talk about these next blog post.


Excuse me, it’s time to do some more rewriting.