Just thought I'd let you all know, as of sending out queries on Thursday, I received a partial request 7 hours later. I know this agent to be one of the top in her field so I am thrilled that she requested it. I'm not holding my breath, I've learned from the last bunch of queries and requests, but it's nice to know, a top performer is requesting. At least I know the query is working.
Also, for all you out there querying, please learn from my mistake -- I accidentally sent the same query to two of the agents I sent to back in February. They both had a three month response time and I'm assuming they rejected and I feel stupid, so here's a lesson to you -- check your notes or spreadsheets or whatever you use carefully so you don't look like a stupidhead.
I've also spent the last 2 hours on Query Tracker researching other agents and I've come up with another 19. So all is not lost. Some of then are A-listers, some are B's, and some I've never even heard of. And as this business is so subjective, I don't mind categorizing my targeted agents in this way.
Monster Baby and I are going to *big box office superstore* to buy the required envelopes for the snail mail partial. Yeah, snail mail, but you know, if I were an agent, I'd rather read a partial on paper too, so I'm not minding so much. Besides I can use the other snail mail partial that was rejected. Return SASE's are useful.
I hope you are all having a delightful weekend.
29 comments:
Today I just sent my very first ever query - to Nathan Bransford naturally. It feels like a catch-22, send to the ones you want most first, then figure out how to make your query better when all you have left are the agents you don't even know.
keeping my fingers crossed for you!!
Congrats on the partial, and best of luck with it! It's impressive that such a well-known agent wants even a partial look at your manuscript, so that says something!
Yay--asking for a partial is always good news! Too bad you have to send it snail mail, but it is much easier for some people to read works the old fashioned way -- in print!
Am looking forward to reading more good news from you! :)
Oh, I'm excited you got a request for a partial. Yay, you!
Anne, that's fantastic news! My fingers are crossed :) Also, I'm so excited to be sitting on your sideline and watching you evolve as an author. There was a time when your "voice" sounded ecstatic and then heartbroken, as the requests or rejections came in. Today, I hear a strong, confident voice that has benefited from your experiences, the voice of one who is truly, at this point in time, in the driver's seat of her life. You have what it takes, girl. Can't wait to buy your books!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Yay! Definitely means the query's working out. Ugh. The waiting is so tough. I'm pulling for you!
PS-I, too, need to start querying the smail-only agents. I'm a bit of a procrastinator and email is soooo much easier. I suppose these agents get a lot fewer queries that way, though.
Good luck. Don't feel stupid. It does you no good and we all make mistakes!
Congrat's! I think we've all made that mistake and then some! I love using Query Tracker for that purpose! It eliminates some of those mistakes for me.
Thank you all so much for your gracious words.
Ted -- I'm only hoping for the best news for you!
Karen -- Thank you. Can I get some toes too?
Shelley -- I can't even believe she requested. But, I'm querying well and querying widely so I guess I never know who's going to request.
Lisa -- I hope I have good news. I'd hate to have to hit the chocolate again.
Tricia -- Thank you so much!
Nicole -- I can't say anything but I love you. You are such a wonderful friend and someday, I will be watching you go through this same challenge, cheering along from the sidelines.
Angela -- I think the you're right about the snail agents -- They're a very persnickety breed.
Amy -- Thanks, I needed to be told that.
Steena -- Thanks, I wonder though if they even bothered to look at it the first time?
Great news! Here's hoping...
I heard a at a conference I went to recently that the snail mail actually receives more of a look - because it easy to just say next on an email - and skip ahead. Congratulations on the partial and good luck. In a few weeks - after school (teaching) is done I will be strating the query process myself.
Good stuff, Anne. That must really give your confidence a boost.
Crossing fingers and toes for you my friend :)
I don't think I can say it any better than Nicole said it...Except to add that I'm I too am crossing my fingers and sending out the good mojo/juju for you!
I'm confident that you'll make it to publication. :)
Happy weekend.
Love,
Lola
More mojo your way! Love the updates!
Congratulations, Anne. I'm so excited for you. Your day is coming!
Anne, brilliant. Very exciting, yet terrifying I'm sure...:)
Ann -- Yes, that's all we really have is hope isn't it?
Ariel -- If I get nothing on e-mail, I will also go snail mail. And I wish you'd start to query because I want to read your book.
Wendy -- And how about you? Have you sent any out yet?
Lola -- I'll take all the good mojo/juju there is. xoxoxoxoxox
Lynn -- Thanks!
Roxy -- So is yours!!!!
L'Aussie -- Thank you, and it is EXTREMELY terrifying.
Great news about the partial! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. :)
Congrats, sweetie. I'm hoping for the best for you.
Awesome! Congrats on the partial request, I'm so excited for you - that query is doing its job!
Congrats Anne - my fingers are crossed for you!
Good luck! ***fingers crossed***
How exciting:)
Anne, congratulations!!! I would love to hear that you get some good news. Can't wait to say I "knew" you when!
Awesome news, Anne. Best wishes for your partial!
Congrats on your partial request, luv! That's very hopeful and wonderful. I'm so glad you have kept going. I am wishing you very happy thoughts and big news soon!! Hang in there.
Oh Honey that's awesome! I'm with you on the "at least I know the query is working." That is what worries me the most, that I might need more work on the query. I've spent years on this one.
I'm so hoping this works out. I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you this week - and the next.
..........dhole
What good news! I hope something comes of the request. I'm sure you'll let us know. :) Good luck!
Congratulations! I have to admit--I consider it a success when someone responds favorably to my query. Even if they never write back. Also, I have some favorite rejections. Sun Magazine writes the nicest rejections. Should I be aiming higher?
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