My Novel Died in the Query Trenches, So What’s Next?

At the beginning of last year, I attempted to query a speculative novel. The story was queer and discussed themes of depression and isolation. By the time I went through my final reread, I thought for sure this would be the project that’d land me a literary agent.

However, my ambitions were too high, and this novel died with little spark in the querying process.

In total, I queried 30 agents in January and February. I know that’s not a lot, but since I did not receive any requests for full manuscripts, I decided to pause and regroup.

Advice from published authors online told me to revise my query letter and my first chapter going forward. Then, wait another month to reread everything once again before finding new agents to submit to.

Some writers end up querying over 100 different agents before giving up, but I decided to do smaller batches so I could gain a better perspective on what agents were responding to.

Lucky for me, I learned a lot from this direction.

The agents who responded positively enjoyed my writing style and liked the premise of the story, but they did not connect to the main character quickly enough to be invested in reading more.

So this is what I needed to develop when going forward with edits.

I was disappointed to only receive a handful of positive remarks. The rest were automatic forms of rejection, stating frankly that my work was not a ‘right fit’ for the agent (despite my novel aligning with what their agent page requested).

Getting rejections throughout the spring and summer affected my mood more than I thought it would.

Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons; the cherry and plum blossoms bloom near my home, and the world comes to life after a desolate winter. Typically, I find any excuse I can to be outdoors, but last year I found myself attached to my desk, desperately rereading rejection letters. Trying to find some thread of hope in my creative journey.

The classic doubt and frustration associated with the query trenches came through. I tried not to let them spoil my good days, but it was hard to remain positive after months of persistent ‘failure’.

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I think self-publishing is an amazing tool that can help writers get their work out there without the many limits and hurdles of traditional publishing.

This is why I utilize websites like Vocal and Medium.

Many writers have had great success with self-publishing their novels. Some stories have even gone on to receive big book deals from publishers.

However, I’ve decided on the traditional publishing route because sales, advertising, and self-promotion are not my strengths.

Also, I’d like someone in my corner, someone who also believes in the story, to help me reach a wide audience. I have a dream of a literary agent, and I can't easily shake it.

Traditional publishing, admittedly, is a fantasy I’m not ready to give up on.

The idea of calling my agent and talking about my work and listening as they explain negotiation deals with big, fancy publishing houses is all so exciting to me.

As I sit at my desk this morning to write this article, there’s a cup of decaf coffee to my right, my cat is perched on my desk, my typewriter-style keyboard is clacking under my fingers, and my dual monitor screens are opened to my latest work. If I were to separate from myself and see this woman at her desk, I’d have no qualms with saying, “Oh yeah, now that’s a writer.”

And yet, I’m still (perhaps wrongly) longing for a literary agent to help make my big writing dreams come true. I know I should give the power of my self-worth to an agent. So moving forward, I will take each rejection with stride. And of course, continue writing with confidence.

I am currently researching new agents and literary agencies to continue my querying journey.

I’m glad I only queried a small number of agents last winter because the door of possibility still seems wide open. Once I complete my edits of the first chapter and strengthen my character’s voice, I’m diving headfirst back into the trenches. (Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now plays dramatically in the background.)

Querying is frustrating and requires a thick skin. It’s difficult to wake up to a message from an agent, get your hopes up, only to see a three-sentence-long rejection notice.

If you are in the querying trenches, too, don’t give up!

I know I will find an agent somewhere out there that will be excited for my work. It’s only a matter of reworking, rewriting, and resubmitting. And I know, your work will get there too someday!

As always, thank you for reading!