It’s been but a few weeks since I restarted querying agents for my Young Adult novel, and I’m surprised to have already received three rejections. It’s not the “I’ve been rejected?!” part that surprises me, it’s the quick response. In all three instances the agents replied within five days of my query. Whereas I once would have been plagued with doubts (Did they hate it? Was it evidently awful?) of my writing ability, I am all the more motivated by each response I receive. For one prompt rejection email provides me with new information as to how to move forward. If all three of the agents were similar in their wish lists, submission guidelines, or desired genres then I’d have to re-examine my agent criteria research.
Even more so than the new details rejections offer, each one clears the way towards finding the agent/publisher who “gets” my book. The one who will understand and embrace the story, characters, and tone of the novel. Someone who will love it, fight for it, and champion it as much as I do. I’m not going to change who I am or how I write to sell a book – I will sell my book because of how I write and who I am.
I’m moving forward on my path towards publication and am looking for those who want to take that journey with me.
Kelly Deeny 