The Undiscovered Country

Not Necessarily Bad News

I've stated before I'm a natural optimist. I like to see the bright side of things, even when life isn't going the way I plan or hope.

For instance, I received an email this morning from the agent I sent my manuscript to. He didn't reject my manuscript. Instead he sent a form letter stating he will no longer be an agent.

Oddly enough, I didn't take it as bad news per se. I have a proposal done; all I need to do is tweak it a little depending upon what other agents are looking for.

I already have another agent in mind who will honestly be a better fit for me and my book. I had sent a query to him about two years ago. He liked my story, but said the writing wasn’t up to par. I discussed the letter in my publication journal I haven’t touched in almost a year: ("Rejection #4" ).

From what I’ve read, I can re-query an agent if enough time has passed. Not only has over two years gone by, but the title of my book has changed, and I’ve revamped much of the story - especially the first few chapters - I doubt if he’ll remember me or my story.

Besides, my writing has improved enough, he may give my book a closer look. He was also an editor for many years before becoming an agent, so like last time, he may give me some suggestions on how to improve my writing further.

I will still search for other agencies while I’m at it, though. I’ve been paying for http://www.writersmarket.com for the last three years, I might as well get my money’s worth out of it again. I buy a yearly subscription instead of the book (they’re the same price), because it’s updated almost daily. With the book, you never know if an editor has changed, someone went out of business or was discovered not to be above-board.