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Agent Replies--Night and Day

Friday I received a letter from Ethan Ellenberg regarding my YA partial he requested.

Dear Ms. Thomason,

Thank you for sending your YA novel GOOD FRIENDS GONE BAD. I think it is a facinating idea (YAY!). I've never seen anything like it (DOUBLE YAY!). Unfortunately I just didn't love the writing(OUCH!). Best of luck with other agents.

I wasn't upset after reading this, but instead thought this was kind of funny. Just last week I received a letter from another agent who had read the partial, and she said she loved the writing and the sassy voice, but not so much the idea of it.

Agents are so completely opposite. I'm really learning a lot about this. I can't change the way I write, so no need to stress over that. If an agent doesn't like my writing, then that's not the agent for me. I was ready to make changes to the ms based on what another agent said, about not liking the actual set up of the story, but if I listen to this last rejeciton, this agent says the idea is fascinating.

So I'm thinking I just need to wait this out and see if there is just one agent out there who likes the idea and the writing. If not, I guess I can make changes based on the overall suggestions.






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Posted on May. 21st, 2006 at 04:40 pm | | Leave a comment | Add to Memories | Tell a Friend

Comments


[info]writtenoutloud

argh! i'm getting the same thing! they love the writing but not the concept.
Posted on May. 21st, 2006 11:59 pm (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]rose_thomason

Isn't it frustrating? I can't wait to find an agent that likes all aspects of my work.
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 12:28 am (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]writtenoutloud

yah i hear you. that's why i'm working towards self publishing. i'm still out to a few more agents who requested but i'm moving forward just so i'm not waiting on them.
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 01:05 am (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]mindyalyse

I hope you receive a call soon from an agent soon - one who loves your writing, characters, idea, etc. - and can't wait to sign you! I'll keep my fingers crossed. :)
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 01:35 am (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]rose_thomason

thanks Mindy :) You and AMM have helped me so much!!
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 09:08 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]mindyalyse

You're welcome, Rose! You and AMM have helped me a lot, also! I have a feeling we'll be together throughout our careers.
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 10:15 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]lizjonesbooks

SOunds like a half full cup to me-- I queried him, and he never even answered! You must be on the right track!
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 01:38 am (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]rose_thomason

thanks ;) Too bad he doesn't like my writing though, lol.
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 09:08 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]newport2newport

Another rejection (with great comments, even) brings you another step closer to finding the right match.

I think you've got a great attitude!
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 02:52 am (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]rose_thomason

Thanks! After the first and second rejections I got, I threw a pity party for myself. I never had rejections before, so I wasn't really used to this. But now, I figure I'm learning a lot more than I ever could if I didn't try. It may take me awhile, but I will get there someday!
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 09:10 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]pixiechick_sw

I've found the same thing with agents. One will say one thing and the next will say the opposite. I just look for consistencies and if I get any, I'll make changes. Good luck!!! I'm happy to hear you've been hearing from agents at all. My inbox had been packed lately with "Dear Writer, We apologize for the form letter...yadda, yadda, yadda." letters. Ouch! I look forward to hearing you good news!
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 04:34 am (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]rose_thomason

thank you, hopefully sooner than later. Yeah, I've had my share of form letters. I understand they're busy, but it's so impersonal and any feedback they could share is always so helpful.
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 09:11 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]pbwriter

That certain someone will love your stuff, Rose. It's like waiting for that certain love to come into your life. When they do, it's magic!
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 04:41 am (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]rose_thomason

That is definately one way of looking at it! I like that :)
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 09:12 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]laurabowers

Yeah, rejections stink, but this only brings you closer to that perfect agent who loves both you and your ideas! Keep the faith, it will happen.

(I'm curious who the agent was. Something about his last line sounds familiar . . .)
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 11:49 am (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]pamm

She said Ethan Ellenberg.
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 12:27 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]laurabowers

Oh, good grief, she did! Lesson of the Day: Do not comment until coffee has kicked in. ;)
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 03:31 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]rose_thomason

HAHA! I can totally relate!
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 09:15 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]pamm

Yeah...you just have to wait it out and that's tough. Just keep searching. The right agent is waiting for YOU!
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 12:27 pm (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]rose_thomason

thanks! I know the long search will all be worth it in the end!
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 09:15 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]amanda_marrone

This is one of the most frustrating parts of the business--besides the waiting--it's such a crap shoot finding the right person--but you're getting good feedback--only revise if what someone said rings true for you. I've had my share of "start the action sooner" and "let the story take it's time and develop" on the same manuscript.
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 01:22 pm (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]rose_thomason

It's funny how agents can see one manuscript so differently. You're right. I wanted to revise with every suggestion, but then I'd be right back to square one. Not everyone will be happy with my work, so I need to make sure I believe in it and that the one agent I find does also.
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 09:18 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]saputnam

I know it's frustrating but hang in there Rose! The RIGHT agent is out there. Getting any kind of personal reply means that you are one step closer to success.
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 09:12 pm (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

[info]rose_thomason

Thanks :) I'm definately keeping positive and using this as a learning experience.
Posted on May. 22nd, 2006 09:18 pm (UTC) | | Parent | Thread | Reply

[info]crissachappell

You will find your match. I can totally relate to this post.
Posted on May. 28th, 2006 07:44 pm (UTC) | | Thread | Reply

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