This is a comment that many writers frequently get in rejection letters. No, this is not a form rejection but really an honest comment from the editor or agent regarding your work. Now, is there anything you can do to fix this problem?
Actually, probably not.
The thing is, as an agent, we have to believe in a manuscript (and even the writer) enough to want to work with them and their projects. This means that we have to be drawn to the text in such a fashion that we will want to work with it (a lot). I actually heard an editor comment that it comes down to wanting to read that manuscript at least 5 times and always be open to reading it at least 5 times more.
A writer may have a project that is well written, but if that agent does not become attached to the story, there is nothing you can do.
Now, why wouldn't they be drawn to your story. Heck, you love your characters. Your CP's love your characters, so why not this person? It all comes down to personalities and this is the one area you have some control over.
For those of you who have followed this blog for some time, you know I continually say that it is up to you to do your research and really know the personalities of the agents you are sending your projects to. The better you understand those people, the better the chance that your project will connect. It is 100% up to you to do that research.
But hey, if you get that comment, don't cry over it. Don't scream and yell. Just think that at least you didn't get a "I really hate this manuscript" comment.
Scott
Hi Scott,
ReplyDeleteOuch, let's hope not too many authors get the 'I hate this' comment!
On connections and rejections, I 'm sure I'm not alone when I say it is sometimes VERY difficult to decipher a rejection letter.
Some of the form rejections out there are so nicely, vaguely, rudely, or otherwise worded that you could spend some serious time trying to figure out what they meant, or intended. LOL - or if anything other than 'No Thanks' was intended at all.
Research as you said IS the best bet. And not just researching agents for the genre you write in, but the style and voice of books they represent.
Hi Scott...
ReplyDeleteThis make sense to me. Apparently I must refine my personality researching skills because I have gotten a similar comment a few times with only sending out a very small amount of queries. All personal letters but now that I reread them it's obviously more of a personality thing since they are filled with otherwise 'good' stuff, at least as good as a rejection can get.