Think Before You Submit To The Same Agent

A common question many authors have is "Can I submit to an editor or agent if he/she has already rejected a project?" The answer is a yes... but let me explain some of the twists of this.

First of all, I do not personally recommend resubmitting a project that has been rejected UNLESS the editor/agent has given you clear revision notes AND said to feel free to resubmit. Some people will do that. Here at Greyhaus, I make it a policy to not do that simply because your project might work for someone else in the present form. So, in answer to this first part, resubmit, ONLY if requested to.

Now, what if they reject and I have another project I think might work. In this case, definitely do that, HOWEVER, don't just fire off that next project immediately. There are a few things you need to do first.

Take a look at that rejection letter. Read it carefully. If the editor or agent gave you any feedback, then make sure that this next project is not making the same mistakes. Take your time. Look it over. Don't rush it. If you were rejected because you sent something that person does not represent or acquire, go back and re-read their exact guidelines of what they want or don't want. Sending another project that is not a genre they represent is only going to give you a bad reputation.

Let me explain this last one a bit further. I have several authors who just keep submitting to me genres I don't represent. In one case, the person sending the projects is someone who is clearly making money sending out projects for authors. I have passed on every project. I have even reached out to this individual and told her that I hope this is all voluntary work and if not, it is a shame she is ripping off people with these letters. Did this stop her? No. I just got three more over the weekend. At this point, I start blocking the individual. 

Let's get back to those rejections. If you have now sent multiple projects and you are getting the "It's just not right for me personally" letter then this is telling you something. It is not a right fit. Your voice is not what the editor or agent is looking for, so move on. Find someone new. 

I honestly don't know how many other editors or agents keep a spreadsheet like I do, but when I do get a repeat author, I do go back and see what I rejected them on in the past. THAT will be the hurdle the author has to overcome for me to move forward. In other words, did you pay attention to what I said in the past? If not, get ready for the next rejection!