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Querying Literary Agents

Writer's picture: Paper PaladinPaper Paladin

Where have you been Paper Paladin?



Yes, it’s been quite a stretch of time since my last post.


I’ve been creating new rhythms in my life.


I have a new job, and I commute three days a week by trip-linking (bike + train), which affords me time to sit and write more regularly.


I revisited the next stage for this blog and sent out queries to literary agents.


So, a lot of waiting in the past few months.


I'm thankful that literary agents are often upfront on their websites about how long you can expect to wait for a response.


A batch of queries went out in June 2024. Eight weeks later the replies began rolling in.


No.


Thankfully, I was prepared for the rejection. It hasn’t gotten to me. I’ve pointed this book out before, but it begs another recommendation: An Insider's Guide to Publishing. Rejection is part of the process. Thanks to David Comfort, I'm prepared for the no.


Out went another batch of query emails at the end of September 2024.


No again.


As I’ve mentioned before, my waiting isn’t static. It’s active: continuing to write, continuing to pray over the manuscript and the people to whom it will connect one day, continuing to be present in my family and other day-to-day responsibilities.


Also, it takes me quite a bit of time to curate a list of agents to whom I query. I'm searching for agents that might be a good fit for my manuscript. I’ve read hours upon hours of literary agency websites, learning about whether values align, then seeing if individual agents are accepting queries, and if so, what they’re interested in.


There was a time before hiring my writing coach when I pondered self-publishing. I have friends who’ve done it. But I haven’t felt called to that path. Right now, I’m called to connect with agents, share what I’ve written, and wait for God’s timing on the next step.


What's been surprising, so far, is how many agents, despite passing on my manuscript, have written back with encouraging responses: keep going; you'll find the right person; try this... Literary agents get a lot of queries, so to have them personally respond is humbling. I'm filled with gratitude for their time reading what I've sent them and for their responses to help me on my journey.


I sent out another batch of queries last week. In a few months, I’ll get responses. I don't pin my hope nor my happiness on those responses. Rather, I’ll continue to hone my writing skills and practice patience.

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