Real Life Example of Agent Subjectivity
We hear all the time that the writing business is subjective. It's true.
I wanted to share a huge lesson I learned while querying my first book. Two agents gave me detailed rejections.
Rejection #1
Unfortunately, I didn't find Prue to be a likable character. She sounded childish and was too curious and trusting
Rejection #2
While I enjoy your writing style, and I think you have a nice, strong heroine...,
That's right, my fellow bloggers! Opposite opinions. Are you surprised? Don't be. Agents and editors are readers, just like us.
This is why it's so important to weigh a professional's advice carefully. With the first rejection, the agent invited me to resubmit if I reworked the heroine, I decided not to for various reasons. I went with my gut and although that story is shelved for a while, I'm now confident that it's possible for others to like my heroine.
Do you have a real-life example of subjectivity to share? Have you ever gone with your gut and ignored advice? Did you regret it? Or not?
I wanted to share a huge lesson I learned while querying my first book. Two agents gave me detailed rejections.
Rejection #1
Unfortunately, I didn't find Prue to be a likable character. She sounded childish and was too curious and trusting
Rejection #2
While I enjoy your writing style, and I think you have a nice, strong heroine...,
That's right, my fellow bloggers! Opposite opinions. Are you surprised? Don't be. Agents and editors are readers, just like us.
This is why it's so important to weigh a professional's advice carefully. With the first rejection, the agent invited me to resubmit if I reworked the heroine, I decided not to for various reasons. I went with my gut and although that story is shelved for a while, I'm now confident that it's possible for others to like my heroine.
Do you have a real-life example of subjectivity to share? Have you ever gone with your gut and ignored advice? Did you regret it? Or not?
Comments
Here's an interesting story.
I paid for a professional critique. Make some changes that I didn't necessarily agree with. (This was a very well known, reputable critiquing service run by a published author) Took it to the conf and pitched my work to an agent, who gave me feedback that pretty much went against what the critiquer said and asked me to change it before submitting the full to her. So there ya go! It's all so subjective.
~ Wendy
I pitched a book idea to one editor and two agents at a conference last summer. The first agent said, "you need to change this devotional book to a non-fiction; no one is buying devos. Make the chapters longer and widen your audience." The editor said, "Can you make it into a daily devotional? We are interested in buying devotinals. I'd love to see the proposal." The second agent leaned forward, listening attentively while I pitched and read one chapter. She later offered me a contract.
Go figure.
Wow, cool story Jeanette! Thanks so much for sharing that!
Hmmm. I usually go with my top advisors, Natasha and a couple of soulmate writers, who seem to know what I'm trying to do better than me!! LOL
Happy weekend, dear Jessica!!
Patti
I received a good deal of feedback from contest judges in the past, and I looked for agreement. If several judges said the same thing, I took a serious look at the area they had problems with. If the feedback was varied, I went with what I thought was best for my story.
Jessie, I think it's cool that you got the go-ahead to resubmit on your first pass. That shows you've got talent and the agent recognized it. The fact that two agents took time to give you personalized rejections on your first query does too.
T. Anne, you're so right!
Keli, Jody always has good info on her blog, right? :-) Thanks for your sweet words. With contest judges I look for agreement too. When querying though, these were the only agents that mentioned my heroine so I'm really glad I didn't change her for the first agent. I like her the way she is, even though she seems to bring out strong reactions. LOL
Exactly Nancy. ;-) Yeah, I think I do plan to send her in to some pubs, even though she needs some tweaking.
Well, I didn't. And it WAS published. LOL!!!
I haven't gotten much agent feedback to this point but I have gotten complete opposite opinions about my work. I agree that having an agent will really help.
Happy weekend to you, Jessica.
I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but then again, I'm fighting a migraine. Maybe I should come back tomorrow. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Happy weekend,
Karen
It's all about finding the right fit for you and your story.
Karen, Exactly!
The other Karen, *grin* that would be Karen Lange, praying is def. something I should do more of when these things happen. Thanks for the reminder!
Cindy, are you querying right now? I'm crossing my fingers for you. :)
Angie, woohoo! I hope it goes well, or at least productively for you!
Susan, i'm sorry about the migraine. Hope it went away....
Angela,
I can't imagine! I have a friend going through that and it's really tough.
The responsibility always ultimately rests with us, doesn't it? I think if we listen to all the advice and let it ferment a bit, some clearer truth will always bubble to the surface.