#query trenches

[climbthemountain2020]

A year ago, I was getting my first of many, many query rejections on my first attempt at a novel. That book officially died in the trenches this year, but I have had seven short fictions published and accepted for publication in the meantime, including one accepted for narration for a horror podcast.

So, you know. Keep on trucking and all that.

[write-with-will]

Authors who have published (through either traditional or self or any other way really) — was it worth it?

I’m starting to lose hope and motivation to publish my series, it feels like such a waste of time and money only for like three people to buy it. And idk. I’m curious what the experiences are of people who’ve done it

[cvarras]

There should be a support group for querying authors. Where is my veteran support group for survivors of the query trenches.

[shutterbug-12]

Another query, another rejection.

Ho-hum.

[andthekitchensinkao3]

Another day, another rejection

Like, why do I even write?

Like, seriously, WHY.

[ashleyearley]

✅ DO Address the literary agent name by name. Personalization is important for queries. You're trying to stand out among thousands of query emails. You have to make yourself memorable. Mention why you're querying a particular agent. Maybe they represent one of your favorite writers—mention that!

✅ DO Research the literary agent. The more you know about them and what they represent, the better you will be able to gauge if they are the right agent to represent your story. Don't just query anyone! Be sure they represent your genre. Be sure they are still seeking those types of books. A quick Google search will go a long way!

❌ DON'T Avoid saying that your book is the nest bestseller, or that you're the next Stephen King or J.K. Rowling. Doing this is your one-way ticket to an agent closing your email and moving on. Be formal. Be professional. Don't brag about yourself or your story. Even in your bio, remain humble.

❌ DON'T Email the literary agent insults or "that they've made a mistake" if you receive a rejection letter. This will get you on a list that will lead to you receiving rejections from every agent within the publishing industry. The book community talks. We love tea (all kinds). You will be put on a "do not represent" list and never be considered after you've crossed this line.

Hope this is helpful to those writers who are in the query trenches! 🤎

[kialeep]

Lmao my partner just asked, "So when will you hear back on that partial request?"

Oh sweet summer child 💀

[literaticat]

Any advice for someone in the query trenches and starting to feel discouraged?

I don't know if it will be helpful, but here goes:

Here's the deal. The query trenches are tough, no doubt - it can be a demoralizing slog of waiting and not hearing anything, pierced with rejection and disappointment -- and just UGH. But! BUT!

Do you realize how many people WANT to write a book, but have never done it? COULDN'T do it? YOU DID IT. YOU WROTE A BOOK! That's amazing.

Do you realize how many people are afraid to even try to put themselves out there, when there is the possibility of rejection? How BRAVE it is to try? YOU ARE DOING THAT. YOU ARE SO BRAVE.

There will be failures and disappointments along the way, for sure. There's just no way around that - even bestselling and beloved authors get rejections, even famous people get disappointments, and the more you put your work and your heart out there, the more chances there are for the hard things to happen... but ALSO, the more you put your work and your heart out there, the more chances you'll have to succeed.

So maybe, instead of framing the "query trenches" as a slog to be endured, or a painful place to be -- you can change the narrative. You don't have an agent or a publishing deal yet - so you have time to experiment and play and follow your passions with nobody else's thoughts to worry about. You get rejections - and maybe they sting, but also maybe they can INSPIRE you in a way. After all - if you are getting rejected, that means you are getting READ. Maybe the rejections will point you toward something that isn't working in your query or manuscript. Maybe they will toughen you up so you get even braver. Maybe you will start writing MORE out of SPITE!

And when you write more, and revise more, you get even better...... and you submit more, and it's less scary and you are even braver.... and then.... before you know it, you are too busy writing and creating and buzzing to worry quite so much about the long waits and anxious feelings.... and hey, wouldn't you know it... great, brave writing from confident, persistent writers tends to attract AGENTS! HOORAY!

Very best of luck out there, and may the odds be ever in your favor.