Well, technically it's the voice.
Firstly, Happy New Year!
Secondly, it's the first Wednesday, which means it's time for another Insecure Writer's Support Group post. Visit our great sensei Alex J. Cavanaugh and the IWSG site (linked in the previous sentence) to join us and visit the hosts for this month!
A couple of years ago, I said that I wouldn't do another pitch contest. Then, I entered Fractured Princess into one in Fall 2016, got a SLEW of agent likes and requests to see more, and then received rejection after rejection after rejection. Though I did get two "Can I see more?" requests after sending the query, so I didn't lose hope.
Fall 2017, I did it again after a major overhaul to the manuscript. I didn't receive as many likes, but that actually saved me some time in sending out queries. Unfortunately, no bites this time, either.
The general consensus is that the voice isn't grabbing them. This is one of those moments where I wish at least one person said WHAT about the voice didn't grab them, because then I'd know if it's something I'm missing, or if I just haven't found the agent who loves the voice. I don't want to lose hope, but it's not as close as it used to be.
21 comments:
Happy New Year, Deb!
You're showing a lot of grit to keep at the traditional publishing thing. Voice can seem so elusive, huh? But if you're writing the story only you can tell, that's a powerful voice--even if it takes others a long time to recognize it.
Thanks, Jennifer. I really would like to be traditionally published, but I don't know at this point.
I feel your pain. I too want to make it big through traditional publishing, but my indie stuff seems to work better for me. Good luck finding a voice they like.
So much of it is the timing. Try again. Same reaction, then you might have to change some things. But you could find that one person who loves the voice!
There is the voice of the characters and the voice of the story. Maybe add a bit more pizzazz to the narration. I'm only guessing mind you. ;-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
It's touch when agents/editors, etc aren't specific. Have you tried a few beta readers or critique partners? They could offer some insight.
Good luck!
Yeah I never tried the traditional publishing route (I started with a small publisher so I wouldn't call that traditional) and now I'm very happy self-publishing. I just don't have the patience to try traditional publishing. Good luck as you try to figure it out!
It sounds like you're writing very interesting queries as you're getting agent nibbles. That alone should give you loads of hope. Here's to finding the agent that loves your story as much as you do! They are out there, right?
I think voice can be elusive. What speaks to one reader, turns off another. Hang onto that hope!
Good luck, Deb. Some people pick up a voice and some don't. Keep going.
Voice can be tricky. I think it took me a long time to get it just right. I did have one person say it's fantastic (the only beta reader I've ever had) but who knows what other people will think?
Keep working at it and keep the hope alive!
You never know, maybe it's just the timing. Don't give up!
Happy New Year and Write On!
Thanks, Susanne!
I hope. Thanks, Alex.
I hope so! Thanks, Ryan!
Obviously, the query is snagging interest. So kudos there! As to the rest, traditional publishing is hard and voice is such a matter of opinion. It only has to hit the right person at the right time. I say 'only' with a smirk. Good luck!
So your story is interesting to the agents, but they're not going further with the writing.
Trad publishing is a lottery of timing and luck, so don't give up. At the same time, start writing a new MS-- that always helps.
All the best with writing and querying, and here's hoping 2018 is your year!
Damyanti
Of all the writing elements, I always say that voice is the hardest to pin down.
Just keep on writing... editing... querying!
Happy 2018, Deb!
Voice is tough, but I would say, keep on writing and querying! Remember, J.K. Rowling's first Harry Potter book took 26 rejections before she had a publisher.
Happy 2018!
Thanks, Michelle! Happy 2018!
I will definitely remember that! Thank you! Happy 2018.
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