I finished revising my story, a young adult novel. Again. I added another layer and am feeling pretty good about it. Now what? Should I query the agent I met at the writer's retreat last spring? She read the first 25 pages and gave me a positive critique and suggestions for improvement to help deepen the story. Should I hold off and wait for the retreat coming up in March? Should I query publishers or should I query agents? So many questions. What's the right way to go?
One of my writer friends, who also happens to be an editor, recently posted a blog on her site that was very interesting and got me questioning. She wrote that editors are inundated with requests and querys this time of year and that if writers want to be noticed, and not be just one in a pile of slush, they should hold off. I am eager to get my story out there but should I take her advice? Should I wait a month or so? Or should I take the plunge and send it out now?
I think you should wait a month, especially if there's a chance that this agent might be at the writers retreat. I don't know much about publishing, but I would query the agent first so that they can arrange the other things like publishers, editors, etc. But I would also just set aside the novel for a couple weeks, then pick it up again and read through it to make sure it's what you want. I often find that when I let something sit for a few weeks and then pick it up again, I see things I didn't see before that I would rather change or fix, and if there isn't anything, then you get the pleasure of reading your novel as you want readers to read it. I'm not sure if any writers would agree with me, and I certainly haven't published anything (well, I've self-published, but that doesn't count), but there's my two cents...
ReplyDeleteHey! Thing is, publishers get inundated all year long--it's just that they don't work as much in the summer or in December (shortened hours, etc). This is prime time! My book that was bought was sent out in Jan of last year.
ReplyDeleteOnly you know if it's ready. Maybe sitting on it is a good idea--then, again, don't use that as a procrastination technique!!
Get that novel into the world, Lady!!! There are kids waiting for it!
Now is good! There's nothing wrong with reaching out and seeing if you can get a response now; and of course, be ready to rumble with it regardless in March. I'm excited for you, Laurie!
ReplyDeleteGet it out there now! Agents and editors are always backed up. Send out queries...and then begin another project. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Okay, okay, I think I'm ready. Thanks for the words of encouragement! I love my writing friends (and sister!).
ReplyDeleteHUGE congrats on finishing Laurie! I say start sending it out! Research the houses and editors you think will be the best fit, write your query letters and GET IT OUT THE DOOR! Then sit down and start on your next novel.
ReplyDeleteSend it to that agent that you've got contact with. Now. Just do it. (This is Dell, I just didn't want to sign Liz out of her gmail)
ReplyDeleteQuery to agent, Rebecca Sherman. Done. :)
ReplyDelete