Bell-Men got its first rejection today, from Pyr. That didn't surprise me, but the letter itself did. It was a very nice personalized rejection that read in part: "It was very well-written, but unfortunately not quite right for Pyr. You have an engaging voice. I enjoyed reading Bell-men; it is one of the few manuscripts I have read in its entirety." That took the sting out of the reject for sure.
I decided to go ahead and start querying agents aggressively. That's what I've been doing for the last couple of hours. I just sent out 19 queries, in fact. Now I just sit back and let the rejections roll in.
Well...for a rejection, that is pretty nice. Go for it--nothing to lose and I need to go to my local bookstore and pick up Bell-Men.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aaron, if you're going to get one, that's the one to get.
ReplyDeleteAaron--Agents everywhere are wincing. Or cheering!
ReplyDeleteDanielle--I think so too, particularly since I really expected a form rejection.
It does sound nice, as far as rejections go. I'm sure that your perseverance will pay off.
ReplyDeletePersonal rejections are always the best : ) You'll find the right home for Bell Men soon!
ReplyDeleteThat's a fantastic rejection. I have a gut feeling about that book.
ReplyDeleteAlan and Natalie--I hope so!
ReplyDeleteCate--The rejection did actually make me a little hopeful (which sounds weird).
That is the kind of rejection a person could, almost, get used to. I am sure it will find an agent soon, and then a publisher.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I must say, this is probably the first rejection I've ever gotten that makes me feel more hopeful, not less.
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