Important things we learned at the SDSU Writer's Conference
Why Good Agents turn down Good Manuscripts, presented by Anne Hawkins of the John Hawkins and Associates Inc. was a very informative session. Ms. Hawkins discussed the need for writers to be sure they are querying agents that handle the type of work they represent by researching web sites and writers publications. The Publisher Weekly was on the top of her list.
Agents like all other professions have certain types of editorial and publishing contacts that they deal with regularly. The agent may receive a wonderful manuscript and still reject that piece because they do not feel they have the proper contacts to get the manuscript sold.
Another reason manuscripts may be rejected by an agent may revolve around a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest may exist if they represent a client that is doing very similar work. For example your novel is a historical book about Queen Elizabeth and the agent represents another author’s book about the same subject.
Personal taste was another factor Ms. Hawkins reflected on during her presentation. Each individual has certain types of writing and styles that appeal to them, just like every reader out there. Since it is essential an agent is highly enthused about your work for them to be an effective advocate for you; the project has to truly appeal to the agents personal taste. Even though it may not appeal to that agent, it does not mean that it may not ‘speak to’ the next agent you query.
So even though you may have received a form rejection letter, do not automatically assume the agent didn’t like your work. There may be other reasons.
In the mean time Tracy and I our continuing to work on our projects and hoping the agents that have our work are enthused!
Luree
