So, got a rejection on a partial (100 pages) I’d sent out in December.
If you recall, I also rec’d a rejection on the same pages last fall (in addition to SEVERAL other rejections), and the basic feedback was that the characters felt distant, but the plot and historical setting were quite good. Now, check out this latest rejection:
“Dear Crazy Writer Lady,
[ .... ]The premise of the novel is very inventive, but I’m afraid I found the narrative somewhat too interior. Much of the prose is occupied with internal monologue as opposed to exterior action. This made it difficult to engage with the plot. “
So, in essence, there’s too much time spent IN THE MAIN CHARACTER’S HEAD. Who is essentially narrating the story.
Hm.
And, GAH! What do you do with that? I have yet to receive anything consistent, besides typical rejection speak, which usually goes something like “Thanks; you’re pretty good; but it wasn’t enough for me. Keep looking.”
The good news? Two more requests – so now I have four fulls and three partials out. I’m doing better with the waiting and agonizing, but damn it would be great if there was a give and magically, the agent search would end. SUCCESSFULLY.
(Was that too internal?!)
Hand in there. Then, read Stephen King’s “On Writing” if you have not. Writing is extremely difficult because we give so much of ourselves. Persist.
By: 205guy on January 30, 2008
at 4:29 pm
What genre is your book?
By: Liz on January 31, 2008
at 6:34 pm
I am not writing a book. I write for a newspaper. Visit my blog and comment if you like—”Vince Jackson As I See It.”
The point is don’t give up.
By: 205guy on February 1, 2008
at 8:12 am
Sounds like you’re doing great aside from, you know, rejection.
I have no idea if you’re supposed to rework the novel based on all this varying feedback or just keep sending it out!
By: Daphne on February 7, 2008
at 8:24 am