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My literary agent dumped me by e-mail on Friday afternoon....

Bookworm13Bookworm13
edited March 2017 in Writing
On Friday afternoon, my agent emailed me to say he was dropping me!
It has come completely out of the blue with no warning at all. Only last week, he said he was really enjoying my fourth book!!
In his e-mail, he basically said he really enjoyed Book 4 (I write romcoms) but that he "hadn't fallen in love with it" and therefore he thought I should look for representation elsewhere.
I remember bursting into tears in front of the PC and literally falling into a tearful heap on my Husband's shoulder when he got in from work.
I still can't quite take it in but shock now is turning into annoyance and the "I'll show you" mentality.
TBH, I think he is making up excuses to get me off his books, because he couldn't sell Book 3.
Have started submitting my latest work to agents over the weekend....off we go again.... X

Comments

  • heatherheather
    Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that.
    Well done for your positive proactive attitude to it, but it must hurt. :(
  • Bookworm13Bookworm13
    Oh it really did Heather, especially as he had given no indication at all that it was likely! Just got to start from the beginning again with submitting to other agents - grrrr!
  • Phots MollPhots Moll
    Sorry about that. I can see it's a blow, but you're right - prove he's made a mistake by getting the book out to others and writing more.
  • ClaudiaClaudia
    Oh, Bookworm, what a horrible blow for you after him telling you he was enjoying your book! All credit to you for picking yourself up and subbing again.
  • CarolCarol
    Sympathetic hugs, and glad you're picking yourself up and submitting again- fingers crossed.
  • LizyLizy
    What a shock, bookworm, after all that buildup too. At least you have three published books to brag about, and the next agent won't know who dumped who unless you tell them. Good luck with the search.
  • cheshirecheesecheshirecheese
    If he hadn't fallen in love with it, love being such a subjective and nebulous thing, he may not have been the best person to sell your work to others. He could have carried on representing you half heartedly. It may be for the best that you find an agent to better represent you.
  • ana sana s
    Sorry to hear that, Bookworm. His feedback was useless: enjoyed but not in love with. If he had been more detailed and constructive you could have a tinker before subbing again. Hope you find a better agent.
  • IceniIceni
    My sympathy, Bookworm, but Cheshire Cheese is probably right. You have the right attitude in response to this. If your next book is a best seller, this agent will be the one sobbing in front of his computer.

    Good luck.
  • LizLiz
    Good luck, Bookworm, how upsetting... but, it might be the best thing that ever happened!
  • Bookworm13Bookworm13
    Thank you to each and every one of you - it helps so much to know that other writers are wishing you well and understand!
    I've been submitting Book 4 since Saturday and felt a bit down again at lunchtime today- until an e-mail popped up in my In box from one of the agents I'd approached on Sat, requesting the Full.
    I refuse to get my hopes up as I've been there before (!) but at least it has given me a bit of confidence that she liked my query letter, first 3 chapters and synopsis enough to request a Full - and that she did so in 48 hrs.
    Onwards and upwards - hopefully! Hope all you guys are doing well and writing like crazy! X
  • Tiny NellTiny Nell
    Great news! Fabulous!
  • LizyLizy
    Ah - that's better!
  • CarolCarol
    Good news, fingers crossed for you.
  • heatherheather
    Oh well done!
    Hope it works out for you.
  • Bookworm13Bookworm13
    Thank you - as I say, I'm not getting my hopes up but I did need a confidence boost and that has helped a bit - as have all of you! X
  • Phots MollPhots Moll
    I'm glad you've had some hopeful news.
  • ClaudiaClaudia
    Good luck, Bookworm. You're obviously doing something right - just have to find the best fit!
  • ana sana s
    Very proper keen response. This is what's wanted.
  • Lou TreleavenLou Treleaven
    How awful but this could be the turning point of your career - good luck and stay positive, things are sounding hopeful!
  • Bookworm13Bookworm13
    Thank you all so much!
    I've had two Full requests in total since Monday, so here's hoping!
    How are things going with all of you? X
  • LizyLizy
    Sent off a sub of a different book. It takes me ages to hone each sub to perfection - perhaps a more casual appròach might work better!
  • LizLiz
    Too studied and over-worked could be boring I guess. Have you showed it to someone else to see what they think of it?
  • LizyLizy
    No. OH can spot typos but nothing else. Haven't found anyone yet who I feel i can ask.
  • LizLiz
    I'd do it if I had the bloomin' time, but I'm completely overwhelmed with writing end of one book, getting work for the other book and the A-Z atm. Why don't you ask on a thread on here, for someone who has had their stuff accepted by an agent to just asses your letter? In fact, anyone can probably give you feedback on things you might not have thought of. Introduction letters should be no more than four paragraphs, and give a flavour of you-ness and your work.
  • Phots MollPhots Moll
    Haven't found anyone yet who I feel i can ask.
    Someone writing in a similar genre who'd welcome feedback from you in return?
  • DwightDwight
    That's the spirit, B13. To infinity and beyond.

    Good luck in your agent search.
  • Tristram_ShandyTristram_Shandy
    Best of luck, B13. Two full requests since Monday is very good going.
  • Bookworm13Bookworm13
    Thanks Dwight and Tristram - I'll try not to get too optimistic and see what happens...!
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