I received a rejection letter from a pretty big deal agent today, someone I met at the conference I went to in April. She reps some major authors who I admire and we hit it off well. She requested the first 50 pages of my manuscript. Since I sent it to her, I have done some fairly major reworks of these pages, but even so, the older story version she received is substantially the same as my current improved one.
At any rate, she wrote me the nicest rejection letter I have received thus far. She said she found my characters highly sympathetic, my writing voice "distinct" and "accomplished" and the story strong. She simply didn't feel as connected to it as she felt she needed to in order to represent me.
So, I'm bummed, but I also don't feel like I am on the wrong track. I am, however, wondering about this general problem agents are having with connecting to the story. I think it may be in part because my dear protagonist is an alcoholic in recovery? I wonder if that is a difficult sell for someone who is not in recovery or doesn't have someone close to them in recovery. At least when it is not a sensationalistic story. Any thoughts?
Hmmm. Food for thought. My gut says go for it. Critics (or agents) may not 'get it' but I think that the 'people' will. Name me someone whose life has not been touched by alcohol, not too many, but definately some. I think you create yourself a niche, it's a matter of degree how deeply that you want to go with it.
I just read a bunch of Laurence Block and was gratified to see the experience of recovery as a thread of the story. What if you look for an agent in recovery??? Six degrees of separation will find you one through this blog.
Posted by: Always Carol | June 22, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Perhaps some might not connect, but that would be true with any possible character. I've always found a well-written character in recovery to be fascinating and inspiring, not unlike the people you meet in real life who are in recovery. It seems to offer possibilities of portraying believable pain alongside believable redemption. And obviously writing from our own experiences gives our words more resonance.
Posted by: EliHornby | June 22, 2009 at 08:57 PM
I really don't know about agents identifying with stories having protagonists in recovery, but memoirs seem to sell, such as Dry; and Frey's made up memoir. Glad to see the agent gave it a good read and consideration and offered constructive comments.
Posted by: Patrick | June 22, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Hey Judith, it may be that stories of recovery are somewhat ubiquitous right now. You know, there are so many shows out like Intervention and The Cleaner. I really don't know enough about your book to speak to this, but I know people like Mary Oliver write in a way where it captures feelings and while it is about alcoholism, other people can relate it to another personal tragedy--like her poem, The Journey. She is definitely writing about her alcoholic family, but unless one knows that, it could be about any type of family dysfunction. I suppose what I am getting at is that it captures a wider audience.
Posted by: timibe | June 22, 2009 at 11:44 PM
I'm glad that the agent had good things to say. Maybe there will be one who will strongly identify with your protagonist. There have been several novels that have a protagonist who is in recovery. James Lee Burke's novels come to mind. I also read a good book about a ranch that was actually a rehab place. I can't think of the name of the book right now but remember that it was one that I liked. I think that with your novel, it may just take the right agent who "identifies" with what you have written.
Posted by: Syd | June 23, 2009 at 06:15 AM
I'm sure you appreciate her taking the time to comment, and giving you some insight. I don't know at all how the process works, but there is an audience for ANY topic.
For awhile, all I read were books dealing, with drinking, drugging, and recovery. I don't think that is the problem. Keep submitting..
Posted by: Lou | June 23, 2009 at 08:11 AM
I suppose a good rejection letter beats a bad one - and you already know what needs to be worked on so there is that. As for the addiction of the character - I do think it can be scary for people who know nothing about it - some people wont be able to identify - because they can put the drink down after a half a glass of wine - BUT do not let that stop you from getting this out there - I think more people need to be able to identify with this sort of thing. They can do that by looking at their own families... having stories like this out there will help people who have no idea - to really understand it.
Posted by: Cat | June 23, 2009 at 04:49 PM
i think you're on the right track...it seems strange to me that she didn't connect to highly sympathetic charachters in a strong story with a distinct and accomplished voice...sounds like her problem not yours. Keep writing and keep trudging.
Posted by: Kathy | June 23, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Is there a writers forum or, some place, where you can learn what IS working. Maybe they have guests, or is there someone you know who is published that can guide you?
I really applaude your persistance. I would have burst into tears and given it up.
Write to someone famous and you never know, they might write back!
xx
Posted by: Miss.Smack | June 23, 2009 at 10:24 PM