Literary agent rejections can be difficult to interpret and overcome. This article will help you comprehend and cope with the often-cryptic and sometimes-insensitive missives of book agents. It was inspired by an author who recently posted the following comment on one of my websites: “Mark, you do not say anything about those unfortunates that do not get agents. I, being one of those, have suffered the depression and heartbreak of having tried so hard, and while we are certainly happy for those more fortunate, it would be nice to hear a word of encouragement. As for me, I am just recovering from the stress of failure, again. Thought it might do others good to hear encouraging words from someone like you.”
Literary Agent Rejections – Interpret, Overcome, Avoid
I don’t write articles in response to comments very often, but the comment above really moved me. So, listed below you’ll find a detailed list of ideas and strategies to help you interpret, overcome, and avoid literary agent rejections. But please don’t just read the list. Share it... so others can benefit from it. And, if you have ideas and strategies that aren’t on the list, post them in the comments section (after the article) so others can benefit from your ideas, too.
Literary Agent Rejections – Top 10 List
- Read literary agent rejections–but don’t read too much “into” them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to calm down one of my author coaching clients because he or she misinterpreted what an agent said (or didn’t say) in a rejection letter. That’s right, even my coaching clients get literary agent rejections. Every author gets them. And it’s not always easy to interpret the rejections. These articles will help: Literary Agent Feedback, Stupid Things Literary Agents Say and Do, and Sensitive Author Syndrome.
. - Be fully committed to the process of getting published–but don’t make it life or death. It’s easy to get emotional about your writing if: you’re passionate about it, you’ve invested a lot of time and/or money into the process of trying to become successful, and/or you have big hopes about how becoming a successful author might change your life. Caring about your writing is good. Just don’t associate your entire mental well-being (or most of it) on literary agent rejections. You should do everything you can to get an agent, publisher and/or book deal. But you’re not going to die or live a completely unfulfilled life if you don’t (or if it doesn’t happen for you in 12 months or less). So don’t think and/or do things to make yourself feel that way. In other words, don’t put yourself on an emotional roller-coaster or make yourself manic. Emotional intensity isn’t going to make the universe bend to your will. Taking calm, correct, consistent action might.
. - Don’t keep thinking your writing is crap–or that you’re God’s gift to literature. This is another reminder to avoid extremes when getting literary agent rejections. I’ve talked to thousands of authors over the years as a former literary agent, former Marketing & Licensing Manager for a well-known publisher, and, now, as an author coach. What have I learned? Most of the time, authors who think their writing is awful aren’t as bad as they think; and authors who think their writing is great aren’t as good as they think.
. - Write–but do other things that make you happy, too. You can be both fully committed to your writing and do other things. And you should do other things while literary agent rejections are coming in. Obsessing with something (like trying to get a literary agent) without having enough other things going on in your life isn’t healthy. It also makes it harder to sustain your efforts submitting query letters, because obsessing leads to burnout. Quit stalking your email account. Take time to smell the roses, go the gym, and/or work on your next book.
….. - Don’t rush the process of becoming a better writer and getting published–but don’t procrastinate either. Everything worth anything takes time. Usually more than we’d like. That includes things like getting in shape, writing a book, and (of course) getting a literary agent for a book. You want to be a successful author? Start by enjoying the journey as much as the idea of being published. And, read this article about Why Writers Write. Then read these articles to jump-start your writing and/or your efforts to market your writing: Publish your Book Before It’s Too Late, Lazy-A*s Authors Don’t Get Literary Agents, Not Writing – Author Excuses, and Preemie Publishing.
. - Dream big–but only as big as your work ethic. Don’t listen to people who think and/or say you can’t make money or make a living as an author. Read this article instead: Make Money As An Author. Then read this article about being optimistic and realistic, and doing what it takes in the face of literary agent rejections: Too Good to Be True. And, lastly, read this article called Entitlement in Writer Culture, which sheds more light on why some people make it… and some don’t.
. - Don’t blame anyone for your “failures” as you’re moving forward–including yourself. When it comes to your book(s), the proverbial buck should stop with you regarding literary agent rejections. You’re the author. Anyone else is a supporting character in the story of your literary life. You’re the one who has the most control of your publishing destiny (although it might not always feel that way), so you need to decide how your story is going to end. Don’t pin your disappointments on anyone else: siblings, parents, kids, boss, neighbors, politicians, literary agents, editors, publishers–or me. All you can do, is all you can do. So, stay focused on consistently discovering and implementing the concrete action steps that you take next to achieve your publishing goals. Read this article about Prejudiced Literary Agents and Publishers. And don’t be too hard on yourself, either. Hold yourself accountable, but don’t indulge yourself with too much self-pity and/or self-loathing. A little bit is okay, but don’t wallow.
. - Remember that talent is important–but persistence is sometimes more important. Want proof? Think about those awful books and movies you started but never finished. Then read these articles: “Fantasy Writing”; Suspend your Disbelief; What’s Your Number?; Drink Lemonade, Get Published; and The Most Important Decision You’ll Ever Make As An Author.
. - Remind yourself that getting published isn’t luck–it’s a decision–and keep deciding, every day, you’re going to be published “no matter what”. It’s easy to feel like the odds of getting published aren’t any better than than the odds of winning the lottery. Especially when you’re getting literary agent rejections. But the odds of you winning the lottery in some places are as bad as 1 in 259 million (I Googled it). I’m pretty sure your chances of getting an agent are better than that. Read this article called Are You Looking for “Signs” to Help You Reach Your Goals? I’m not saying that any author can get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal by simply affirming, “Let it be so”. That would be stupid. However, there are many things you can do to increase your chances of getting a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. Stay focused on those things, follow through on those things, and celebrate the fact that most of the authors you’re competing with are too busy with other things or lazy to follow through. And, many more don’t know what they should do. Advantage YOU since you’re reading articles like this and getting more educated about the publishing industry. Lastly, decide you’re going to get your writing out into the world, one way or another, regardless of what happens with literary agents and the “big-time” major publishers. You should try, of course, to get a literary agent and a major publisher. But, if you don’t get a literary agent and publisher after you’ve done everything possible (including getting help, see below), you shouldn’t give up. You should, instead, try to get a smaller but legitimate publisher to publish your book(s). And, if that fails, you should self-publish. Don’t let your writing die a sad death in a dusty drawer. Self-publishing isn’t the end of the world. But you should read these two articles to see why most authors should only self-publish as a last resort: Self-Publish a Book and Should I Self-Publish My Book?
. - Trust your instincts and intuition–but get help (the right help). This is the best strategy when it comes to overcoming literary agent rejections because it can help you avoid getting literary agent rejections in the first place. I don’t mind hard work but I also like shortcuts, which is why I like getting help as well. I enjoy other people sharing new ways that I can do things better. And I love other people sharing new ways that I can work smarter instead of harder. I wasn’t always like that. I used to take pride in figuring everything out for myself. Now I’m older and wiser, and I’m too successful and busy to do everything myself or think I need to. Whenever possible, I hire people to help me do things faster and/or better. Without the painful guessing, uncertainty, and loneliness that comes with trying to be the hero. You can/should do the same thing. For starters, click here to look at the answers to my Frequently Asked Questions and/or Ask Me a Question yourself (no charge) about the best way to write, publish, or promote your book(s). Other things you can do to make the getting published process easier/faster/better: read a book about how to become a better writer; go to a Writers’ Conference; join (or start) a writers’ group; Schedule a Coaching Call and get feedback regarding your pitch materials and/or a sample of your writing; hire a freelance book editor; etc. Just make sure, if you’re planning to hire someone (for anything related to your writing), that you read this article first, which explains How to Discern Between “Masters” and “Wannabees”. Read this article to make sure you only Hire and Surround Yourself with Positive People. And read this article about How to Be Coachable.
Literary agent rejections aren’t easy to deal with, no matter what you do. But I hope these tips will help take the edge off, making it more likely you’ll sustain your efforts to get your work out into the world in a bigger way… and enjoy the journey.
All my best,
– Mark
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MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
Good. I figure I’m just waiting for everyone to catch up to/slow down formy stories.
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I followed up on a rejection by reading a blog by the agent and I was so amazed at her passion for character development and presentation that I vowed to try focusing on my central character in the book I just began as an exercise in ending up proud of getting close to what stirred up the agent.Fred Lipschitz
Hi Fred, I love it… even the best of the best can continue getting better… and staying focused on how you can do that is one of the best ways to keep increasing your odds of getting what you want as an author. I hope others will read your comment and be inspired to do the same.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
From what agents write, each gets several hundred queries a week i.e. several thousand/year. They pick 3-5 for follow-up. So, adopt a mathematical approach: presuming all synopses are equal, each query has a 1 in 3,000 chance of getting follow-up. While ALL agents tell you to personalize queries, all you really need do is get their name right on the cover-letter and remember to change it with each submission. Then send to 3,000 agents. The real problem is there are not 3,000 agents!
Hi Robert, you’re write about the odds… and sending out queries to every agent who might be interested in your work is certainly one way to drastically increase your odds. Most… and I mean 99.9% of the authors I’ve ever spoken with give up before submitting to every agent who might be interested in their work. And most authors don’t reach out to someone to get help. So being aware of the odds and being committed to doing what can be done… to increase one’s odds… can go a loooong way. Keep your sense of humor and keep going. If you do, you’re still in the game.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I loved reading your post on this. Not twenty minutes ago, I read another blog post that told me I was fooling myself by waiting for an agent offer. Agents were no longer taking unproven writers. That those days are over. I will keep doing what I’m doing and that is submitting and writing. Maybe I am foolish, but so what. Every day is a new day to improve. Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you Jen, loved reading your comment… wonderful time the way it worked out… and yes… the world is filled with people harping on why we can’t do things. Here’s to dreaming and going big… because… well… the alternative… isn’t really an alternative. 😉
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
This a very helpful encouraging article for those of us who find ourselves perpetually swimming upstream. I have tried several approaches based on your counsel and knew going in that the issues about which I am an expert – abusive marriage and biblical divorce – are uncomfortable for Christian agents and publishers to even consider. So my question is: How do you generate interest from an agent who likely believes that the issues are settled and don’t even merit a second look?
Thank you Cindy, and that’s a tough one… and all anyone can ever do is try to make the themes they’re exploring in their work as relatable and marketable as possible… although it often means finding just the right person… through a lot of persistence… so I hope you stick with it… because… if you do… anything is possible.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
A word of comfort for rejected authors. When I was a newspaper chief sub-editor, representatives of the magazine and book professions (including literary agents) applied to join the National Union of Journalists. However, in view of their woefully-tiny salaries, the application was rejected. I know that some agents are trustafarians or spouse-financed posers and as unsuccessful as the poor blighters who submit their literary creations to them. The world is full of bullshitters, so take heart.
Hi Richard, all words of comfort for rejected authors welcome… thank you for posting… and your post is a good reminder for authors to be careful about who they submit to… that’s why I love AAR agents… who… for the most part… are actually making a living selling books… meaning they’re least likely to waste an author’s time.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have found a way through the nightmarish maze of getting representation but it’s not for everyone and if you don’t have a friend with the qualifications it will cost a bit of money. ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER . . . If you can get a entertainment lawyer on retainer who believes in your work he already has lit agents and publishers on his rolodex and will champion your efforts. My attorney is is in contract negotiations with two lit agents but I am not yet sure if anything will come of it.
Hi Tim, congratulations and let us know if you end up getting an offer… those stories never get old!
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Dear Mark,
Hi! Thanks for all those thoughtful and caring notes. As I stated before, it all ‘boils’ down to the ethics and standards in regards to how truthful agents want to be. Yet, through my disappointments, I’ve learned more about those ‘rules’ in writing. I’m grateful for my editor. As for the rest of us, write what you know most about and do not give up. It’s tough out there, but we’ll all make it..Thanks a million for being there and for all you do, Mark! My best to your wife!
🙂
And most agents are truthful because they have no reason to filter what they think/feel, except to (hopefully) be considerate of authors’ feelings!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Although I’ve only ventured out into the literary area a little over two, years and have gained a lot of experience when dealing with query letter submissions by constantly altering them using even the input I’ve received from you I still can’t manage to attract the interest of an agent. By now I’ve obviously worn out my welcome and they automatically send a rejection or even bother to.
I need a new approach can you help me?
I think agents in the UK share a blacklist of rejected authors. If you’re on it, you’ll be lucky to get a rejection email.
Hi Richard, I’ve seen agents say and do strange things and I’d never put anything past anyone, but let’s hope that’s not the case…
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Arthur, sorry to hear that and yes… I’m happy to try. You can often get a drastically different response by tweaking or changing something in your pitch materials (query letter, synopsis, first 50 pages, etc.)… especially with the help of a third-party outsider.
My favorite example of this is one of my coaching clients who’d pitched her favorite “dream” agent three times over the course of two years. Rejections every time. After I helped her rewrite her query letter, she approached the same agent a fourth time and he requested the full manuscript. So don’t get too discouraged. You might just be a few changes away from getting what you want.
As a next step (if you haven’t already done so, and you’re interested) click here to register for an introductory coaching call to see if we can get you to the next level: http://markmalatesta.com/mark-malatesta-author-coaching/.
I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Excellent article, Mark. Thank you. As always your posts are succinct, action-oriented and helpful. Of course, making consistent progress toward the goal is essential, but life requires us to balance while spinning plates, making eye contact with others AND smiling. When we get obsessed we risk burn-out and worse. After all, if we aren’t living life fully what will we have to write about?
Hi Annie, I’m smiling, thanks to you… love your positive spirit and vision of you spinning all those plates. 😉
Keep doing what you’re doing, and have a wonderful weekend!
Thinking of you,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hello Mark, how is you and the mrs? Jeff Herman has a penchant for spiritual; the envelope is distinctive w/esoteric collage; addressed w/clipped fanciful lettering, like in a ransome. The sampler of work and asking are one page. A reply 6 months I reckon, editing is not professional. Devross sent manuscript w/staged letter, it was not even spied. Am going to pen a play, about Sarah Winchester, four spirits crossing to the light and the mansion. Estara con Dios.
Hi Martha, glad you’re sticking with it and following through… it’s almost always a long journey… but one well worth taking… so keep going… enjoy your weekend… and let me know if/when you have some good news. 😉
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi -I’ve been going though the process for almost 6 yrs. Every rejection became a reason to see what was wrong in my work. I realized agents look hard at my queries/proposals. Their likelihood of success in pitching it. They earn off the back of the novel. They also test the winds. What is selling like hotcakes now will be past by the time your work does get a positive from an agent. Once accepted, it can take yrs to get published. Don’t pay an agent ever. SP is last last resort. Keep writing!
Love it…
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thank you – it’s a process I would not give up to rush a bad work into the self-publishing world. Has made me a better (not now nor never a perfect one) and tested the strength of my patience.
Having an agent look over my ‘polished’ work is eye-opening, and now, I groan over the unpolished mess. I take notes, seeing what he sees. What an education!
-C
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Great article! I’m a parenting writer and extremely passionate about my writing, but what I have learned is when the publishing world gets frustrating (which is often) I take a break, and spend time with my family and do the other things I love to do. Somehow my break always refreshes me, gives me new ideas, and gives me the strength and energy to keep at it. There are so many losses in publishing but it’s the big wins that keep us coming back. Rejections are an important part of the journey.
Hi Crystal, thank you for sharing that and attitude isn’t everything but it sure is something… yours is always refreshing… and it’s certainly one of the many reasons you’re a successful writer. 😉
Enjoy your day!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Would a manuscript HAVE to be completely finished before submission? I unfortunately have a half of a dozen that I’m still going through and correcting
Hi James, if it’s fiction… yes. Nonfiction… no. 🙂
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
How I handle the continual influx of rejection emails when I send out queries is I view it as one more toward finding the right piece of hay in the haystack. This is not a search for a needle in a haystack, all of the industry is roughly the same at a high level. It is finding the right fit for you and your work, so it is finding that proper piece of hay that fits YOU. Chin up… each rejection could bring you closer to YOUR proper fit. Best of luck and God Bless!
And yes, I’m still looking 😉
Amen, and thank you for posting and sharing your spirit of positivity and persistence. 🙂
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Wow. That was the most helpful question and response, as it pertains to me, I have seen so far. I will immediately begin to read all the articles you have named in your answer above. Thank you so much, Mark, and to the person who posed the question!
Thank you Daniel, glad to hear it, and much love!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Who in their right mind would want to be a writer…A WRITER, OF COURSE.
I know exactly what you are saying, Mark. I don’t think I am the greatest or the worst, just a hopeful plodder. Just as day turns to night and night back to day, so you must keep going. Is it woth it…? Is life worth it…!!! As a writer, oh yes, it is worth it–it is our life wheher we get published or not, it is what we do, what we need to to do to be a complete human being—G’d help us…!!! KEEP ON GOING.
Hi Rita, I am smiling… again… because of you. 🙂
Enjoy your day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
My book was published Nov 21, 2016. My book is very unique. No one dares to come out with this message
I have tried so hard to market, but people just don’t want to hear the truth. I don’t quit but it is very frustrating.
Bob Gushwa
“Just One Look”
Hi Bob, stick with it… you can often get a drastically different response by tweaking or changing something in your pitch materials (query letter, synopsis, first 50 pages, etc.). My favorite example of this is one of my coaching clients who’d pitched her favorite “dream” agent three times over the course of two years. Rejections every time. After I helped her rewrite her query letter, she approached the same agent a fourth time and he requested the full manuscript. So don’t get too discouraged. You might just be a few changes away from getting what you want.
As a next step (if you haven’t already done so) click here to access to all the resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): https://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
That might have what you need
to get to the next level…
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://markmalatesta.com/mark-malatesta-author-coaching/. Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com