Monday, May 24, 2010

First Query Success

Oh, I am so excited right now. On Saturday I sent out my very first query letter and first five pages. I expected auto-rejection, because what else can a person expect on their first try? I chose my dream agent, knowing full well that he prefers literary work and has never taken on adult fantasy. Anyhow, he requested the next 30 pages!

Don't worry; despite my being thrilled (and happy that my imperfect query letter was at least decent enough), I have no expectations. I know that there is very little chance he will take me on. However, I can at least keep dreaming for a short while longer before I have to start querying everyone else.

12 comments:

  1. OH MY GOD!!! YOU TOTAL HOT SHOT!!!! That is unbelivably freaking fantastic!!!! I am so proud of you and absolutely STUNNED. When you mentioned you were sending it to Nathan on my blog the other day, I said, well, okay, but why bother, Nathan won't read it. Well, hush my mouth!!! I am so excited for you Ted, this is totally fantastic news. Congratulations!!! I hope he requests a full!!!!

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  2. I'm going to be tossing and turning all night, telling myself not to get my hopes up and utterly failing.

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  3. It is a heady feeling. And you're right, sleep will be elusive and you'll find yourself checking your e-mail 127 times during the course of the day. I still do and I've been through this 64 times already. Don't sweat it. Hope for the best and try not to be disappointed if it doesn't happen. He liked it enough to request so that says something right there! The query is working, the first 5 pages are working. That's all you need to know right now.

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  4. That's awesome!
    Be ready to send out to another five if need be.

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  5. I know we already discussed this Ted but I would also like to say CONGRATULATIONS! on your blog. How many pages did you send with the query 5? 10? I know I should know NB's guidelines by heart but I've forgotten.

    The best part is that even if he doesn't offer to rep you, you KNOW there is something right with your writing. I am VERY excited for you my man.

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  6. Congrats, man! Wow. First query. That is awesome. You have every right to feel good. It shows you've got something very intriguing in your query and first few pages that most of us would kill for. :)

    As expected, he rejected me flat-out. But at least one of us got through! I wish you the absolute best, Ted. Nathan would be a great agent. :)

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  7. Hooray for you, Ted! I know that feels good.

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  8. Ted, that is fantastic!

    If you weren't sure about your query before, I think you can safely say beyond doubt, it's bloody good!

    I'm simply bubbling with anticipation for your next post :)

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  9. I know I lurk on this blog *hangs head in shame* and I can only apologise for that because I really shouldn't BUT I feel sooo happy for you about this! Congrats!!

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  10. This is terrific news! And YAY you for not only the request but from your dream agent no less.

    Good luck. Sounds like you're on the right track.

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  11. Thanks for all the good wishes! Matt, the initial query must include 5 pages. The partial request is for 30.

    Mia, thanks fro delurking! I know it is tough to comment sometimes. I visit many blogs each day, but don't comment unless I feel I have something to add.

    Man, it doesn't matter what you tell yourself, your mind just can't shut down. I hardly slept at all last night. I kept imagining scenarios, such as Nathan not really liking epic fantasy, but liking the story enough to pass it along to a colleague. Yeah, my mind is really reaching, but that's what it does!

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  12. @Terry - I'm sorry about the rejection. I imagine we are both going to be getting quite a pile of them before we finally get picked up. I am steeling myself for the real possibility that I may not get published until my second or even later novel. I keep torturing myself with the idea that since I am celebrating this initial small success, it will be followed by dozens of autorejections!

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