I queried my first literary agent today.

[Tobin S.]

A some of you know, I've written a book. I had ten copies of the manuscript printed up and sent them out to trusted friends. They all seemed to really enjoy it.

I've kicked around self-publishing it, but I've decided against it for now. It will likely be the way I have to go if I want to sell the book at all, but a guy can dream, can't he?

[Tobin S.]

1. ...and I got my first rejection.

At least she was quick about it. I wasn't going to try to query anyone else before I got a response from her. She didn't ask for any samples from the book for the query. I'm thinking I might have a better shot with someone who is willing to look at a sample up front. I'm not really good at coming up with a sales pitch. I'd like to let the book do the talking.

[elleng]

3. Sounds like a good idea to find an agent who might want to see samples from the book!

But I suppose there are questions she might ask that would make books no go before even reviewing samples.

[Tobin S.]

6. I've looked at several agents.

Some of them ask for a sample or the first few chapters, others do not. Of the ones that do not, I'm thinking that they just want a synopsis in order to weed out stuff that they aren't looking for without investing too much time. I imagine some agents get thousands of queries.

However, I've looked at precisely what these agents are looking for and I don't bother with those who are not seeking the kind of writing that I do.

[Tobin S.]

2. I queried my second literary agent today.

I have tenacity. I have perseverance. I have optimism.

If I ever manage to sell this book, I'm going to create a poster with all of my rejection letters. I'm anticipating that it might take many queries if I manage to get represented at all.

[RebelOne]

4. Keep trying, Tobin

I have worked in the publishing world many years. During the time I worked at a magazine in Miami, one of my many duties was as editorial assistant. I sent out lots of rejection letters for articles that I thought should have been published. There was one article which was outstanding and I begged the editor to publish it, but he told me to reject it anyway. Well, a few months later, I saw it running in The Saturday Evening Post.

So keep sending those query letters. Some day the right person will recognize your talent.

[Tobin S.]

5. Thanks, Rebel.

I appreciate the vote of confidence.