Handling Rejection From a Literary Agent

As a literary agent, it is our job to help you cultivate your career and become a successful, published author. Sometimes, this means rejecting a manuscript that is not ready for commercial publishers. Here are some tips for handling rejection from a literary agent.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that when a literary agent rejects a manuscript, it is often in your best interest. Commercial publishing has become incredibly competitive so an agent is not going to send out a manuscript that is not your best work. Handling rejection from a literary agent means understanding that the agent wants to sell your work, but the current manuscript is not ready.

When handling rejection from a literary agent, it is best to use the opportunity to grow, and improve your work. The agent should provide you with constructive feedback on how to improve your manuscript, whether it is the storyline, writing style, character development, or more. The next step is working on revisions for your manuscript. This process should include hiring a professional editor, as an editor will understand the industry standards, and be an unbiased evaluator to help you improve your book.

Although it can be difficult handling rejection from a literary agent, it is important not to be discouraged. Even best-selling authors had their books rejected and edited many times before they were accepted by an agent, and eventually sold to a publisher. It is not easy for an agent to reject a manuscript, but our job is to grow your career. Sometimes that means hard conversations about what is needed to improve your book.

Finally, once you have have revised your book, or written a new one, it is time to resubmit, if the agency has asked for a resubmission. This is also why it is important to work with a professional editor. The literary agent will be familiar with your work, and will be happy to read your book again and to help you cultivate your writing and your career as an author.

Handling rejection from a literary agent is an integral step in becoming a published author. It helps you to be reflective, and improve your work. Langtons International Agency is always happy to receive well written submissions from authors. We represent a wide variety of commercial fiction and non-fiction, and want to help you cultivate your writing and become a published author.

Send us a query here.