Ruth E. Walker
Some time ago (frankly, too long ago) I wrote about my manuscript being rejected by a literary agent. This wasn’t an ordinary Thanks But No Thanks form letter. It was a thoughtful explanation about why this agent was taking a pass on my Young Adult science fiction novel. She included comments from a reader, noting areas of concern.
It was gold – and not just because I was being provided with helpful feedback from a complete stranger. Clearly, the agent felt engaged enough with the story and my writing to have it read for a second opinion. Even more clearly, the agent felt engaged enough with me to offer these suggestions. And she left the door open to resubmit.
For most of us writers, and certainly for me, self-doubt is a constant companion. Sometimes, I can supress the little monster long enough to finish a third or fourth or fifth draft. But even then, it whispers sweet nasties from the back of my brain.
So, this agent’s treatment of my novel as something worthwhile was rocket fuel. However, life got in the way and time to focus on the book kept getting put aside. In 2019, I finally pulled up my bootstraps and devoted my full attention to the book once more. By January 2020, I had a revised draft (thanks members, past and present, of Critical ms, my critique group.)
February 2020: a professional and organized plan
I sharpened and polished my query (thanks Heather O’Connor) and made my synopsis all shiny. I created a spreadsheet to keep track of my submissions and colour-coded each entry’s status (thanks to my Writescape partner and sister-from-another-mother, Gwynn Scheltema.) No colour for open submissions. Putrid peach for rejections. Bright blue for full requests. I had no idea what colour I’d use for “yes.”
I took a much more methodical approach to search agents and started in with QueryTracker, an online list of agents in Canada, the U.S. and beyond. I narrowed the list category to YA and science fiction/fantasy.
And then I started to submit to agents who were open to submission. First, I checked out their websites and, where possible, their MSWL (manuscript wish list). I quickly learned that not all YA Science Fiction agents would work for my novel. Mine isn’t “hard science fiction” so I avoided submitting to those agents. And mine isn’t younger-YA-friendly; agents who didn’t like violence or edgy topics came off my list.
I didn’t rely on QueryTracker for all my efforts. I paid attention to blog posts and various “10 Agents Seeking Writers” kinds of announcements (thanks Brian Henry and Writer’s Digest.) Friends and colleagues pointed me in a couple of directions, shared insights and ideas. A couple even went to bat for me, speaking directly to their own agents on my behalf (thanks Tom Taylor and the ever-supportive, Heather O’Connor.)
During 2020, there weren’t many opportunities to attend conferences and writerly events. Basically, once March happened, everything stopped (remember 2020?) But I hoped that agents might be like the rest of us, with strange time on our hands to not go anywhere or meet with anyone. I continued to query, methodically, in chunks of two to four queries at a time.
A tailored submission: snip, sew, snip again
An important note: not all agents want the same thing. For instance, my two-page synopsis had to be rewritten as: a one-page synopsis, a two-paragraph synopsis (yikes!), a 500-word synopsis…if nothing else it was a masterclass in editing. Nobody wanted the outline I’d drafted and redrafted. Darn. And what each agent wanted to see meant carving the full manuscript into custom-order submissions.
From five pages to ten pages to the first three chapters, to the first 50 pages, to 1000 words, to 2500 words – I was slicing and dicing like a personal chef at Benihana. Do I include the epigram page? What about the cover page? Did they count on the number of pages? Or word count? Or, or, or.
For the record, I left out the epigram and cover page and just started with Chapter One. And I noticed a few necessary tweaks as I reviewed some of those submissions. Tweaks that I then incorporated in the full ms. So again, editing masterclass.
Lottery: Losses, close calls and then…
My first agent query was sent February 10, 2020. My first rejection arrived March 2, 2020. Between February 2020 and November 30, 2021, the majority of my queries resulted in standard, form-letter rejections.
Occasionally, there were personal notes but they were rare. Some agents still haven’t replied.
Fifty-two queries later, I met over Zoom with Ali McDonald from 5 Otter Literary Inc. for a 15-minute pitch session (thanks PYI organizers at CANSCAIP.) The first thing she said to me was: “Ruth Walker. Why haven’t you queried me before? This book is right in my wheelhouse!”
More than three weeks later, Ali and I met again. This time, we chatted for more than an hour and a half. That evening, November 30, I had an offer of representation. On December 4, I signed a contract and can announce that Ali McDonald of 5 Otter Literary is representing my YA Science Fiction novel and I could not be happier.
Well, I suppose once she sells my book to a publisher (fingers crossed), I might have to be happier but for now, I’m over the moon. Next step: To infinity, and beyond!
The work ahead
Now I have signed with an agent, I needed to stay professional and focussed. I contacted the U.S. and Canadian agents who asked to see the full ms, along with the others who’d not yet replied. From Rachel Letofsky at CookeMcDermid Agency, I received a gracious reply: “I am delighted to hear this news. I know and respect Ali very much. She has great relationships in the industry, and a deep knowledge of the kid’s book world. You’re in good hands with her and Five Otter Literary.”
I also had to turn my mind to specifics:
- announcements
- see this blog post and my social media (personal and professional)
- family & cheerleading friends
- critique group
- writerly contacts
- writing organizations
- update my Literary C.V. to include: Ruth is represented by Ali McDonald of 5 Otter Literary
- revise bio and update headshot for 5OL website
- clear my calendar and schedule editorial meeting(s) with Ali
- mothball my Agent Spreadsheet
And one more thing: Allow it all to soak in. I’m realistic enough to know this is not a guarantee that my book will find a publishing home. But it’s a wonderful step into a world of possibilities. And a reminder to everyone who is struggling to find an agent to champion their work: Keep going. Take every opportunity. And know you’re not alone in the journey.
Excellent post Ruth👍. Congratulations on finding an agent that believes in you and in your book.
I appreciate your honest chronology of your ‘journey to representation’.
Your hard work, determination and organized approach to submitting your manuscript for review is a lesson to all of us. Your message is clear – ‘Believe in yourself and your manuscript. Never give up.’
Can’t wait to read your book!
You are a role model and inspiration to other writers. 🎉
Hi Evelyn — Thanks so much for your support and kind words. I’ve learned so much from what other writers did to find their agents so I’m happy to share my journey. We writers inspire each other — just look at the work you’ve done to get Daniel’s story told — and the difference it has already made and will continue to do so.
Dear Ruth, Congratulations and thank you for such a detailed and thoughtful post. I have followed you all for a couple of years and even though I currently live in the land of nonfiction (Biomimicry and Business: How Companies Are Using Nature’s Strategies to Succeed is my first “all mine” book.) and it feels like your tribe is primarily fiction; I’ve enjoyed and benefited from many of your posts. This one is extra helpful and even though I’m not in search now – I’m definitely putting this in my Writing/Business folder. Thanks again and best of luck!
Hi Margo. All great non-fiction employs many of the techniques of fiction to engage readers with resonant images, effective pacing and a story that needs to be told. We travel the same path — it’s just some of the ways we travel it that differs. Thank you for the positive words and HOORAY! to have an “all mine” book to hold in your hands. Absolute best feeling, isn’t it? As to the tribe I call my writer’s home — it’s a wonderfully diverse and eclectic group of writerly types, including nonfiction. A wise writer remains open to learning from and sharing with a range of narrative voices and genres. Glad you find Writescape helpful and trust you’ll continue to do so.
Such an instructive post–straightforward, helpful, actionable for all. Thank you! And I’ll never stop sending jubilant congratulations for your excellent, wondrous, overdue news!!!
Thanks Heidi. Just I wait, breath held and offerings made daily to the god of brilliant writing, that your astounding memoir is discovered by a wise publisher and the rest of the world will come to know your writing.
Congrats Ruth! You are an inspiration. It’s just a matter of time until we’re lining up for autographed copies!
Hi Erin. It’s been a complete pleasure to watch your journey to published author and I know you have much more to come. Let’s have a joint autographing session one day. Thanks for all your encouragement!
Ruth, I’m over the moon with your great news. It is so exciting and I wait for the next great step for you and Ali—publication. Thanks for sharing your news and for sharing the long road to finding an agent.
Best wishes as you go ‘to infinity and beyond.’
Hi Jeanette — thanks so much for being one of my cheerleaders. As I am for you and your wonderful Silver Cape Cove series set in Newfoundland, full of mysteries, magic and the power of the land.