What do you do when your first novel doesn't land you an agent?

Dan Brown published several books before finding true recognition with 'The Da Vinci Code'. JK Rowling had 27 rejections prior to finding an agent. John Fowles famously went to his publisher with the 'French Lieutenant's Woman' and when they asked if he had anything else produced a couple of other manuscripts that went on to be true classics.

So what do you do when your first novel doesn't land you an agent? Despite your utter faith that not only is it a great read, well written and taps into everything true to today - empowering women, supporting victims of violence, love, family and friendship?

Keep writing of course. Find something new, different, stand out. The story that someone else will believe in, enough to stand by you, support you and help you to achieve your end goal. To be published. Write.

The Best Advice by Far

I've submitted by manuscript to nine prospective agents and publishers so far. In return, I've received nine very polite rejection emails. It has taken between 4 hours and 10 weeks to receive a response from the various parties. Although every single one has been really nicely phrased it is difficult to not let the rejection get you down. I'm beginning to think my story is going to languish in a drawer, never to see the light of day.


I thought I'd share the latest note with you all, it's been the most thorough and thoughtful feedback I've had to date. I'll definitely be taking their advice on board!

By email:


Dear Little VoiceJots

Thank you for sending us your manuscript, and many apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

I’m afraid that we won’t be making you an offer of publication on this occasion. At the moment Stripes has a small, very focused list, featuring mainly series fiction, and we feel that this manuscript would not fit into our current publishing plan. I liked the quirky tone of your writing, but I found the pacing was a little uneven, and it might be best to avoid alternating between viewpoints in a story for this age group. It’s also quite long – I would probably expect a story of half the length (which, with illustrations, could work out as about 96 pages) for readers aged five and above.

Have you considered trying to find yourself an agent? The advantages of being represented by an agent are that they will work with you editorially and will submit your work to publishers who would suit the style and content of your work. If you’re unsure of where to send your submissions, you can find a complete list of UK literary agencies in A&C Black’s Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook.

Thanks once again for sending us your work. I wish you the best of luck in placing your manuscript elsewhere.



To all, other, would be authors out there remember: onwards and upwards. Good Luck!! 

Blogging in the Wind

I've been in a bit of a funk lately.  It feels like nothing is moving forward but rather life is stagnating. No-one can afford to do much, business is quiet. I write and write but feel like I'm not getting very far. It's become abundantly clear to me that I'm not cut out to be a stay at home mum.  It feels like something has to give but I'm not sure what. 

I met an acquaintance on the train this morning. A completely random meeting, I'm not usually on that train and missed the one before by a nano-second so it feels like fate. I don't know her fabulously well, although we've been more than nodding neighbours for around three years.  Our conversation covered a lot of ground over the twenty minute journey and she helped me to realise how blessed I am. I thought I'd write it down for my own reference so I can refer back in my darker days.

Here we go:

I have my own business. It allows me to spend a tiny bit of time with the children in the morning and more importantly leave early so I'm home in time for bed/book routine.  Work has been quiet lately but I enjoy my job, I always have and know how lucky I am to be one of the few people who can truly claim that,

I work near a park where I go running during my lunch hour three times a week. London Zoo is on my route so I see Giraffes and Camels a couple of times a week. Also Herons, Ducks and Canada Geese. The gardens are beautiful and today they were rehearsing a musical for the summer open air theatre programme and strains of Chorus floated through the air. The park is full of happy tourists, students, families and lovers. It's a privilege to spend time there.

I have two beautiful children and a fantastic husband. He's not much domestically but is my tower, my strength, my better half. I would be lost without him and I am a better person with him.

I started writing last September. Since then I have been long listed for two writing competitions, received six publisher rejections for my children's story and am about 43k words through my first adult novel.  Being a writer might be a pipe dream, but at least I'm working to make it happen.

The nice thing about Blogging is it's a bit like therapy. You get to talk, follow your own stream of consciousness and articulate things that are going on in your head.

I've got to sign off now. I should be focusing on my business and trying to drum up some new clients. It might be a bit late for a New Year's resolution but my New Week resolution is to be positive, grateful and try harder.

Wishing you all a good week.

Well Read

We are in week 7 of homework, week 8 of term. I had my work read out for the second time since the course started during the last class. I have to admit that while I thought I didn't need the ego boost from a public audience it is good to hear your piece. It takes on a new life and gives the writer a different perspective.

My Magnum Opus is coming along OK. I think I was sub-consciously trying to finish it before the end of term but since my reading I've felt re-energised. I think there is still a lot more of the tale to tell and so I'm going to keep letting it unfold.

One of the many great things about doing this course is that the weekly classes and homework give direction and impetus for the student to keep producing work. In my case each homework assignment has given my story direction, my characters their own voice and my writing its own style. It's great.

I still haven't got anyone to read my work but I don't think I'm ready to show it yet. At lunchtime I thought of some new scenes to fill in some of the yawning holes in my prose. Then I went on to consider how my first story could become a critically acclaimed work and turned into an Oscar winning film starring Olivia Williams. Well. All dreams have to start somewhere don't they?