Not really but hey it made a great title. I just realized that I have been shopping around my manuscript for over a year now. Isn't that crazy? I've learned a lot since then so let me share some lessons that might help you when/if you decide to write a novel and try to shop it around.
1. You will screw everything up when you first start trying to query agents. This isn't really your fault, it's just that you really don't know what you're doing, even if you think you know, you don't know. Don't Blame yourself.
2. You may think your query letter is great, but it isn't. Again this isn't really your fault. It's a little like a trial and error process. Best to do the trials with a critique group than with actual agents. No sense burning bridges you don't have to.
3. When you get pissed off don't lash out at agents on your blog. I've done this, the post has since been deleted. I would like to apologize to the agent that was the victim even though I never mentioned her name. It was unprofessional of me, and I really wasn't mad at her.
4. You will get frustrated. Chalk this up to a case of shit happens. Or look at this period as paying your dues. Accept it for what it is and move on. You don't need a coronary yet.
5. There are really great people out there. Seriously there are writing and critique communities that are just awesome. For example there is Scribophile . Use these communities. They help deal with the frustration.
Well that's it from me for now. Hopefully soon I will actually have great news.
