Mr. Blofeld, as an aspiring author who is trying to be cautious and well-informed in my approaches to the industry, I cannot thank you enough for these videos you make.
Unfortunately I'm one of the authors who received a rather detailed (and insightful) rejection letter from yourself couple of years ago and instead of emailing you back asking what changes would you like to see, I launched into a rant detailing how great my novel truly is 🤦♀ Now, after heavy revisions, edits and editorial feedback from more than a dozen beta readers, I'm beginning to start submitting my debut to agents once again. Wish me luck. Your feedback was invaluable and it helped me to improve both my novel and my synopsis, so I owe you a big thank you. Regards, Monika
I just found these videos by Piers after being receiving a rejection from him regarding my submission. I think they're wonderful. Really helpful. For those here saying that they're mean-spirited, I say to you - toughen up buttercup. Sure, you think you're the next Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King, or JK Rowling. But here's the deal, everyone thinks their book is special. It's your baby and, of course, your baby is the cutest and smartest baby every born. Writing is a lot of work and rejection. And feedback is a gift. Take it in. Thank the person who takes the time to give it. Consider it. Try making the changes. It may turn it into a pile of crap, or it may just make it better and get you a book deal.
Thank you for making this video. I keep getting rejections, but many of them are saying, “this is a neat story, this story is cute, but I have to step aside.”The “step aside” has been their go to choice of words. I’ve been sending in the query with a cover letter, the manuscript and illustrations.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Good to know I've been being tough on myself and rewriting, and received further feedback. Back to rewriting, trying to give more than asked for. :-)
I still found this Super helpful, although I managed to sign with the first publisher I sent my manuscript to, ( to my surprise and without an agent). You answered some questions I had. After they read my first three chapters, they requested the full manuscript, then they further requested me to extend it in order to lengthen it (to fully enable them to decide). On my end, (to your point number 3), I went above and beyond with what I resubmitted and it paid off. However, it's been draining being both author and my own agent. So, for my next book, I'll be looking for an agent and your points have helped me know what to do to increase my chances of securing the services of one. Thank you ever so much for your great tips
You know Pierce my editor practically drive me to drink but it was worth the effort as I've had good responses from people who read them Gerry Browne when God calls and sulking with God
I approached twenty agents, and sixteen couldn't be bothered to reply, even after six months. If this was just due to inefficiency or forgetfulness, it would imply a level of institutional incompetence that beggars belief. Sorry, but it's impossible to escape the conclusion that agents considered me such a worthless piece of trash (probably because of my protected characteristics) that they couldn't even be bothered to expend the few seconds it would have cost them to press an automated reply. You might be a nice guy, Piers, but many of your colleagues very obviously are not.
The only problem I have with these things is the suggestion that an agent should expect to alter a novel with impunity. Do you know how many great novels would have been worse off had they allowed an agent to "spruce" it up for commercial purposes? Imagine A Farewell to Arms with a happy ending. Imagine The Catcher in the Rye with a murder mystery subplot tacked on. Imagine Harry Potter being a woman, simply because JK's agent thought it would sell better. It's madness. I can understand trying to tighten up certain elements of a story, but whole-sale changes? If you're that unhappy with the novel, don't take the project on. It's really that simple.
