Quote: JemimaJemina, Wednesday, 11 Aug 2010 14:00Hello Kate
Sorry, I'm new to this site.
I take it a 'free will' is a free reading of first or a few chapters of what I've written?
The only reason I haven't uploaded anything to 'be taken seriously' (to quote one of the replies to my initial post) is that I need to re-think how to present the first chapters if the agent is right about 'not being drawn in' sufficiently. I already think I've done a good job.
My gut feeling, however is that he just didn't like it - (maybe I'm trying to fit into the wrong genre - maybe it should be reclassified as 'chick-lit'?) This agent I heard back from seems to represent non-fiction and 'literary' crime fiction.
The reason I chose Irish agents is because I'm Irish and am writing about things from the basis of a small town in the Republic. That is specific.
I look forward to reading your works posted. I like the title!
Many thanks
Jemima
I'm not sure I understand your reluctance to let others on this site read your work. You obviously think it's good enough to submit to agents...and the people on here aren't even after 15%!
Your work doesn't have to be perfect to post. That's the whole point. It's about improvement.
I think the problem lies in your line: 'I already think I've done a good job.'
That's what
you think. And you may well have done. But a professional has told you it could still be better.
Why not see what others have to say?
If you are prepared to accept that there is nearly always room for improvement in a piece of writing, and genuinely want constructive criticism, then you have nothing to lose.
If you want to hang on to the idea that your book is perfect as it is, stick it in the bottom drawer and never let anyone read it.
Or, as the oracle Mr T might say: 'Less jibber jabber. Post!'
'Stay away from your potential. It's like your bank balance. There's never as much of it as you think.'