If there’s one thing I’ve learned since querying two novels is that I’m not as patient as I’d like to think I am. It doesn’t help that the publishing industry is notoriously slow either. Picture this: when you finally hit send on a project that’s likely taken at least a year or two of your life, you automatically end up in the slush pile with every other hopeful author expecting your manuscript to be instantly plucked out of the coal like the shiny diamond you believe it is. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a request for materials within a few days (it’s happened to me on a few occasions), but you’re typically waiting at least a month or two for a response.
The truth is agents are spending the majority of their time doing things that are currently making them money (in case you didn’t know, agents work on commission, so can you really blame them?). It takes time to sift through the dozens of unsolicited submissions they receive on the daily. The Darling Axe, a developmental editing company, quoted a few ranges of submissions from different agencies, including one agency who gets about 3,000 queries a year, while I’ve seen quotes of about 1,500 a month for other top agents.
Side note: Carly Watters is an agent with P.S. Literary Agency and co-hosts the extremely popular podcast
and offers incredibly valuable insights on the publishing industry. I suggest you check out her IG.Aside from the steep competition, you’re going to be waiting. A lot. When I queried my first book (it is now locked away and will never see the light of day because it’s honestly just not good enough), I had one agent request a full (this is the goal since it leads to an offer of representation) with the note that she takes up to 6 months to provide feedback. Imagine waiting 6 months to know if an agent wants to represent you? (Yes, it’s as brutal as it sounds). My gut was that if she needed that long then chances were she didn’t love the book — and yes, she ultimately passed. But that’s an example of how long it can take from the time you hit the slush pile, to getting a request for your materials to hearing something, anything from an agent.
The unanimous recommendation from authors, agents and those in the industry is to work on your next project while you wait. Not only does this give you something to do other than refreshing your inbox 30X a day, but when you finally do have the call, an agent will want to know what you’re working on next. Some agents can even sell your second non-completed project in addition to the initial manuscript you sent them, giving you a two-book deal instead of one (wouldn’t that be nice).
“The most important aspect to remember throughout is that patience is not something we need to develop. Instead, we need to learn how to let go of impatience.”
How to get better at being patient
OK, so now that you know you need to be patient if you’re interested in entering the writing world (although, let’s be honest most of us could all be a little more patient overall), is there anything you can do to cultivate patience or is it one of those — you’re either born with it or you’re not? Interesting enough, there is some research to suggest that personality does play a role in our disposition when it comes to patience, but it’s not the whole story.
Anyone who’s read my posts before won’t be surprised when I say that meditation helps with patience. Mindfulness teacher and former monk Andy Puddicombe from Headspace puts it this way, “The most important aspect to remember throughout is that patience is not something we need to develop. Instead, we need to learn how to let go of impatience.” Meditation helps with patience because it helps you to develop self-awareness and tolerance to difficult situations. Sitting in silence can be quite uncomfortable, not unlike the discomfort that comes from waiting for something you want.
Another psychologist-recommended tactic for cultivating patience is to reframe the situation. In the case of the dreaded, waiting to hear back from an agent scenario, remember that agents are not only humans trying to do their best, but they are inundated with queries amongst other things. Plus, the industry isn’t just slow for you, it’s slow for everyone. Despite what you might think, things won’t start moving at rocket speed when you do finally cross the agented threshold. There are long lead times and a lot of back and forth as you prepare your book for publication. Sure, there are always exceptions to the rule, but it’s best to keep your expectations in check.
Sitting in silence can be quite uncomfortable, not unlike the discomfort that comes from waiting for something you want.
Journalist Anna Goldfarb wrote “How to be a More Patient Person” for The New York Times, which offers some solid strategies including one I think it worth discussing and it’s being realistic. I think it’s easy to believe that all it takes it writing a book to get published (that is getting traditionally published, not self-publishing). It might take one, two or even four completed manuscripts before you secure a deal for your debut. Take this stat: one writer surveyed 200 authors and found debut novelists wrote an average of 3.24 manuscripts before getting published. If that sounds like hell, then writing a novel probably isn’t for you. I started my first (dead) manuscript in 2018 and my second (currently querying) manuscript in 2021. If I do manage to sell this second one, it probably won’t come out until 2025, assuming I find an agent this year. Patience is only one part of the equation, as is perseverance, determination, a bit of delusion and a hefty dose of luck. Thankfully, I’m willing to keep waiting — and writing.
Before moving to Substack, I used to do a round-up of what I’m currently reading, listening, and watching, and I’ve decided to bring it back. Comment below to let me know what media you’re currently loving (or not).
What I’m Watching:
I just finished the Netflix series Ripley, as I adored the 1999 film starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, and was curious to see another adaptation. Unlike the delightfully stylish movie, the Steven Zaillian series takes a film noir approach and literally shoots in black and white (oh, how I wish it would have been in colour, but I get the creative choice). It’s a character study that can be explored because of the extended format and is fully realized by Irish actor Andrew Scott (also known as the hot priest from Fleabag). The biggest takeaway for me was I need to read the Patricia Highsmith novel ASAP.
What I’m Reading:
Confession: I’ve never read an Ann Patchett novel and I even went to her bookstore Parnassus in Nashville (I highly recommend going if you find yourself in town). Earlier this year, I decided this needed to be immediately remedied and picked up Tom Lake. I just started it last week and am so happy I did. The novel follows Lara, a mother who is telling her three daughters about a relationship she had with a famous actor.
What I’m Listening To:
Anyone else listening to Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter on repeat? So catchy, so fun. Is it too early to call it the song of the summer?