I'm not supposed to be blogging today, but I really don't know how to proceed. I've gotten some very insightful input on my query from my online critique group, friends, and then my in person critique group. A fair amount of the input is contradictory.
I wish I had some good advice for you, other than 'hang in there.' I guess the question is, is your gut telling you something about the things that you're getting conflicting advice about?
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I don't have much advice, either--other than, as JeffO mentioned, listening to your gut instinct about the input from your critiquers.
ReplyDeleteI remember one of the things the WE cast said was that critiquers are often mistaken about how to fix a problem, but often right about where problems are occurring. Their advice was that if most people are telling you that something's wrong, it probably is, but you should figure out how to fix it your own way.
ReplyDeleteIs there any consistency in what we've indicated about where we think things are off?
Oh, Donna. I was afraid this might happen. Something like too many cooks stirring the pot? (and I'm one of them, sorry) Ultimately, YOU know you're story - unless your critique partners have read both the ms and the query - and will have to decide how to proceed.
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest letting your critiques sit for a couple of days, then reread your query and the comments. Like The Golden Eagle suggested, trust your gut. It's usually right.
Good luck!
Typical. Solution: Trust your own writer instincts.
ReplyDeleteLOL. Okay, I shouldn't laugh because that is such an aggravating situation. Personally - I think you need to make the query the way YOU want it to be. The agent needs to be someone that will connect with YOU, not anyone else. So pick and choose the changes that you wish to make, if any and just go for it!
ReplyDeleteA fair amount of the input is contradictory.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the wonderful world of publishing, where the key word is SUBJECTIVE!
You'll find exactly the same with agents. I had one manuscript that an agent thought too dark; very next day I got a request to revise to make it darker!! WTF can you do in those circumstances?
I think you probably asked advice from too many people to be honest, (and I say this because I was one of them!) Pick one or two writers to give you basic feedback, but too many and you just go insane.
I feel ya. Sometimes contradictory feedback is more frustrating than negative feedback. Best of luck, Donna! :)
ReplyDeleteHeidi said it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteFrustrating, I know. I'm about to hop on that boat, too. Yikes!
Query writing is a huge challenge. I would rather write and revise a hundred novels than try to perfect one query. :)
I too get days when I feel I'm banging my head against a brick wall. Thought I'd changed my email address to yvonneconfused.com but thought it may confuse others.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day.
Yvonne.
I'm just glad you are actively working on it. Just don't ignore your own inklings. You know your work best... and you want the book to satisfy you most of all.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
I'd agree with the others about addressing consistencies in the remarks, while following your own instincts. Also, it always helps to set it aside for a day or two, then come back to it fresh.
ReplyDeleteLet me start by saying--This is not uncommon.
ReplyDeleteNo one person, or group of people, will be able to tell you exactly what isn't working--or even IS working. When it comes to feedback, the trick I've learned is to just absorb all of it and let it simmer. Then, go back to your query or ms or whatever and listen to what your gut is telling you. Usually it's the stuff that people shared that you knew right away was dead on. Almost like you already knew that particular something was a problem but you just needed someone else to say it out loud.
Also--if there is any advice that comes from more than one person, you might want to listen to that as well.
You are not alone...
Donna, this isn't uncommon. In fact, I wrote a blog post about this awhile ago. Here's a link: http://bit.ly/pSRoDM
ReplyDeleteI hope it helps.
Contradictory advice on your query is to be expected, I'm afraid! I think it's because so much of the querying process is based on an unpredictable formula of: the right pitch + at the right time + to the right agent + in the right mood = request.
ReplyDeleteMy personal experience would suggest that the only thing you can do is make a decision, send out your query, and then -- if you don't get any requests -- revise it. I knew I (finally) had the right query when the requests for fulls and partials suddenly increased threefold.
You'll just have to go with your gut instinct and balance all that advice.
ReplyDeleteVery timely post. Same for same yesterday. Choose the comments that speak to your style.
ReplyDeleteHa! "Bang Head Here." Tempting, Debbie. Very tempting :)
ReplyDeletewhen in doubt, go with your gut, donnna!
ReplyDeleteStory time: I took my query to a writer's conference. (You can probably guess which one.) I got to workshop it with two really cool authors there. They told me that it was fine for back-cover copy, but a tad long for a query. A later class on back cover copy said there really wasn't much of a difference between the two. I asked a panel of agents... yeah, no difference.
ReplyDeleteSo you're gonna have to pick and choose which advice to follow, just like the rest of us. :P
Also, I have about 10 different drafts of my query... and am considering revising it again.
Nothing easy here.
You know, it's okay now. I was very disconcerted when I got feedback from the last group. I've stewed on it, worked on it some more, and I'll let it sit a day or two, and take a look at it again.
ReplyDeleteAnd reinforcement from all of you to follow my gut definitely helped.
I am struggling with the query process myself, for various reasons, and I can only echo the sentiments of some others - trust your instinct and your gut!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!
and you dont want us to vote?
ReplyDeletei say, send diff versions to diff agents and see what happens.
consider the source
advice from agents should trump unpublished
do what you feel comfortable with
and in the end, you will click w/one based on plot, characters & voice, no matter the query
I feel your pain also. Have my own spot for banging head. Advice always seems to be contradictory. Glad you are taking the only advice; "to thine own self be true".
ReplyDeleteHave faith, my friend. Write your passion and let it shine. Never, never, never give up.
I feel you:) It's like trying to make the perfect resume. Truthfully at a certain point it doesn't really matter. If an agent has an opening and they like your stuff then you're good. Otherwise, no matter how good your query, they just don't have the bandwidth to take on more.
ReplyDeleteThis happens often. The more you write the less people you have read it. I tend to stick with one or two critique partners. I found too much contradictory stuff when I was on a loop. Go with what you believe is best. After all, it is your query and you know your story best.
ReplyDeleteDonna, go with your gut and then check with your husband or some other person that loves you unconditionally--and is able to give you the answer you need. Ask the person who can answer honestly when you say, "Does this color look good on me?"
ReplyDeleteThat is so frustrating. I'd say go with your gut - with those suggestions that make sense to you - and then what the particular agents you want to query want in their query letters. Good luck - you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI KNOW that feeling! It seems like everyone has their own opinion and it's pulling you every which way. Look at everything with an extra critical and sensitive eye and decide what's best for you! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteUgh. I hate that. I especially hate it because guess what? It means you have to MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS. I know, I know. That's blasphemous to suggest, but I'm afraid it can't be denied. It is now time to go with your gut.
ReplyDeleteYou can do this!
Yep, it happens. So sorry. Best advice I can give is that only you can know how best to proceed. It's your story, your career, and only you know the best thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI've had this happen to me also. KarenG gave excellent advice: trust yourself! Maybe even stew over it for a few days. It seems that that's when solutions find their way through our cluttered brains. Good luck!
ReplyDelete