… As I anticipated you write very well and the atmosphere you convey was sometimes all too dark for this reader. However, that merely shows that you know what you are doing. Nevertheless, I have no direct experience of handling fiction in this area and don’t have enough confidence in my ability to find a publisher for you to offer to read the complete work.
I don’t know how best to advise you. You could examine the shelves of your nearest large bookshop and/or library and make a note of which publishers are producing work in the area, however vaguely, of the novel you have written and then approach those publishers direct.
I’m sorry I can’t offer to help you.
And from one of the busiest, most respected agents in the UK as well. She replied within a week of receiving my manuscript. Not the sort of reply a first time novelist is used to. It’s usually just a postcard that says ‘NO’.
As I’ve said before: Never let anyone (especially yourself) tell you that you can’t write :)
Thats one nice letter. When I sent my novel to the publishers here in Norway, I got a long letter back from them telling why they said no and so on, still urging me to continue. I’ve never managed to be sad for a rejection letter because I know that the only way to survive in the book business is to continue going. Good luck, Ben!
Thanks guys. From my experience so far, it’s rare to find an indication that an agent has even looked at what you’ve sent them, let alone one who takes the time to let you know.
That’s a great rejection letter. Sure beats a form letter, or worse, no reply at all.
The thing in Norway is that you don’t send your manuscript to an agent (we don’t have book agents), but straight to the bookpublishers.So every single manuscript is read by someone in the publishers firm and you might even get a call from them saying they’ve got it. In my case they hired an anonymous writer (later found out he’s a pretty famous one) to read my novel. It was pretty big for me, and you actually know they read through you book and make notes.
Conclusion?
Publish in Norway!
Dear Ben,
I’ve been wanting to comment for ages , ( because , I like reading the words you write ) but somehow I never do. When I read your post ( since deleted ) I felt sick inside for the feelings you described. It made me think of looking into a mirror and hating what I saw. But anyway and now, I am glad your spirits are higher and sometimes, when I am in low places I think back to your story inthe woods and musty dampness with small gestures and it makes me feel happier. What I mean to say , is that I like a lot of the things you write , and you shouldn’t give up.
isabelle x
I’m impressed.
As rejections go, this is damn fine. I’m happy if they sign – not type – their names.
Keep plugging… peace, Linda