ASK A LITERARY CONSULTANT
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Wondering why your submissions to literary agents are consistently overlooked? Monica Chakraverty, editorial director of Cornerstones’ scouting programme, shares some insights
Monica Chakraverty,
Q I’ve been submitting my novel to agents for over a year and not one agent has got back to me. I’m left wondering if I’m doing something wrong in the way I present my novel or if it’s the novel itself that is the problem?
AYou may not be doing anything incorrect and there may be nothing wrong with your novel or in the way you’re presenting it. In most cases, submitting requires perseverance and self-belief, which is hard! But it’s also prudent to check your submission package to see if it’s representing you and your novel in the best way. The most pressing question is whether it’s ready to present to the trade.