I started the week (well, the day after Christmas) on a bummer note. I finally heard back from the agent only to be told with no explanation that she would not represent Doomimals, my chapter book series. Not the news I hoped for, certainly. I sent a follow-up email asking for an explanation, so I would know what route to take next, whether to an editor or another agent. I heard nothing back, which is not helpful. At least the last refusal came with an explanation.
So I decided to try something entirely different. I sent it next to a local publisher that publishes everything from adult fiction on down to children's. Another branch of the publishing company may eventually be able to publish my romantic fiction, so I could see this being productive. On the other hand, my confidence is sort of shot because I have no idea if I was refused based on the quality of the prose, based on the agent's limitations, or on something else again. Just as I begin to get my hopes up, they're dashed again. Someone did remind me the self-publishing route exists as well as the idea that Rowling tried to publish her Harry Potter manuscript several times before it found a home. It would just be nice to get past no and into at least maybe territory.
