i've sent query letters to about 8-10 literary agents, and most haven't responded. the three that did, rejected my query. how many times have you been, before being accepted? do you know any literary agents who accept first-time young adult/ chick lit writers? and some advice for me?

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You'd be better off sending your work into contests now. I'm 17 and i went through a stage where all I wanted to do was get an agent and get published. I sent in query letters to God knows how many agents, around 15 or 16 I think. The ones who responded rejected me. Only one of them actually sent a personal letter back telling me to keep writing and to always doublespace my work, but that I'm not what they're looking for right now. It was actually one of the best things that's ever happened to me in my whole life, but yeah. Just go to college, get stuff sorted out, and get an agent later, when you need one. I mean, I don't know how old you are but I'll guess you're a teen / college kid...I dunno. Sorry if you're older and I wasted your time, ha

I haven't counted them, but my reject file is as thick as the Detroit telephone book.

Cali Girl, Make sure your letters are professional looking. Did you get samples of query letters? Also, never send any chapters unless the agent asks you for them. include a synopsis with your letter and that's about it. Your manuscript needs to be formatted in Industry Standard Format. It also needs to be double spaced. Use either Times New Roman or Couier New for a font type and 12 for a font size. I'm not saying your letters were improperly prepared, I just want to make sure you're doing the best you can for yourself. With my first novel, Spook Rock, I finally gave up and self published. It cost me quite a bit of money, but my book did get into bookstores and I did several book signings. Stay away from vanity presses. They'll take anything and give you nothing. Half the time the print in the book is lopsided and the artwork is sub-standard. I wish you luck in your writing.

i wouldnt know personally, but im sure you've heard of harry potter, right?? well did you know that j.k. rowling got rejected 37 times before someone wanted to publish her?? i hope that helps!!