Despite the fact that I have a niggling feeling that my current novel (my 3rd full novel) will probably be a better book to send out, I have begun the query stage with my first novel "Valen". I guess one may always feel that one's current novel is better due to greater emotional attachment and a vague sense of shame at one's completed works. I must explore that further at some point.
But the focus now is compiling a list of agents which appear suitable and attractive. I was initially amazed at how many agents specify that they will not receive science fiction or fantasy. On further reflection, I can see how agents who would welcome such genres would be suffocated in queries and submissions. It strikes me that readers of these genres would somehow be more inclined to write. I base this purely on the fact that such genres are often linked to more bookish (note, not necessarily academic) audiences with possibly more sednetary time on their hands. This is not a value judgement, merely an observation.
However, reading through lists of agents and clocking more websites of an evening that I have ever done before, it is quite disheartening to have one's chosen genre rejected before even the query stage. "Valen" is, in essence, a fantasy novel, but told from the experience of one main character who tends to miss things and doesn't get the full story. Something which may not work, but I want to see if it does. And like everything, I am sure it has been done before.
But, back to the point - it is difficult to keep researching when the genre is not universally appealing. With a wry smile I tell myself that it is good training for the forest of rejection slips that will be forthcoming and I plod on.
The key is striking a balance between plodding for an agent and starting number three - the latter would be more pleasant and be entered into with gusto; the former represents a significant commitment to becoming the published author I so earnestly desire to be. Call me Plod. Tonight anyway.
