Twisted, yes. But definitely not bitter.

Ok, so it was a joke.

I haven't written a novel called 'Man on a Galloping Horse' and I didn't receive that letter. Just to clear that up, if anyone was in any doubt.

I wrote that post on a whim in response to some of the feedback that I've received in the last few months. Of course it hasn't all been that extreme - and in fact, I'd welcome it if the advice was that specific in some cases! I just feel that this problem of agents suggesting major rewrites with no promise of representation, seems to be a common occurrence amongst new writers that I know. There's a lot of people bloggging about it, it does present a dilemma. What the hell do you do if you've received 3 completely different batches of advice? You can't make all the changes that everyone wants, it would be nonsensical.

These days, an agent really needs to fall in love with your book as it stands. From what I've gleaned, in years gone by an agent might be more willing to take a chance on someone who they feel writes well, while still having reservations about aspects of the original piece submitted. Now it seems like they want all the work done before they'll sign you up. I understand why this is perhaps a good idea; believe me, I get it. But it takes one hell of a lot of work and soul-searching to take a couple of the elements that the agent liked and basically start from scratch. I have literally had an agent turn round to me and say something along the lines of, 'I love the Harry Potter character, but I don't like the idea of him being a wizard.' So I'm left thinking, well...what the hell should I write? Because if he's not a wizard, then all that stuff that happens to him can't happen...and the whole thing changes completely.

I know the answer is that I have to put ego aside but also only make the changes that are true to my vision. I have to follow my instinct, listen to my heart, blah, blah. But I like my story as it stands! I really do. It's not perfect, I know it - it does need work, I'm not sure exactly what, but I suspect I just need to WRITE BETTER. If the agents are not buying some aspect of the book, it's because I'm not selling it well enough. You can't please all of the folks all of the time, but I'm obviously not quite ticking enough boxes with the folks that matter.

My husband read my last post and was all like, 'You can't post that!' - but sod it. I don't mean it to be a bitter and twisted thing. I meant to take the piss - yes, out of the agents but also out of myself - I've created this monster, this rollercoaster, and I can't handle it on my own. I need guidance! I have got a lot to learn and TRULY, I'm open to learning it, but there's so much confusion! If there was any kind of cross-over area which more than one person had said they didn't like, I'd know what to address, but there has been such mixed response. One agent's meat is another agent's poison...

So what to do? Sit on it! I'm not changing a bloody thing for now. There will be some soul-searching, some serious mulling, but not any revising...yet. I'm going to get the hell on with something else, keep submitting and take a fresh look in a few months time. It's the only way to go. I hope.

I have a dilemma...

Dear Ms KayJay,

Thank you so much for sending me your novel 'Man on a Galloping Horse'. I enjoyed reading it and believe that it shows potential.

I particularly liked your central character, Matt the one-legged blind guy. However, I do think the book would work better if perhaps he had both of his legs and was fully-sighted. And maybe you'd like to change his name? I don't really like names beginning with 'M'.

The plot was thrilling and well-drawn. I love the idea of Matt riding out into the desert, accompanied only by his trusty steed. There's a great relationship between Matt and 'Dobbin'. However, I do think that it might work better if Matt was actually riding a motorbike - and perhaps not searching for his long-lost son but looking for a buried treasure? Additionally, the story would only benefit from being set somewhere a little less dry. Perhaps the Scottish Highlands? Or underwater?

Personally, I'd lose the bad guys. Yes, it is tempting to have that dramatic chase scene, the kidnapping and the courtroom battle, but I feel that this only disrupts Matt's journey unnecessarily.

(By the way - I'm not entirely sure that I believe in the idea of the letter getting lost in the post! I mean, just how realistic is this? It feels like a bit of a handy plot device that doesn't have any basis in real life!)

KayJay, I'm sure you are aware of how difficult it is to appeal to publishers in such a saturated market. A 'breakthrough' novel has to be exceptional to be noticed. With this in mind, I would suggest you consider having a female protagonist and adapting the book for a YA readership. And maybe include a space monkey, or some dinosaurs.

The book as it stands, is a bit shit. However, if you are willing to completely rewrite the whole thing, I might be persuaded to take a second look. No promises, mind.

Thanks so much for sending me your work.

Kind regards,

Ms Agent.