Why I’m Pressing Pause on Literary Agents After 100+ Rejections (And How I’m Refocusing on Writing)
Querying literary agents is supposed to be exciting—the moment when your story might find a home in the real world. But after sending over 100 queries and receiving rejection after rejection, I realized something important: this process was slowly draining my motivation to write.
Here’s my story, how I tried revising everything to get better results, and why I’ve decided to take a step back for now.
The Emotional Toll of 100+ Rejections
When I started querying, I was full of hope. Each submission felt like a new opportunity, a potential “yes” validating years of hard work. But as the rejections and no-responses started rolling in—first a few, then dozens, then over 100—the excitement faded.
It wasn’t just the “no” itself; it was the buildup of their weight over time. I began second-guessing everything: my plot, my characters, even whether I should be a writer at all. The joy of creating turned into anxiety and perfectionism. Every writing session felt like a test I couldn’t pass.
Revision, Feedback, and Still More Rejections
I didn’t just send the same query letter and manuscript repeatedly. I revised them extensively:
Query Letters: I tested new openings, fixed my hook, improved my brief synopsis, researched better comp titles, focused on better personalization, and experimented with different ways to pitch my story.
Full Manuscript: I reworked pacing, clarified character arcs, strengthened dialogue, and polished prose.
External Feedback: I received mostly positive feedback (with a few minor suggestions for improvement) from beta readers and professional editors, who reassured me that my story had promise.
Despite all of this, the rejections kept coming, and sometimes, nothing at all. Some agents even gave polite notes saying my work was strong, but not the right fit. While encouraging in theory, the repeated “no’s” and occasional ghostings left me questioning my value as a writer and really sapped my motivation.
Why I’m Pressing Pause
At some point, I realized that continuing to query at the same pace was harming my writing rather than helping it. Here’s why I’m backing off:
Rejections don’t define the story’s worth. A “no” only means my manuscript isn’t a fit for that agent at that time—not that it’s bad.
Writing should be joyful first. I want to rediscover the passion that drove me to write in the first place, rather than obsessing over external validation.
Refocusing on my craft over submission. I now have space to explore new stories, experiment with style, and strengthen my writing without constant pressure.
A New Path Forward
Here’s what I’m focusing on now:
Writing for joy. No deadlines or agent expectations—just stories I feel passionate about and want to tell.
Setting achievable goals. Daily writing sessions and small milestones, rather than large, pressure-filled submissions.
Learning and growing. I’m studying craft, taking workshops, and reading widely, so my next manuscript is stronger and more polished.
Reevaluating submissions later. I’m not giving up on agents forever; I’m just allowing myself to focus on writing and rebuilding my confidence first.
Final Thoughts
Over 100 rejections taught me that motivation isn’t always found in external validation. It’s more about persevering, trusting my abilities, and finding joy in the creative process again.
If you’re an unpublished writer facing repeated rejections, know this: it’s okay to take a break, to focus on your craft, and to write for yourself. Your stories are worth it, and your voice matters.
