Over the summer I submitted my first novel (women's fiction) to about 20 agents. I got a few form rejections, two full manuscript requests that resulted in rejection and five agents saying send them the next thing I write.
One of the agents who had the full requested a meeting and wanted to discuss what I would like to write next. I ran an idea by her and she gave me some pointers. She also said she would be happy if I revised the first book. She said some really, really nice things to me and she (I hope) saw quite a bit of talent if she wanted to meet with me for an hour even though she didn't offer me representation.
So off the back of that meeting I started a second novel in November. I will finish the first draft middle of February, second draft by April and polish it by May/June. I have two questions:
- How will I know it's ready? The pressure is on, really, and I am so worried about this not getting me an agent either! Will I 'know'? Should I use beta readers? Will three drafts do it? My first book was only two drafts and wasn't rejected because it was unpolished (quite the opposite: all feedback was that I could write but WF is needing high concept novels and it wasn't a big enough concept for a debut publishing deal)
- I want to send it to the agent who met with me first, but should I send it to her exclusively? She really helped me, gave me some ideas, and gave me FAR more than any other agent, but, there are some agents who requested to see the next thing I write who are huge names and I don't really have information about any of the agents in order to pick (how would I pick?)
Thanks in advance anyone out there!!