I was helping a writer on their query letter recently, and they’d mentioned having multiple meetings with editors and agents. One agent told this writer to replace the book summary portion of the query with, “Synopsis available upon request”… I’m sorry, what?
I don’t usually step on another professional’s toes. While I may not agree with certain nuances of advice by a fellow industry colleague, their main point is usually spot on.
For example, the room is split on whether or not to personalize a query. By all means, pick a side. Telling an agent to ask for the synopsis to know your book’s plot, when you’ve queried them? Not recommended.
The point is, publishing is a subjective beast, and if 10 people read your book, you can end up with 10 different suggestions—often conflicting. One person says you should open your novel deep in the action, while another says they need lots of background information to feel grounded.
One of my authors wrote a dark, gritty, NYC based story about a young classical violin prodigy, who grows up in affluence and spirals out of control in her 20s. A Big Five editor felt it was too dark and suggested the girl become a famous Nashville country star instead.
Situations like this can get in your head. As a writer, you feel like you’re navigating an endless labyrinth, each turn leading to a new, conflicting opinion.
But here’s the thing—it’s not just you. Every writer, whether brand new or seasoned, deals with the frustrating truth that publishing is deeply subjective. So, how do you survive this endless cycle of contradictory feedback and get your book across the finish line? Let’s break it down.
The Great Subjectivity Debate: Everyone’s Right and Everyone’s Wrong
First, let’s just acknowledge the elephant in the room: there is no “right” way to write a book. Not really. Every agent, editor, and critique partner brings their own unique preferences, biases, and reading experiences to the table. One person might love your poetic descriptions, while another can’t stand them and demands you cut 75% of your adjectives.
Does this mean you’re stuck in a no-win situation? No, not exactly. It’s frustrating because everyone sees your work differently, but it’s also freeing—you get to decide if the feedback works for your book. I know, easier said than done, but you do have the power to sift through the noise.
The “Love It, But Can’t Sell It” Dilemma
Now, onto one of the most mind-numbing frustrations. Your agent adores your book, sings its praises, believes it’s the Next Big Thing. You’re daydreaming about the bidding war that’s about to break out. But then… nothing. Editors pass. All of them.
What just happened?
Here’s a little behind-the-scenes insight: even if your agent loves your manuscript, it’s not guaranteed that editors at publishing houses will feel the same way. Why? Because they’re looking at it through a different lens.
Your agent is focused on the craft, the potential, and your overall vision. Editors, on the other hand, have to consider what’s already on their list, what’s working in the market, and whether they can pitch it to their team. They might love your book too—but if it doesn’t fit the imprint’s current needs, it’s a pass. And that’s maddening, I know.
Understand, this doesn’t mean your book isn’t good. It just means it’s not a match for that editor right now.
The 5 keys to Getting Out of Editorial Limbo
So, how do you navigate this minefield of subjectivity without losing your mind (or worse, shelving your book forever)? Here are a few tips to keep you sane and keep your book moving forward:
1. Filter Feedback Through Your Own Vision
Everyone will have opinions—your critique group, your beta readers, your agent, and eventually, editors. But here’s the key: you don’t have to take every single note. Learn to filter feedback through your own understanding of the story you want to tell. Does the note serve your vision, or is it just someone else’s personal taste?
Note: If multiple people keep flagging the same issue, it’s probably worth a second look.
2. Prepare for the Long Game
Yes, the publishing world is slow. And subjective. And often infuriating. But it’s also an industry where persistence and resilience pay off. Your agent may need to send your book to dozens of editors before it finds the right one. Keep in mind that some of the most successful books in history were rejected numerous times before finally landing in the right hands. (See From Rejection to Resilience)
Be patient—or at least, be prepared to wait while your agent continues to pitch your work.
3. Stay True to Your Core Story
You’re going to get notes that make you question everything. “Is my story even good? Should I completely rewrite this character? Should I make my dark fantasy into a romantic comedy?” (Okay, maybe not that drastic, but you get my point.) Consider the note, does it make sense? Would it improve your story? When in doubt, go back to the core of your story—the reason you wanted to write it in the first place.
It’s okay to push back or politely decline suggestions. In the end, this is your story, and you get to tell it however you feel is best.
4. Consider the Source: Trust the Right People
Listen, you’re never going to please everyone, and that’s fine. What you can do is determine who gets to see your work. Find experienced critique partners, mentors, or professionals who understand your vision and are aligned with your goals.
This doesn’t mean your mom or other biased encouragers; and, especially not that random person on the internet. This means people—preferably in the industry—who understand what you’re trying to do and can help ensure it’s represented on the page.
5. Know When to Let Go
Sometimes, despite all the love and hard work you’ve poured into a manuscript, it’s just not going to land where you want it to. If you’ve gone through multiple rounds of submissions without success, it might be time to set it aside temporarily or even for good. This is not a failure, it’s just part of the process. Your next book might be the one that lands on an editor’s desk at just the right time.
Above all: Embrace the Chaos
The beauty of subjectivity is that for every editor or agent who doesn’t “get” your work, there’s someone who will. Your job is to push through the noise, trust your instincts, and keep writing. At the end of the day, it’s the stories that refuse to go away—the ones you can’t not write—that eventually find their way into the world.
So, keep pushing forward. Your book deserves its shot—and with a little patience and resilience, it’ll get there.