Embracing Change: Parting Ways with an Agent and Returning to the Query Trenches

Breaking up with a literary agent can feel like a setback. After investing time, hope, and energy into a partnership, stepping back into the query trenches might seem daunting. Yet, this experience often brings clarity, growth, and renewed determination. It did for me! Many writers find that parting ways with an agent is not the end of their journey but a valuable chapter that shapes their path forward.

Agents and authors sometimes part ways for many reasons. It might be a mismatch in vision, communication issues, or changes in the agent’s list priorities. Recognizing the cause helps writers avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Accepting these realities allows writers to view the split not as failure but as a strategic decision. After parting ways, reflection is key. This period offers a chance to evaluate what worked and what didn’t. You can assess your manuscript and adapt the lessons the partnership taught you. Because you almost always walk away from an experience having learnt something.

It’s normal to feel discouraged, but this phase can be empowering. Start again by setting small goals, seeking support and actually celebrating progress. Remember, many successful authors faced multiple rejections before finding the right agent.

Going back to querying means refining your approach. Use what you learned to strengthen your submissions. You can do this by personalizing your queries and highlighting your unique voice. And don't be afraid to mention you've been agented before. Agents know fully well that sometimes an author-agent relationship just doesn't work out.

While querying agents remains a primary route, consider other options to advance your writing career. Should you think about Self-publishing? Do you want to try out some writing competitions? Do you want to approach smaller presses or independent publishers? I know I've said this before, but there really isn't a wright or wrong here, just you and what feels right to you! And sometimes, starting from a blank page could very well be what you need right then and there. Because we grow with change.