Submissions Masterclass ~ Week Five

Be patient. And remember, it isn’t personal.

Publishers and agents aren’t just twiddling their thumbs and ignoring you—we promise. We are inundated with all the tasks that go along with supporting our authors and building our lists. Sometimes, I’ll get a submission that I need to think about. Something in it grabs me, so I’ll hold on to it for a little while. Other times, I just can’t get to the submissions, and I have to wait for an opportunity when I can devote the time and focus they deserve. 

And if I pass on a project, it isn’t personal. It might be as simple as the author’s writing not being ready. But other times, the book could be great, yet I don’t feel as though Harpeth Road is the right fit to market it. I have to say, without a doubt, “I know exactly what I want to do to brand and sell this.” If I can’t say that, it isn’t fair to either Harpeth Road or the author to take on the project.

At the end of the day, I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and if you put forth the effort, learn your craft, and use the feedback you receive, you’ll find your place.