You might be fortunate enough to get an agent’s attention for your manuscript. However, that often isn’t the end of the line. You might not get an offer of representation right away, but instead receive feedback on your manuscript and a request to revise and resubmit.
In a post on Jane Friedman’s blog, editor Kimberly Fernando offers advice for tackling a revise and resubmit. “It might feel a bit disappointing because you were hoping for an offer, but let there be no mistake, an R&R is good news,” Fernando says. “”R&Rs don’t happen to everyone, and an agent doesn’t send them unless they’re genuinely interested.”
When an agent asks for an R&R, they’re interested in your manuscript, but also want to know how you handle critiques and apply feedback. They want to see that you put the time into improving your manuscript, rather than rushing through a cosmetic edit. Fernando suggests 7 steps for handling an R&R request:
- Digest the feedback.
- Reply to the agent, thanking them for their response and informing them whether you will take them up on the offer. Ask any clarifying questions and estimate when you can complete the revisions.
- Analyze the feedback and decide what you agree with.
- Brainstorm ideas and solutions.
- Revise one element at a time.
- Ask for more critiques from peer or beta partners.
- Submit your revision.
