I have had quite a few rejections. I knew it was a tough business, but didn't think it would be so tough. At the moment, I feel a bit silly to keep trying to find an agent. Do I give up and try another genre (although I love to write for children) or do I keep going? When is enough, is enough?
Hi Deborah,
There are a few who will provide feedback that might be useful, or you could try the facilities on this site, though that would not be free.
I recommend looking at the listings section here, and filter for children's fiction agents and then publishers. Then look at each one's website. It's really important to send them what they actually require, as anything else may simply be rejected out of hand; plus they are usually too busy to respond if they are not interested.
Sorry if you've done all this anyway. One thing I should suggest, is to find an agent or publisher and before sending your piece in (assuming they would be interested) call them. Check the name of the person you're speaking with, be very polite and enthusiastic, perhaps even mentioning the names of authors and/or works you know they already deal with that you are impressed with. That way they understand that you've made some effort to look into them first.
Next you say that you've read the requirements on the W&A Yearbook website and ask if these are still correct. Then check there is no other information required and see if you can get the name of a person to mail/email your piece to. In your covering letter/email mention that you called and spoke to xxxxx, who very kindly suggested I send my piece directly to you yyyyyy.
This adds a personal touch to you and your piece and cannot harm your chances. At best it will move you up the pile a few centimetres; at worst it will get the receptionist fired, but hey - that's publishing.
Good luck and keep on doing. Don't get disheartened.
Regards,
PabloJ.