Why Querying Literary Agents While Writing My Next Novel Turned Into a Creative Nightmare

As a writer, the thrill of crafting a new story often competes with the daunting task of querying literary agents for my finished work. In the past, I believed I could manage both simultaneously—juggling the exhilaration of new words flowing while developing my marketing strategy for my previous manuscript. However, I soon discovered that this dual focus became a source of creative turmoil. In this post, I’ll share my experiences, the challenges I faced, and the valuable lessons I learned throughout this journey.

The Allure of Juggling Projects

Writing has always been my sanctuary, allowing me to immerse myself in my imagination. The idea of querying literary agents brought a rush of excitement—an opportunity to share my craft with the world and connect with potential champions of my work.

But the question loomed: Could I genuinely write my next bestseller while navigating the querying realm? Initially, it felt entirely achievable. I pictured vibrant brainstorming sessions filled with creativity followed by the satisfaction of sending out polished queries. In my mind, I could be both a creator and a marketer, working on two endeavors I was passionate about.

The First Signs of Stress

I began my journey with great enthusiasm. My new manuscript flowed with vivid characters and intricate plots. Yet, as I dove into the querying process for my last book, I realized that balancing both tasks was like trying to squeeze toothpaste back into its tube.

Every time I sat down to write, my thoughts drifted to my query letters. I constantly wondered: Had my QT dashboard changed? Had my email been opened? Had I received any feedback on that full request? This cycle of anticipation crept into my creative time, stunting my imagination. A 2023 survey revealed that 56% of writers experience anxiety during the querying process, something I could relate to.

The Parallel Journey of Waiting and Writing

There’s a peculiar tension that arises when you wait for others to decide your future while trying to create it. Each ping of my email felt like a personal judgment, robbing me of focus.

Instead of delving deep into character development, I found myself refreshing my inbox, hoping for that elusive positive response from an agent. The anxiety of querying triggered a wave of self-doubt about my writing. Was my work strong enough? Would anyone care about this next project when my last one was still searching for representation?

Creative Block: A Real Struggle

As weeks turned into months, the timeline of my querying process overshadowed my excitement for the current manuscript. I grappled with chaotic thoughts and plot holes that seemed impossible to navigate. I often questioned, “If agents aren't responding to my last work, why the hell would they like this new one? Why bother writing it?”

My inner critic loomed large.

The Shift to Prioritizing Writing

Eventually, I had to make a tough choice: to be smart about it. I decided to continue querying my previous work, but I would compartmentalise. I would be methodical. I would write out a schedule.

By directing my energy solely towards writing within the periods allocated, I rekindled my passion and began to create characters without the burden of external judgment. Allocating dedicated time for creativity allowed me to rediscover my voice. I learned that no story can flourish under the immense pressure of seeking approval.

Lessons Learned: Embracing the Journey

What key takeaways did I gather from this creative nightmare? Here are some lessons that may resonate with others in similar situations:

1. Balance is Key

Achieving balance in writing and querying is essential. Allocate specific times for each activity instead of blending them together. Set a schedule where you focus on your writing first, followed by dedicated time for query letters. WRITING FIRST works for me.

2. Set Boundaries with External Feedback

Do not allow the querying process to dictate your writing flow. Give yourself space to hone your craft without the influence of outside opinions until you are ready to engage with the marketing phase.

3. Seek Supportive Communities

Join writing groups or connect with fellow writers who understand your journey. Sharing both successes and challenges can help alleviate the loneliness that often accompanies writing. Having supportive peers turned my solitary experiences into collaborative opportunities.

4. Practice Patience

Patience is a crucial part of writing. The path to publication can be lengthy and often unpredictable. Understand that both your writing and the querying process require time to blossom.

Reflecting on My Journey

Looking back, navigating the world of literary agents while attempting to write my next novel felt like a rollercoaster ride. I learned that creativity thrives in an environment of freedom and focus, not chaos and uncertainty.

Amid my current project, I feel empowered by the challenges I've faced. My experience has taught me to appreciate the writing journey, filled with its ups and downs, triumphs, and moments of silence.

Moving Forward: Embracing the Next Chapter

Now, I stand ready to push ahead with my upcoming novel. Armed with newfound wisdom and a deeper understanding, I am prepared to embrace the literary landscape with a refreshed mindset.

While querying offers exciting opportunities, I encourage you to proceed with caution. Protect your creative spirit by making space for writing without distractions inherent to the querying stage. Ultimately, it is your voice, your story, and the journey of creation that matter most.

Let your writing flourish, reserving the querying process for when you're truly ready to share your work. After all, the world is always hungry for fresh stories, and creativity knows no strict timelines.

Write. Do it now. Stop reading this blog and write instead.