My first (full) rejection

So, less than 24 hours after emailing full submissions, the first rejection for DOWN came back. It was actually a very nice rejection. This agent said there was "certainly a lot to like" and she really appreciated the non-linear timeline. She also said she sees "quite a bit of potential" and encourages me to stick with it.

The main reason she passed was because she wanted more of a story like THE MOCKINGBIRDS (a book that also deals with date rape), and wanted more humor. While Daisy Whitney's book is fab, and our books center around a teenage girl getting raped, my story is meant to be darker, more intense.

Some agents have preferences on what they like, and my subject matter is definitely not going to be everyone's cup of tea. People will want it lighter, funnier, whatever. But, that's okay. I really like this rejection, and I respect the agent who wrote it. She gave me hope that I can still find a "match" for DOWN. 

I want to share this journey with you, whether you're a writer just getting started, or an avid YA reader. For those writing your first book toward the dream of publication, keep going. I remember where I was a year, even two years ago -- following writers who had just landed and agent or inked their first book deal and were excitedly sharing their journeys. I remember longing to be in their shoes. Now, I am getting closer to that goal. We all must keep going. We all must keep writing. 

After all, it's our stories that make the world come alive.