How a Revise-and-Resubmit Letter Can Change Your Life
Receiving a revise-and-resubmit (R&R) letter from a literary agent is incredible news for any author. It means they’re interested. You’ve got something there. Respond right, and it can change your life.
This is not an offer of representation. The literary agent is not committed yet, but they’re interested in your book. The trick is to turn it into one.
Start by responding to the requesting agent with a clear, concise answer on whether you accept the opportunity and what an ideal deadline would be for you to revise and resubmit thoughtfully. Most importantly, always be professional and express gratitude.
A few months back, I spoke with the head of The Purcell Literary Agency, Tina Purcell Schwartz, regarding the revise-and-resubmit letter, and she offered valuable insight on how this can be an incredible first step in an author’s career.
So, what exactly is an R&R letter?
It’s a standard industry communication letter where the literary agent is reaching out to share that you have a great idea, and they’re very interested in your book. However, we feel it needs more polish. It could be grammatical issues, tone, plot, or characterization. Basically, the seeds are good, but they need nurturing. And in the R&R letter, they will share some ideas of what they think would possibly make your manuscript worthy of submitting to a publisher.
When you receive an R&R letter, you have a choice. You can choose to revise and resubmit or decline their offer. Maybe you’ve changed your mind about this book or want to pursue other agents. Perhaps you’re not interested because you already have an agent, have decided to self-publish, or have successfully landed a publisher.
But if you choose to go forward, then you need to get to work.
Next, respond to the agent with a proposed deadline for completing your revisions, possibly including some ideas of your own, and always with thanks. Once the agreed deadline has been reached, get to work implementing the suggested changes you feel are appropriate, along with any you want me to implement. When it’s revised, polished, and ready, please send it back to the agent, again, with your gratitude.
I can’t stress the importance of keeping your promise enough.
Don’t say, “yes, you’re going to do it,” and then forget about it, or go on to another agency without replying to the original agency. The R&R letter (and your subsequent response) is also a test of your professionalism, your ability to work with a literary agent, follow through on promises, follow deadlines, and follow instructions, all of which help the agent understand how you would be as a client if they can rely on your professionalism when they submit your manuscript to a publisher. While it’s really about the product, your manuscript, your response, and ultimate follow-through demonstrates your business sense as an author, along with your work ethic and professionalism.
This also includes a possible change of heart from either party.
You might get into the revision process, then decide it’s just something you don’t want to do, or it’s not going down the path you want. Please go back to the agent and be honest: “Hey, I’ve changed my mind.” At least you get back with them, and that’s the most essential thing: communication. And if they change their mind, they’ll let you know. But handle it professionally. The publishing industry is a tight-knit community, and you want to keep your stellar author reputation intact!
At this point, it’s up to the agent.
They could read it, agree that the revisions are spot on, and let you know they are ready to send you a letter of representation. If you accept, you go down that path together to get your manuscript into publishers’ hands. There’s no guarantee that this will result in a publishing agreement. But they believe in you and will give it their best to secure you a contract.
On the other hand, they may read your changes, decide it’s not what they wanted, and not feel strongly enough to represent you.
Regardless of their response, an R&R is life-changing. Think of this in a positive light. You and your manuscript got the attention of someone in the industry. Something you’ve got going on is worth the attention of an agent, so much so that they took time out of their busy schedule to make notes, suggestions, and come back and say, “I’m willing to wait to see if this is something that we can make work.” Be proud. This doesn’t happen very often. In fact, when I interviewed Tina Purcell Schwartz, she said, “I probably only do one or two of those a year.”
What an honor. What a potentially life-changing opportunity. Your writing is getting attention.
Still, it’s your choice whether you want to pursue a revised version or politely decline. Either way, acknowledge it as a tremendous honor because you’ve been chosen to be reconsidered by an agent based on your ability to write. Your author’s journey is moving swiftly.
Congratulations!
I hope this article provided you with a few applicable ideas. I would be honored if you shared this on social media. And speaking of sharing, please share your ideas and experiences below. Together, we can build an uplifting community that supports each other’s happiness, well-being, creativity, and success.
