Submitting My Novel: Agent Queries & First Rejection

I gave myself a deadline.
A concrete, scary, no-going-back kind of deadline: Submit the first batch of my spy thriller to UK literary agents before my birthday.

Spoiler: I did it.
Slightly earlier, actually. I submitted on June 8th, even though my deadline was the 15th. It was terrifying. I polished the first three chapters, reworked the synopsis, and wrestled with the beast that is the cover letter.

I had no idea how to write one. Thank god for the blog posts by Mushens Entertainment, which walked me through every section. It was especially helpful because, being from Germany, I only ever knew what German literary agents expect. Back in my early twenties (a chaotic, hopeful time), I submitted a manuscript to a German agency after reading Sylvia Englert’s guide on how to edit and submit your work. A brilliant book, even if the latest edition is from 2012. It helped me back then.

This time around, submitting to UK agents, I did my research. Like, deep research.
I created a spreadsheet — of course I did — listing 10 agents from 10 different agencies, ranking them in what I think is realistic order. (Yes, I ranked them. Don’t judge. It helped me stay humble.) I read their wishlists, stalked their social media, and found out what books they loved, what they didn’t want, and how best to pitch to them.

Before my birthday trip to Croatia, I made a vow: Do not re-read the chapters. Do not spiral. Because I knew if I opened those files again, I’d find a sentence, a word, a pause, and question everything. So I left them be.

Instead, I edited the rest of the manuscript. Just in case someone writes back with: “We loved the first chapters, please send the full manuscript.”
Because hope dies last. And also, I’m always tweaking. The manuscript is done, but I can’t help myself.

And you know what?
While editing on holiday, I fell in love with the story again. I really believe in it. I think it’s good. Hopefully someone else will see it that way too (cue shy, slightly desperate chuckle).

Of course, the post-vacation blues hit harder when I returned to work… and got my first rejection. Right there, while talking to a colleague about how magical Croatia was. My phone buzzed. I read the preview and knew instantly what it was. Rejection.

So I smiled through the heartbreak, went home, and told my friend.
Then I spiraled for about two days. The usual:
“Am I a terrible writer?”
“Should I even be doing this?”
“Why don’t I just focus on being a journalist and do something less painful?”

But I pulled myself out of it.
Because rejection is part of the process. One down. More may come. But I’m here for the long run. Thick skin loading… 27%.

To distract myself, I started working on the synopsis for Book Two. I dived into government structure research, plotted future plot twists, and mapped out international journeys for my protagonist. That part of writing — the research, the planning — I absolutely love. It reminds me why I do this.

So, what’s next?

I’ve got a note in my calendar: July 15th: Submit the next batch.
Agents usually take 8 to 12 weeks to respond, and I want to keep things moving. That means tweaking more cover letters, refreshing the synopsis, and staying hopeful.

Some context:

• My book is written in English
• It’s set in London
• And I’m submitting to UK agencies (since my dad is from England and I’ve always seen it as a second home)

I briefly considered submitting to US agents as well, maybe later, if things don’t work out in the UK.
One difference I noticed: UK agents often post wishlists, which are incredibly helpful when tailoring a submission. German agencies, at least a decade ago, didn’t do that. Some UK agents even list their favorite books, interviews, or social media profiles, which makes them feel a little more relatable in an otherwise intimidating process.

As for the synopsis, yes, it’s hard to summarize 300+ pages into one. Mine landed at 1.5 pages. Forgive me, agents. I tried. But also… I’m kind of proud of it.

✨Some Final Thoughts

So far:

• 4 submissions sent
• 1 rejection received
• 1 mental spiral survived
• More submissions to come
• NYT Bestseller delusions still intact

The next update will come after July 15. Until then, I’ll be here tweaking, manifesting, and trying to stay kind to myself.

🤎 If you’re also in the submission trenches, I see you. It’s a lonely, hopeful, heartbreaking process. But we’re in it together.

🤞🏽Fingers crossed. And then crossed again.

Photo: Prateek Katyal via Pexels