Greetings all,

Just wondered if anyone had any feedback from Simon Trewin. He left a cryptic note on my piece so I sent him a sample and he sent me another cryptic, slightly positive rejection.

I took heart in the fact that it contained many mispellings so it was just a generic template. I only ask as someone I met recently said he's notorious for being cryptic and unhelpful.

Before, this post gets pulled I'd like to say I'm not having a pop at him. At the end of the day I see it as his loss not mine. There are plenty of agents about but only one me!

Anyhew let me know

Geoff

Geoff, I had a positive experience with Simon. He didn't take me on, but he was very encouraging and did spend the time to read my whole novel, which was evident in his letter. So I wouldn't worry too much. Perhaps he had someone too similar to you, who knows. But don't give up.

Best Julie

Hey Julie,

Didn't mean to sound negative or anything. I'm just the kind of person who likes to take things to the nth degree. So I'm always wondering what if, why etc. It just bugs the hell out of me that he didn't explain his comment on my first uploaded piece. Check it out. Anyone?

Geoff

Geoff,
May I suggest that the Writers Forum is not the place to ask such questions. These need to be directed to the person and not made public, particularly as it is one of adverse criticism.
Regards, Len

I agree with Len Geoff. Besides Simon and other agents are very busy and I would imagine don't like being pushed into giving detailed crits when they have their own clients to deal with. I get the feeling, Simon can be quite crytic with his responses but if you really read between the lines you will probably get what he means.

Good luck

Julie

Geoff, re you first uploaded piece. I know that's kind of an annoying comment but in some ways it's very complimentary. He is saying that deep down you know what to do. From my experience and that of my best mate whose second novel will be published in January we always think that- if you're reading your own work and you always get bored around the same part, then that is a sure sign that something is not working in that area. She and I have worked together as collaboraters for the past 15 years and we always apply this method and more often than not it works.

Give it a go, but be honest with yourself

Best Julie

Len, Jubbly,

I take your point. I really didn't mean for it come come across the way it seems to have been read. I have absolutely nothing against the guy and wasn't having a go.

Perhaps in retrospect I shouldn't have posted it but I was totally honestly curious. But looking at it objectively posting something like that for everyone to read is not the best thing to do.

The whole thing about mispelling was a negative comment, it simply showed me that it wasn't a generic template letter that gets sent out time and time again.

Simon if you read this please don't take any offence at the first posting.

<Added>

was a negative comment should read wasn't a negative

I'd feel really pleased that Simon commented if I was you - he is a fantastic agent and really knows his stuff. I think he genuinely wanted to know which half best reflects the book as a whole and I don't think that is a cryptic comment, more an honest question.