It's true agents are inundated with pitches from authors. And, says Amy Collins, an agent at Talcott Notch Literary it's also true that they routinely turn down great work. But that doesn't mean you should stop trying and it helps a lot when you learn how to provide agents what they need.

Often, Collins says, agents turn down good books, because they already have authors with books in similar genres, or she can only take on a couple of new clients and has already found them.

A rejection doesn't mean your work is a flop, it means you've got to keep seeking the right agent match and hit their inbox at just the right time. It isn't easy, and perseverance matters, Collins says, but so do other things in publishing and life.

In this candid conversation, Collins breaks down what authors need to know when pitching an agent and why not everyone is going to get published and that doesn't mean you aren't a good writer. We also talk comp titles, rules of submitting to agents (here's a hint: depends on the agent), and

Amy Collins also teaches classes on queries, comp titles, and more at https://amysadvice.com. There you can also find articles and other resources.

Amy is also an agent at Talcott Notch Literary Services. Right now she is closed to queries. Check the website for any updates.

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