Sad news today. My agent doesn't like the book and isn't interested in the series.
This is always a hard part of the process. You pour your heart into something again and again, and again and again you're told that there's no space for your work.
Don't what I'm going to do with this novel, or the series I'd built around it. It might be that I don't have the right advocate for my work. It might also be me.
No big decisions right now.
Just going to try not to catastrophize.
Iโm so sorry, Iโm sure that feels deflating!
Keep your chin up. That Harry Potter chick was rejected several times, and look how that turned out. :) @MLClark
๐ฌ With her becoming a hateful person instead of retiring with her millions to a castle somewhere? Good point: sometimes it's best *not* to succeed! ๐
mhm yes, indeed.
Here, this one's better... Michael Jordan was cut from his team in High School... IMAGINE! If he'd given up! insane. :) which is not to imply you'd give up, just that sometimes, persistence is worth it!
I'm betting the person who rejected your work this time will end up in the long run not the best taker for the job ;) 
@MLClark
https://www.elephantlearning.com/post/michael-jordan-cut-from-high-school-team-became-nba-superstar
I'll still buy it (wherever you make it available) :-)
@MLClark ๐ฉ You need a new agent that sees / believes in your vision! YOU are the artist!!!!
Iโm sorry that this is happening, but PLEASE do NOT give up! ๐๐๐
@MLClark don't give up or give in! Keep plugging away and keep the ideas fresh!
And shouldn't an agent be giving you more specific and helpful feedback about why they don't "like" it?
I genuinely don't think she understood what the work was trying to do. She didn't "like" my Thucydides character, and suggested changing him from a character whose whole journey is narrating history in a way that changes *him*, to a character who confidently tells the story of the war without any internal change.
She also didn't understand the other half, which explores a society caught in the middle, trying not to be consumed by nationalist fervour. She wanted more action all around.
Ah, sounds like she likes the sort of science fiction I don't like. Less personal tranformation, less cultural characterization, and more "Pew! Pew!" :)
I suppose she's right about the mainstream market, but I believe you also have an audience out there.
@MLClark so sorry to hear that. You have to believe in your vision and your taste. It is 100% that they are not the right person and not because of the quality of the idea/book. Keep going Iโm sure you will find a home for this series at some point. Sending good vibes.
@MLClark ๐ I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll only remind you to be gentle with yourself. Yes, catastrophizing is a bad idea (ask me how I know), so it's good you've flagged it. I trust you know what to do with those kinds of thoughts when they show up uninvited. There's more and better to come. ๐งก
I'm sorry, Amiga. That's a setback, no doubt. If there's anything a beratna can do to help, please do not hesitate. ๐
Ugh, I'm so sorry, @MLClark ๐ฆ
I believe there is always an audience out there, somewhere. ๐ค
@MLClark I'm always here to listen. Your work is good.
Thank you, Graci. I haven't forgotten your work, either - so you'll be hearing from me soon either way. ๐๐ซ
@MLClark hugs. I'm sorry.
@MLClark ((๐)) thatโs a tough one. Shelf for a short time and try again.
There was a time when authors could pitch books directly to publishers - so if one press said "no", you just went on to the next yourself.
That time has passed, sadly. Having an agent is critical to getting anything through the door with any of them. But finding an agent who supports and understands your work can also be a challenge.
It's no wonder that so many folks turn to indie pub instead - but that is a costly and time-consuming path as well.
No easy answers.
It is what it is.
@MLClark I'm sorry to hear this, but I'm certain that you'll find a path forward. Creative, smart, and persistent is a hell of a combo and I believe that you are all three!
@MLClark Shop it around?