The Reality of Querying: The Part No One Sees

It’s been a few months since my last update, mostly because university has been taking over my time and energy—but also because querying is, by nature, a very quiet process.

It looks like nothing is happening.

But in reality, everything is happening—just slowly, privately, and mostly in inboxes.

Here’s where Fan Service stands right now:

• I’ve sent out 26 agent queries so far across QueryTracker, direct email, and individual submission portals.

• I’ve received 8 rejections, which is normal for this stage.

• 18 agent queries are still open, waiting in various stages of “received,” “in queue,” or “under review.”

• I’ve also submitted to 3 publishers. One of them requested the full manuscript, which is still under review, while the other two haven’t responded yet.

It’s strange watching your work move forward and stall at the same time. I’m celebrating the full request. I’m grateful for every personalized note—even the rejections. And I’m still expanding and refining the manuscript so that when the right “yes” arrives, the book will be exactly what it needs to be.

Querying isn’t glamorous.

It isn’t predictable.

And it definitely isn’t fast.

But it is a step toward sharing this story with the world, and every step—quiet or not—still counts.

Thank you for being patient with me during the quieter months. More updates are on the way as this process continues. 🖤

— Haley Anne Laughlin