Models of working

It has been interesting, learning how publishing happens from the sharp end. Previously, I have worked as a bookshop manager, so knew it from the getting it on the shelf angle. Now, as a wannabe author, I am looking at it from the getting it to the shelf angle.

I had a rejection tonight which was based on a 200 word query, which is absolutely fine: that is what the agent wanted, stated up front. It wasn't the worst query in the world and far from the best.

But, did it really tell the agent anything other than if I could write a soundbite? A novel is more than that, it is an immersive experience; a different writing skill.

Now, I am a pragmatist and fully accept methods of managing huge amounts of submissions must be found. The business model currently presented does, however, make me wonder on a number of levels:

1. Quality: if a submission is judged on a query only without reference to the work does this reflect the core meaning of quality as being fit for purpose, or does it limit the market to snappy works and snappy writers?

2. Innovation: is the market being limited by the need for a quick hook, and a snappy query? Are we pushing writers into niches that limit the market.

Considering the number of publishers who have opened direct to submissions, and the continued rise of the e-book market, is the agent model still valid? Or are the readers going to become the gatekeepers to the market and if so, should we be writing for that future market and not to a formula to catch attention early, even if the story doesn't merit that approach?