Tomorrow marks five months since I began querying my debut novel, Awakening. I had decided to try my hand at traditional publishing back in September of 2024, which meant the arduous business of querying literary agents. I meticulously kept track of each query I sent out using a lengthy Excel document that would make anyone’s eyes bug out of their head. Here’s how the process went:

• Five literary agents sent personal rejections, praising my writing and characters, but were unable to represent me because they’d just signed with another epic fantasy author. (Heartbreaking, I know.)
• A large chunk of agents sent “form rejections” which were copy/ paste jobs of, “Not interested in epic fantasy at this time. This is a subjective business.” Ok, fine. I went into this knowing they’d be a fair amount of rejection, but I found it particularly annoying when the agent specifically listed epic fantasy on their MSWL (ManuScript Wish List). Either they failed to update their MSWL or they want to give the appearance of accepting a wide ranch of genres. Bad form!
• The last and largest query column fell into CNRs (Closed No Response). Some of them I closed on my own according to the agent’s instructions, however, most closed automatically on Query Tracker after 120 days of no response. I know agents are busy, but I feel its polite practice to at least hit that reject button instead of keeping the author in limbo.

I don’t want it to sound like I’m raging against all literary agents. Not at all! Many of them were incredible kind in their rejections, and I know most of them are swamped with queries and trying their best. That’s why, when I do get a response, I greatly appreciate it. It means that agent took time to read my query and sample pages and doesn’t feel we’re the right fit.

However, I am seriously considering switching tracks and self-publishing. It was always an option. I’ve actually worked at a self-publishing company in the past, so I know a bit about the process. Maybe it’s the ADHD in me, but I cannot fathom waiting a year and a half for a literary agent’s reply only to be rejected. And yes, that was mentioned on one of the agent’s pages. A year and a half!

The idea of the story I’ve worked so hard on staying under my control is very appealing to me. If I self-publish, I could get my novel out at my own pace. Over the years I’ve also worked on a marketing strategy for the series, and it would be a dream come true to see those ideas turn into reality. But as everyone knows, self-publishing means doing everything yourself. It would be up to me to find editors, a cover artist, and self-promote my novel. Am I ready to take that plunge? I’m partial to a hot bath, so just how brisk are those waters?

I know what I don’t want to happen. I don’t want Awakening to sit and gather dust. Every Awakening beta reader has raved about it, and I constantly receive messages asking when it will be available to buy. The strong, positive feedback is another reason why I question the querying process and whether its a good fit.

This is the part where you, dear reader, come in. Before I make a decision, I’d love some advice from those who have swam in both waters. Do you think I’m giving up on traditional publishing too soon or do you think it’s time I strike out on my own and self-publish? If you’re in the tradpub camp, what advice would you give to get agents sending me manuscript requests? If in the self-publishing camp, how did you go about finding editors and cover artists, and what company do you use to print/ sell your books?