Querying literary agents
What Is an R&R from a Literary Agent?
It's completely understandable to be puzzled or hopeful when you hear about an R&R from a literary agent. This is a key moment many writers encounter, and knowing what it means can help you decide your next steps with confidence.
Direct answer
An R&R, or Revise and Resubmit, is a request from a literary agent asking you to revise your manuscript based on their feedback and then send it back for another look. It's a positive sign that the agent sees potential in your story but believes it needs work before they can consider representation. This isn't a rejection; rather, it's an invitation to improve and show your commitment to the project.
When you get an R&R, it's important to carefully review the agent's notes and decide how to integrate their suggestions while staying true to your story's core. This process often involves deep revision, which can feel daunting, but it's a valuable chance to elevate your manuscript with professional insight. Taking time to revise thoughtfully can strengthen your work and demonstrate your professionalism to the agent.
After revising, your resubmission should clearly reflect the changes you made and how you addressed the agent’s concerns. Include a concise, respectful cover letter that highlights your revisions and expresses your continued enthusiasm for the project. This shows you took their feedback seriously and are dedicated to your craft, improving your chances of moving forward in the agent relationship or querying other agents with a stronger manuscript.
What this looks like in practice
Early draft stage
You’re uncertain about whether your manuscript is ready to submit.
You submit without a clear revision plan and feel unsure about agent feedback.
You revise with targeted goals, making your manuscript stronger before querying.
Revision stage
You receive an R&R with detailed notes from an agent.
You feel overwhelmed or defensive about the requested changes.
You break down feedback into manageable tasks and revise strategically, improving your manuscript’s focus and appeal.
Before querying or publishing
You’ve revised your manuscript and want to submit a polished version after an R&R.
You submit without highlighting your revisions or addressing agent feedback.
You include a clear, professional cover letter outlining improvements, demonstrating responsiveness and professionalism.
How Story Salon helps
At Story Salon, I help writers interpret R&R feedback and make targeted revisions that preserve their voice while sharpening their story, preparing them for confident resubmissions or next steps.