Chapter Break

Chapter Break

The #1 reason this agent says no to a manuscript 😬

Today's guest is agent Claire Friedman

Alyssa Matesic's avatar
Alyssa Matesic
Nov 12, 2026
∙ Paid

Behind every agent’s inbox is a nearly impossible math problem.

Many literary agents receive 500-750 queries a week and only sign on a handful of clients per year. Those odds might feel like a gut punch, and the numbers are certainly not working in your favor, but it also doesn’t mean your manuscript won’t be the one that catches their eye.

You won’t know…

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Chapter Break to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2026 Alyssa Matesic · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for writing, podcasting, and media founders.