Check out the JournalStone 2012 Novel contest. A year ago this time, after hundreds of rejections from wise agents, I stumbled upon this contest. I sent my novel in as an entry, and now That Which Should Not Be is a finalist for the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Could happen to you too, but only if you enter.
http://journalstone.com/contest/journalstones-2000-advance-in-2012/
Beware The Shadows 
Agents are dumb! Your novel is awesome and very well written. I can’t wait for your next book.