“He/she may just know what secular editors like.”
I can’t imagine getting anything published these days. Glad I don’t make my living that way; best of luck to you! :)
In reality - there are only SO many stories to tell before they overlap in one way or another. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been surprised by anything in literature; the value is in telling it in a way that’s not so transparent to The Masses.
“Every man is a hero of his own story.” ~ Brandon Sanderson
The agent I primarily query accepts less than one half of one percent of the mss he receives. Not stellar odds, I can tell you. ;)
You’re right about originality. One piece of advice I take to heart: Don’t try to be original; just try to be good.
;)