The Plunge

God help me, but I did it. I started the querying process on my Great Depression novel. I had procrastinated for months, using one excuse after another. That it wasn’t ready, or the subject matter was too taboo, or that the prose was crappy. All of which may still be true, but how will I know that for a fact if I don’t test the waters? I had to start somewhere. Some literary agents give feedback when they reject a project, so one of them may help me without realizing it.

I’ve been in this boat before, so I know the routine. You send off your query letter and- depending on the agent – a proposal and then you have to wait for a response. Sometimes it is a couple of hours, a couple of days, or a couple of weeks to hear back. Others never reply. I think the record for longest wait was about eight months, which by that time I had forgotten that I had even contacted them. Then there are a few agents who have rejected me twice. As if getting one rejection from said agent wasn’t enough, they decided to send that rejection to me again.

I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes in the querying process. I’ve mistaken a man for a woman; misspelled a last name; got the date wrong; forgot to attach the proposal; used the wrong words; misread the guidelines…Been there, done that. I’d like to think I’ve learned from my mistakes, but no one is perfect. Inevitably I will embarrass myself. I’m sure if I am ever land a literary agent, I’ll continue to do silly things. It’s just the way I am. After all, nobody’s perfect.

Well, I’m curious to see what will happen. In the meantime I’ve written a number of short stories that need to be sent off too, and have many others in the works.

Until next time. 

(BTW- Its my 250th post! Whoopee!)

Dear Agent

Dear Agent,

This is not a query nor is it directed to any literary representative in particular. This is to all agents in general, from an unpublished and un-agented author.

I have queried again and again, on various projects. At times you are encouraging; at other times you are downright insulting. Sometimes you are enthusiastic about my projects, to the point that I begin to think I am on the right path. Then I receive that e-mail, the one that says, “I enjoyed reading --------, it’s a lovely story but…” And then you give whatever reason that you deem suitable for your rejection. On the whole it is not even reason, it is that you don’t think we will be a good fit. Or that you are not in love with my story. But couldn’t you tell it wasn’t a good fit or that you weren’t falling “in love” with it after the first fifty pages? Why then request the whole manuscript? And then keep me waiting for a whole month?

And please, after I send you a query that I have spent days constructing, please do not reply “No thanks” and end the e-mail there. I know you’re busy, but it’s insulting and dismissive. If I must be professional, then you ought to be too.  Send me one of those “form rejections.” They are far more preferable than a two word rejection.

You say not to take it personally and maybe I shouldn’t. But guess what? I do. My novels are my beloved children. And like any obsessed mother, I will do whatever in my power to see them blossom. By taking it personally, it only increases my determination to write something truly spectacular.

You may think that I am just another wannabe writer and nothing I will ever write will ever measure up. But someday, I will show you and the rest of the world what I am capable of.

Just you wait.

Sincerely,

The Authoress

Odds and Ends

First new blog entry of 2013. The last month and a half has been too crazy for a proper blog update.

Christmas was a bit rough. We were all down sick and the pressure of the holidays put a strain on us. I’m just glad that the 2012 is now over. There were a couple of bright spots: reconciling with family, having a new animal baby addition to the family and finding a new church. But for the most part it was terrible.

Have been under the weather for the last month. Caught some kind of bug and just haven’t been able to throw it off. I went to the doctors and the labs came back saying the rheumatoid test was high and the cbc test was abnormal. I’m going back later this week for another blood test to see if there is any change. So ready to feel better again.

Well, after 150 some queries to the agents, and mixed responses from all, I’m going to have to set aside WIP #1 for now.  Just don’t have the gumption to revise it right now. Maybe in a couple of months. Placing my focus on WIP #2. Hope to high heavens this one works out. It’s different in tone and theme and I am far more passionate about it. Scared though. Well, it will be a couple of months before I send off queries for it. Got to polish it and get my nerve up. Am now focusing most of my attention on my new version of what was once Epic Novel, which is now WIP #3. It’s completely different from before and connected from anything else I have written. Which is for the best.

Going to try and write some short pieces. The one non-fiction story about my healing is to be included in the upcoming book “I Believe in Healing,” by Regal publishers. I received $50.00 for it and retain the copyright, so maybe I can submit it to Guideposts or something later this year. We’ll see.

All for now.