Welcome to the Insecure Writer's Support Group, a monthly insecure writer's anonymous group (not so anonymous, though, cuz we're really putting ourselves out there) that meets (posts) on the first Wednesday of every month. Thanks goes to Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting!
If you were by here last Friday, you will have read my post, I'm A Real Writer Now. It was all about getting my first rejection letter from a publisher. Some of you (most? all?) probably already joined the club a long time ago, but for me, it was my first experience with a publisher submission.
I took part in an editor-judged query contest. The good news is that I was a runner-up! I was seriously thrilled. She requested my first three chapters.
The bad news is after reading my first three chapters, she declined to request the full manuscript. The rejection was very kind, with the editor saying my work was really close but not quite there yet and she'd like to see other work from me.
Well, you know how it is. I started over-thinking it, and wondering things like, "what exactly is wrong with it?" and "what do you mean it's close?" Because seriously, just tell me and I'll try to fix it. And then you wonder if she "got it." Because my work is slated as a YA Paranormal Mystery Series, but the way I look at it, it's more of a YA Paranormal "Cozy" Mystery Series with a lot of mishaps, sort of like Scooby Doo Meets Nancy Drew.
And then I think, "well if she didn't 'get it', it's my fault for not getting 'it' across in my writing."
You all know how the evil mastermind Lord Mind-Chatter works!
Alas, I got it off my chest.
And I'm moving forward.
Thanks for listening!
How did your month go? Are you making progress?
9 comments:
ooo Gwen: you were so brave; and some of us (veterans) feel just as miffed by them 'not getting it' as when it first happened... but you have to give Lord M.Chatter the heave-ho, because deep inside we know better, don't we.... he he he evil glee
Also I'm confused. Did I post to the non-writing blog??!!
I'm sorry about your rejection letter. I have no idea what it means. Just keep trying. Some send out rejection letters without really reading the manuscript.
I think that's great news. Really great. Keep up the great work. For me, I had to organized with my WIP and with life so since, I've made significant progress. :)
That sounds like a really positive rejection if they want to read more of your writing.
For her to say she'd like to see more of your work is fantastic - don't underestimate that! Being nearly there is great - but it's a shame she didn't give you an idea about how to actually 'get' there! Well done you, though!
erhm...I had two more rejections. No comment on them - just flat out rejections which is fine because you know I don't want to hear really why they don't want it. Then they have to say something - like your writing isn't strong enough or your ideas are hackneyed and really maybe it is just that they don't like it ENOUGH and they have a gazillion emails from writers like me so that will have to do.
Oh, guess this wasn't very helpful - guess it is to say that your rejection sounds pretty damn sweet to me! Keep on keepin' on.
Youngblood, I love that evil laugh!
Clarissa, I don't know how to quit so I'll just keep moving forward:)
Mina, good for you!
Tonja, yes - it was a positive rejection (isn't that an oxymoron?)
Linda, thanks - I've decided to look on the bright side. She wants to see more of my work!
Jan, no comment on the rejection is just plain rude! You'll get there, hang in there girl!
Most likely there is nothing wrong with what you wrote but the timing is not right. Those publishers are tricky that way. At least you put yourself out there and you know that someone is reading your words. You will get there, just don't give up!
Siv, you could be right! It's you, not me, instead of the other way around, lol:)
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