Since last posting on this blog, I've received a nice email from Linda at The McVeigh Agency on Death in the Bayou. It wasn't quite right for them. That's fine, and I'm dealing with it. We've all learned that rejections are not personal attacks on our writing ability, and one size does not necessarily fit all. Besides, there are still a couple of partials and at least two fulls out to other agents. So, hope remains that one of those agents will find enough interest to offer representation. What about you? We'd love to hear your story and your current situation in the submission game.
I'm sure you're wondering what I plan on doing if the other submissions wind up with the same result? Funny you should ask. I've been thinking lately about turning my attention and efforts into an even better novel that's waiting to be written. It's getting anxious, actually. I may just let it sit on the back burner and simmer a bit for a few months. In November, Nanowrimo is coming up again. If you've never been involved with that program, you should check it out this year. Don't put it off any longer.
That's about it for this time. Leave a comment and tell us what's going on in your writing career. We'd love to hear about it.
I completely understand how you feel. I have two finished novels and have been workin, for the past 2 years, to no avail, to find an agent. They all say, "it sounds great, but it's just not what I'm looking for." but i have had some that have given me some good feedback. I have a partial out to one agent, and have my fingers crossed. I know it's missing something, I just can't figure out what it is, or maybe i'm just being too critical, haha. It has been a daunting experience, and one that doesn't seem to be ending soon. I wish you luck.
ReplyDeleteWishing the same luck right back atcha. Getting published has always been more difficult than falling off a log, but the industry is becoming so picky these days. It seems as if every agent is elephant hunting, i.e., searching for the next Harry Potter or Twilight manuscript. There are tons of excellent stories out there that need to be published, even though they may be a one-time, stand-alone novel instead of something with series potential. Did they do a sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird? Or Robinson Crusoe? Or any one of a hundred other great novels? Just keep at it. Even the great novelists have had their share of rejections. Perseverance is the key.
ReplyDeleteI'm right with you! After a bunch of rejections on one book, I'm about to put that aside for a while and start querying another. Hopefully when I pick the other one up again, whatever the major flaw in it is will become apparent and I can fix it.
ReplyDeleteAnd then there is another book that's just waiting to be written (hello NaNoWriMo), plus the two partially finished ones that need my attention... If only I didn't have a day job.
Sometimes I wonder about going to NY with my books. More often than not, I snuggle back into my safe and cozy e-pubbed world.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the pic of Basil Rathbone, aka Sherlock, I had to click to your site. What can I say? I'm a mystery fan and Sherlock is one of the best.
ReplyDeleteYes, I too have gone through the rejection line. Right now, I have three novels POD and this fourth I intend to try the agent/publisher route again.
The best to all of us in our endeavors!
p.s. I am now following your blog and look forward to reading all of your posts. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteM.J. Macie
I enjoy reading your blog, Michael. And I'm now a follower! Glad to hear your creative juices never stop flowing, 'cuz you've got talent!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to help you polish up any of your writing for submission - and the same goes for any of your writer followers!
Please check out my blog for advice to writers: http://JodieRennerEditing.blogspot.com.
Good luck, and keep on writing!
Jodie Renner
Sometimes I wonder about going to NY with my books. More often than not, I snuggle back into my safe and cozy e-pubbed world.
ReplyDelete