Feeling that I’m not balancing enough crap in my life, I’ve sent a query and sample chapters of my YA humor/mystery novel to an agent. That makes six works I’ve got out making the rounds – three novels and three short stories – assuming one doesn’t come back by the time you read this.
Of course, only one is actually sold. The rest are simply submissions, one after a request for edits and the other four in slush pile purgatory. Still, one thing I’ve heard often remains true in today’s publishing world: The reason most manuscripts are never published is because they’re not finished and sent out.
On the other hand … am I some kinda crazy? Because now, instead of getting up out of a sound sleep to go to the bathroom, I’m getting up every hour on the hour to check my incoming e-mails and die a little inside. After all this time, I finally get the play “Waiting For Godot”. I also get why so many writers drink heavily.
Gee, this sounds almost like the opera singing business. Deja vu all over again!
I used to sing opera, but now the neighborhood has a court order to prevent it.
I once sent out a cover letter to like twenty agents with a typo in the fist sentence. I think it was divine intervention.
Ouch!
“. . . die a little inside.” Yup. That’s why writers tend to have questionable breath.
If only there was a vaccine for rejection.
Oh, I’d line up for that shot.
Actually, the publishing industry has completely changed in the past ten years and has sort of died. If you don’t get an agent, trust me, we can supply you with options.
Oh, yes, I’m aware of all the options! I’ve done small press and self-publication already. At this point I’d going for a wide attack, getting my foot in the door any which way … 2014 might be a big year to see which direction I end up going.