I had just spent that last week in my room editing the crap out of my novel the Amaranthine. There was not as much to fix as I had initially thought, but it was pretty bad. I am at the 'I hate you stage' of my editing now. I had to really push myself to get the editing done, as I am currently unemployed, which mean lots of time for editing and when I do get a job soon, my writing may suffer again.
I was curious and started looking at a few literary agent's websites, just for curiosity and man have things changed. These days there are online submission forms and most agents ask for electronic submissions only, which I like by the way. I noticed that the agents I looked at only asked for query letters. They didn't want to see a synopsis or sample pages, which means more pressure in getting my query letter just right.
Though, I have a strategy this time. I am only querying agents that are on the Preditors and Editors website and a member of the AAR (The Association of Author's Representatives). If an agent does not have a website with information, such as clients and book sales, I am passing. This time I am only querying the best of the best, which could mean that I might not get representation at all, as your writing has to be pretty ground shaking to secure representation, but better safe than sorry.
I have this fear this time around that I didn't have before. This time I am so afraid of the whole process. Of the rejections. The fact that nobody might like my book but me. The fact that I might have spent 5 years on a project that is never going to happen. I looked back at my old rejection letters and 99% of the letters said, "I am not the right agent for this project, but I encourage you to keep querying, as the the publishing business is subjective." This means that there is still hope for my book, right?
I am going to take a break from editing and go back with a fresh pair of eyes at a later stage. For now, I guess I will do my research about which agents to query in the future.
Nothing about this business is easy is it? I could relate to so much you said at one time or another. Good luck on the agent search.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the query trenches. It is scary for sure.
ReplyDeleteYou will find exactly the right person to represent your book this time, Murees. Remember when someone rejects your work, it's only one person's opinion so don't let that carry a lot of weight. Focus on the positive and things will be easier for you.
ReplyDeleteRyshia - Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteIlima - Thank you, I will need all the luck I can get.
Deanie - Thank you. Staying positive is exactly what I have to do. Sometimes it can be hard, but I will try.
I am at the "This isht is boring" stage in my own writing. But we have to work through those stages. Maybe give it to another person for a fresh perspective. Since being on google+ and getting to know so many self published authors, I'm thinking that self publishing may be a viable option.
ReplyDeleteI think your plan sounds like a good one. And this is a very scary process, isn't it? I think we all have to give ourselves a pat on the back for even attempting it!
ReplyDeleteI tagged you for a writer's meme on my blog today is you are interested!
Amazing plan. Amazing, amazing plan. You go girl. You. Go.
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you. I love it when people pick themselves back up after getting thrown down!
Query your heart out!
Constance - Thank you for your encouraging words. I really want to exhaust all options in traditional publishing before going the self-publishing route.
ReplyDeleteJulie - Thank you! I am glad that you agree about publishing being scary. Other writers never sound scared. Thank you for tagging me, I will be over shortly.
Katie - Thank you, sweetie! You are always so kind and supportive.
Hi Murees - good luck, it's always wise to take some time to 'cogitate' and think about things ..
ReplyDeleteAlso the agent search .. you'll learn lots ..
Cheers Hilary
Hilary - Thank you Hilary. I know I need to think things through. I can't believe how much I am learning, but I am not complaining about it.
ReplyDeleteI've queried so many of my MS, my shell is as hard as a turtle now. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's hard, but you never know who will be the right one. So keep trying! :)
Be prepared for a lot of rejections, but don't quit. I sent out 93 queries until I finally got accepted!
ReplyDeleteKimberly - Thank you. I hope to get a hard shell. I think you are right. It is time for me to find out what the publishers and agents think of my work. Thanks for the encouragement. It means a lot.
ReplyDeleteShery - Wow, that truly is encouraging. Thank you.
The whole thing sounds so scary! I haven't got to that stage yet, but I'm always fascinated to hear about others' experiences. Best of luck! Hope you have some good news for us sometime soon :-)
ReplyDeleteLinda - Thank you! I think I will need all the luck I can get. I hope that one of these days I will have some good news for you guys too.
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