Queries are out. Or some of them, at least. It is always hard for me to let each one go. While I was going through this process, the agent with my full wrote back. She doesn’t want me.
Remember when I got into Boot Camp and I said, “Can I just say, this feels enormously validating?” Well, this… this feels like the un of that.
It’s not the end of the world. I understand this agent’s reasons, and I appreciate the fact that she let me know what they were. In all honestly, I always knew that my book wasn’t a 100% perfect fit for her interests, as she’s not really a mystery girl. Still, she had the whole book, and she didn’t go crazy for it. So, you know, there’s that.
I mailed out some quick queries, and then Mark took me out to dinner (has anyone else noticed that the Olive Garden has gone downhill lately?). And just for the hell of it, we talked about what I would do if the book really didn’t sell.
Not that I think I’m there yet. And write another book, duh. Still, it was a good conversation to have, and we came up with some neat ideas in case I need them.
When we came home I already had one rejection waiting for me. I should have known better than to query the woman who said she was looking for authors with amazing voices, and huge platforms. That’s sort of like those bachelors on Millionaire Matchmaker who say they’re looking for a woman with a beautiful spirit, and ginormous breasts.
Seriously. I am down, but not out. I have more queries to mail. I have more ideas to write.
And I am working on one now.
i know you’re disappointed. But, keep at it. Most authors write and write, and finally get published in their 40s. You’re barely in your 30s. (i know this sound discouraging, but it’s meant to be encourgaging.)
Then, once they are popular, published authors, those same publishers go back and publish earlier books, and you wonder why those books weren’t snapped up earlier. So, 1.–don’t give up sending it out, and 2. Keep writing. I know you’re going to get there. You have a wonderful way of putting words together.
well i’ve read the whole book and i was crazy for it- and i’m certainly not a mystery girl! i know i’m not a professional critic and that i hero-worship you a bit, but i really thought the book was excellent. Not because your my sister, but because it was stand-alone great.
don’t give up, and of course you’re not out. you’re just going through the process that all creative people go through, bitter though it is!
and with that, i just want to say that i really appreciate your willingness to talk about rejection. i know it must be hard (it certainly would be for me! i mean, i still don’t even tell people that i didn’t make varsity until senior year- the wound is still too raw!) but its a very real part of the process and i just really respect your openness about it!
and i’m so glad that you’re staying positive! you have every reason to! i really believe in you and i believe in your book and good things are on the way!
Thanks, guys. I am actually pretty positive overall; it was just a disappointing day.