I got rejected today

[Sonia]

I finally finished with all the rewrites of my novel, wrote the query and did all the rewrites for that, sent my first query out, and got a prompt (yet nice) rejection. It stung a little, but it wasn't all that bad. At least I'm now over my fear of rejection. ;D I'm actually kind of pleased that I got such a fast response, it beats sitting around and biting my nails for the next week. I sent one other e-query out today, but no response yet. I plan on doing the rest by snail mail, but that will have to wait until the weekend when I can get all those SASE's together. A few agents also want a synopsis (which I haven't written yet), and some sample pages (which I need to print out). I know that rejection is just part of the process, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that someone will eventually take an interest in what I've written. Below is a part of the query I've written, it's basically a short summery of what the story is about, kind of like the blurb on the back of books, just in case anyone wants to know what it's about. After all the editing it came out to 438 pages, just shy of 110,000 words.

[IDBUG]

Sorry to hear you got rejected, Sonia. I hope that someone does take an interest.

It sounds like a good book! I'd read it.

[Sonia]

Thanks! I plan on querying nine more agents this weekend before I go on vacation, hopefully I'll be able to keep my mind off of it.

[IDBUG]

Nine more, right on! And yeah, it's got to be hard. How long will you be on vacation?

[christinev]

The story sounds great! Don't get discouraged, you have already gotten this far. I don't know you but I believe in you, from what I've read.
chrisitnev

[Kata6]

I'd totally read it, too, Sonia, I think your book sounds really good. I know someone will want to publish it, just keep trying!!!

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Bette,

It sounds COOL! I'm sure you know this, but I've always found the Writer's Market Books helpful. HAd some poetry/short stories published that way... There's a Novel & Short Story Writers Market too. I know 2006 is out, but don't know when the 2007s are released.

Again, sounds very interesting

[IDBUG]

How do those work, GH? I was looking at those for my daughter, whose (strong) ambition is also to become a published author. Are they basically contact lists, or do they have info on the whole process?

[-]

Jesus, I haven't done any serious writing in years... my recollection is that it is just contact lists by category (ie online publications, student publications, local, special interest, etc.). It also includes the specifications and fee, if any. There should be a buddy book in the same series that leads you step by step through the process. Most places are just as picky about how things are submitted as they are about the content.

There are a lot of youth publications. Your daughter could start submitting now. Just beware that the readers for a lot of publications are dimwits. A few of my most uninformed-don't-know-how-they-got-the-job adjunct faculty were readers for local stuff. I would never trust their judgment. Sometimes a rejection is good thing

[Sonia]

Thanks everyone! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I'll be going to Minnesota to visit family next week, and I'll be gone for six days, so I hope I have good news waiting when I get back.

GH, I did borrow a copy of the Writer's Market from the library, and kept it out a little longer than I should have. ;D I've been checking out the Publishers Marketplace on line too, they do their listings similar to the Writer's Market. I'm having trouble classifying my genre, so I might be sending out stuff to the wrong agents. Their websites might say something about looking for stories where an unseen world touches ours, and I think, "Hey! My book does that!" only to find out that they mean fantasy, LOL!

That is awsome that you've been published GH! Do you have any advice on how I should go about the process? I've never been published, aside from a poem of mine that I didn't submit when I was 15, so I don't really count that. I'm trying to learn as much as I can, and any tips would be appreciated.

IDBUG, the Publishers Marketplace sometimes gives info on what agents/publishers are looking for. Like GH said, they are picky about how things are submitted. Agent Query is a good website too, they list agents by genre, and give detailed instructions on how to write a query and synopsis. I'm still new to this myself though, so take everything I say with a grain (or two) of salt.

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Bette,

I had the benefit of a writers group. You might see if your local college has one. There were a bunch of writers both student and faculty that met every 2 weeks and read each other's stuff. We offered thoughts and suggestions. I needed extra help with grammar (obviously!). In a sense it was like having a group of editors. They gave me the tools I needed to get my stuff in some local women's journals.

Most colleges offer for-credit and non-credit writing classes. Either would be a good source just to have someone there hands on. A good teacher will be able to get you started and in contact with the right folks. Just may be worth the $50 or so for a non-credit class.

[Sonia]

Thanks GH! ;D I took intro to creative writing in college, but got preggers before I could take the next one. I'll definitely look into some local writing groups when I get back though.