As my dear, darling critique partner Kate D. now knows, it's official: I'm a rejected author.
Last week I received in the (e-)mail box my long awaited response to my first agent query (an exclusive, which is why I hadn't sent any others out). Then Comes Marriage was denied. Shot down. Turned away. And all those other we-don't-like-you-soundy phrases.
However, let us not despair. After about 20 minutes in which I surprised myself by wanting to cry, I pretty much got over it. Wannabe writers get rejected. That's part of the process. And at least I'm now a wannabe writer, not a wannabe wannabe writer.
The email was also a "good" rejection, and I feel rather fortunate to have received one of those famed breed on my first try. The typo in the first sentence leads me to believe it's not a form rejection (if it is, then this agency's a bit more slipshod than I thought and I made a lucky escape). With addresses and proper names omitted, it follows:
"Thank you for submitting to ------ Agency.
"We greatly appreciate your submission, and though Then Comes Marriage is not a good fit for us. The story line and love scenes were strong; however, it felt too familiar to be able to distinguish it in the market. Still, your writing shows promise and we would be interested to consider any future projects.We wish you the best of luck in your writing career.
"Again, thank you for thinking of ----- Agency."
Now I understand why they advise having a stockpile of ready manuscripts under your bed. If Secrets and Spies were ready to go, I'd shoot it off to the agency with a personal "Hey, you asked for this!" note faster than I could get to the post office. Sadly, it's only about 1/5 written, and I likely won't even have a first draft until the summer.
Still, I'm cautiously optimistic.
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6 comments:
First, I love the new look. Very nice!
Second, I'm sorry you were rejected the first time around, but I think you're right to be optimistic. Some of my favorite authors, ones I couldn't live without, were rejected upwards of 10 times before being published.
Chin up, Flitgirl. I'm sure you story is fab. And think how fun it will be when it hits the bestseller lists and that Agency is kicking themselves for turning you down.
One rejection does not an author stop!
Finsihing your next story by summer is a good goal - keep writing.
The Weaver
My life is but a weaving
Between my lord and me.
I cannot choose the colors;
He worketh steadily.
Oftimes he weaveth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride
Forget he sees the upper,
And I the underside.
Not 'til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reson why.
The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
Dear Collgirl,
In time there will be gold threads for you-keep singing. love mom
All right, you've had some commiserating. I'm going to congratulate.
Yes, you got rejected. But like Holly said, many of her favorite authors were rejected upwards of 10 times. The main thing is, you're in the game now. You're a professional writer, not just a dabbler. You have something finished. You have something you're trying to sell.
And you've been told by a professional agency that you have talent. That's amazing. I'm so proud of you!
I found your blog through a knitting one, and i immediately liked it for 2 reasons.
1. You like Anne of Green Gables
2. You read The Baby-Sitters Club
I actually rented the final Anne: The Continuing Story and I'd say rent it if you want a good laugh, because it's pure crap compared to the rest of the series.
And I used to be so obsessed with TBSC that I even joined the club, where I got stickers and special newsletters. It was the bestest!
I stand behind the optimism 100%. You're the best. And I love the new blog look. Gorgeous.
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