You create your masterpiece. Polish it to within an inch of your life and then you do it. You hit the send button. Let the waiting begin. If you’re anything like me you want instant gratification. After all, with technology the way it is anything is possible. But is a response in a few hours realistic? No, definitely not. LOL I have to take a step back and realize I’m not the only writer my editors are receiving submissions from.
It’s not easy being a writer. When you send your baby off into the big bad world it’s scary. Just thinking about my story being under a magnifying glass, viewed by a critical eye, gives me the willies. With each page the editor examines every word I’ve written looking for errors and wonders if I have a unique plot. She’s looking to see if I can weave a riveting tale.
As time goes by a million questions form in my mind. Will the editor like the story? Will she think – what the f%^& was this writer thinking? Is she laughing at my attempts to write? These are questions I ask myself every single time I send a manuscript out.
I’ve landed six contracts since December 2008, but it doesn’t ease the fear of rejection. And truthfully in between those six contracts I’ve had a few rejections.
I am happy to announce that since my last post I’ve seen the release of Splashing Good Time at www.jasminejade.com. One Tasty Night, the sequel to Mistletoe Studs will be available May 22nd at www.aspenmountainpress.com AND my editor at Ellora’s Cave has graciously accepted a story titled Body Shots. It should be published in November as part of their Wet Theme. My last bit of good news is Reign Me In, a short story has been contracted by Noble Romance for their Spank Me anthology. So, while I am scared to just hit send, none of this would have been possible if I hadn’t.
Until next month…
12 comments:
Congratulations on the new contracts and release! It appears you are over your initial submission fears well enough to have been accepted several times over. Good job, you.
You are one busy girl! You shouldn't be scared to hit the send button. Way to go!
Thanks Mia! I still worry. I don't think I'll ever get over that feeling.
Thanks Julia! I hope life turns around for you soon. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Amber, you've done reaaly well. Why are you still scare of hitting SEND?
I was terrified when I submitted my first manuscripts to the NY publishers. It took so much time to prepare the package to be mailed and then wait three months or six months or a year. Some never bothered to answer. Some send a two-line form letter that breaks the heart, but some sent two pages asking revisions, forcing me to revise and improve. Developing a tough skin is part of the business.
I remember sending my first erotic ms via email. I was completely convinced the ethernet would eat it. Fortunately for my hair and fingernails, I received an instant notification that my baby had arrived safely! LOL!!
Congratulations on your contracts and your newest sale! I think Mona is right, you just have to develop a tough hide and go for it! Hitting that send button is the just first step.
Strangely enough the sending part doesn't bother me until I see my editor's name on the e-mail weeks later with my submission title in the subject line. THEN I get nervous. Will the e-mail be a contract offer? Or will it be a rejection?
Up to that point, I'm fine. Odd, huh?
I know what you mean, Anny. I get nervous then too!
Oh Mona, doesn't it just tick you off when they send two-liners offering NO reason.
When I start submitting to NY, I'm not sure my hair or fingernails will make it, Dee! :)
Thanks Paris!
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