

Fist-pumping to my first SOLICITED submittal
Yes!!
A publisher responded this morning and said she would like to see the entire Notion Waves manuscript!
Woo Hoo!!!
Or, as my husband so aptly put our shock and disbelief: "Nuh uh!!!" So tonight, after one last font-and-margin-check, I will officially issue my first SOLICITED submission. I know it's too early to pop the champagne, but hey. surely ONE glass of wine (a BIG ONE, of course!) is in order, right? I hope they like it and have some helpful feedback. Unti

Staying Positive
My latest submission experience was pretty cool. I researched another publisher, packaged up what they require, and hit the button. Immediately, I received a nice (albeit form-letter) response confirming receipt. Wow! That was a nice surprise. Not only that... the response included their expected response time and an email address for follow-up, in case they are late and I get anxious. How considerate! Sure, they may still reject my work (odds are not in my favor), but y

Storm Clouds mean "Grrr"
So, when I send off a query, I only submit to publishers who accept unagented authors. I include the items each publisher requires, and of course I only send to those who like my genre. (More on genre later!) Some, for example, require only a cover letter and 3 sample chapters. If you send them anything else, they throw the submission away. Some require double-spaced in Times Roman font, others want New Courier, single spaced. A few require the entire novel printed out an


Classy Rejection
Another rejection. :( At least this one was QUICK and painless, like a good Band-Aid-pulling. I sent out a new query at 4 a.m. one day, and received a nice, personal email back the next morning at 3 a.m.. 3 a.m.!!! Not even 24-hours later! Who the heck is up at 3 a.m. sending emails?? Oh. Right. Anyway, at least they were decisive. “Hi Andrea,” (Always a good start!) “Thank you for submitting your work to [publisher’s name] for review.” (Very cordial and respectful,