Just putting in a quick post to let you know how I'm doing.
Well... I found a major issue with the query for Doorways, so now I have a new and infinitely shinier version.
Has the character's voice and everything.
BUT, the tally on the previous query letter is as follows.
Queries sent: 5
Rejections: 3
Of which: 1 was a form letter which I assume came from the intern, 1 was a form letter which I assume came from the agent and 1 (received today) was a personalized letter.
Didn't get crit on any, but from the last reply: "With regret, though, I'm afraid the material didn't draw me in as much as I had hoped."
It basically tells me two things, although somewhat conflicting. 1) That my story and query letter was okay. 2) That they can be tightened up.
Which is great to know, because as it happens, I decided to go through my story one more time. Already I've found LOTS of places where I could say things better. Also, I find a lot of things where I said almost the identical thing a few sentences before that. So those are going.
So I'm far from giving up. But right now I'm trying to cut out wordage, because I think it's the reason for the first two form rejections. Not sure why, but call it a hunch.
But yeah. That's me for today. Who else is querying? Editing?
It's great to hear you figured out how to write an even better query letter for DOORWAYS. Good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteFor me, I'm writing my next novella and waiting for feedback on the last one from the CPs.
Thanks!
DeleteIt can be very daunting to put yourself out there. Just know you are a talented writer and that as you keep editing and querying, you will one day find the right agent for you.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. Just takes a lot of patience. :-D
DeleteGo with the hunch! Sounds like it might be just what your manuscript needs.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely was. Glad I went with it.
DeleteDon't give up! Go with your hunch. You're learning something from the querying process and your novel will be better because of it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSo true. Now if only I could get the agent too. :-D
DeleteSounds like the query worked but the story still needs a little something more. Work on it some more and try again!
ReplyDeleteI think so too.
DeleteBut I'm starting to think I missed something and all the agents changed their minds about selling Epic Fantasy. :-/
I'm not querying. I'm in submission purgatory. Which is similar.
ReplyDeleteOooh! >_< Good luck!
DeleteDon't give up yet. You have so much potential already. I don't write books so no querying for me. I do lots of editing on my movie reviews until they're perfect. My best advice to you through all of this is: FOLLOW YOUR HEART and DO WHAT YOUR LOGIC TELLS YOU. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI'm dancing between querying one manuscript while I continue to write and revise another. Good luck with your journey.
ReplyDeleteI hope I get an agents before I have to start revising. :-D
DeleteGood luck. Like Dianne, I am on submission now. Lots of waiting required and patience mandatory.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
DeleteYou're just getting started! Good luck with the query process, and the revisions. I'm in the middle of revisions as well. Not the most fun thing, but gratifying when it's finished!
ReplyDeleteYep. I have to remind myself that this is only the beginning. :-D
DeleteGood luck with your writing!
ReplyDeleteAt least the places that could be improved are coming out at you.
Thanks! Yeah I do enjoy being able to see problems in my writing. :-)
DeleteSounds like you know what you're doing. Congrat's on getting the query right!
ReplyDeleteHahaha I have no idea if its right. No partials requested. No constructive crit.
DeleteSo I'm stuck trying to guess what agents want. :-D
I'm sorry for the rejections; good luck with editing and submitting! I'm currently in the editing phase. Can't wait to be querying! Given, when I get there, I will likely not enjoy it...
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse
Yeah I used to look forward to querying. It's not bad. Just annoying.
Delete:-D
Great to see you progressing with those queries :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. :-)
Deletetrust your hunches.
ReplyDeleteQuerying is never easy. Best of luck with it!!
Glad to hear you are not giving up. I threatened to quit today, too, but after all the lovely encouragement and hugs and loads of chocolate and boxes of Kleenex's sent my way, I've changed my mind!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear!
DeleteOh rejections are hell. But if you think that you need to change something, then you're probably right. Still two more replies to come in, though - I hope they're positive.
ReplyDeleteOddly, they never came in. So I'm assuming they're a no.
DeleteGo with your hunch and glad to hear you are far from giving up.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Sometimes it's tough going, though.
DeleteNo querying or editing here at the moment...just writing. Good luck with the new version.
ReplyDeleteAnd good luck with the writing! ;-)
DeleteHi Misha, it looks like things are moving along well for you, believe it or not. With a comment like that, it tells you that you are on the right track. And putting it down and then picking it up again is inspiring you to "tighten" it up.
ReplyDeleteWhen Doorways gets accepted it will be a success, I can just feel it.
Just don't quit, and I already know you will not, so your future is bright. Keep working.
Thanks Anthony! I REALLY hope you're right.
Delete