What to Do While Your Manuscript is Out
O, how excruciating this period is for a fledging author! You find yourself checking your email and mail constantly—balancing evenly between being disappointed when you receive nothing and scared to receive a rejection.
Remember waiting for those college acceptances/rejections and not wanting to open them for fear of what was inside? Well, I
didn’t do that then and I didn’t do that when I sent out my manuscript recently. I guess my naiveté in the whole process shone through, then and now, and I forged ahead.
As my flurry of queries made the rounds through agents I continued to get asked for submissions of my manuscript. I also began to receive rejections for my submissions. These hurt, especially this one:
“I’m sorry, but I just did not see a level of professional writing polish in this synopsis that would make me feel you can write a publishable novel. You just don’t seem like a writer to me, based on what I am seeing in your sentences. I love the idea of a novel about military dogs in Afghanistan and I admire your service, but the overall impression I’m getting is that of a minor league ballplayer hoping to start at center field for the Yankees.”
Jeez, I’m glad I spent two days writing and editing a synopsis! (I didn’t have one at the time of querying–another mistake on my part!) I think what hurt the worst was that he would assume I would ever want to play for the Yankees! I was born and raised in the Red Sox nation!
I can’t lie—he shook me. But I’m resilient and determined. I told myself that he was only one guy and I had seven other submissions still out there. I’m also fairly certain that most Yankee center fielders started in the minors before moving up to the big league. But I digress.
About 10 days later I received the first affirmation from the established writing world that I was an excellent “prospect.” I attended the James River Writers Conference in Richmond. I met an ensemble of wonderful people who were at all different stages of the writing process. I was actually shocked that many of them were just like me! I realized that I belonged to a community of talented dreamers.
But, yes, the affirmation. Most of you know, but for those that don’t, when you attend these writing conference there is often an opportunity to sign up for a one-on-one five to seven-minute meeting with a literary agent. As I looked through the agent list there wasn’t one that I thought would like to hear a pitch from me. I was wrong.
I decided to sit down with Jason Allen Ashlock. He had already rejected my query but had sent a kind note back saying he would be interested in a non-fiction book about military working dogs. I decided to meet with him to talk about the non-fiction book and get his sense of what he thought about my submission. Unfortunately, Jason couldn’t attend the conference due to a last minute death in the family.
So I signed up for a meeting with one-half of the dynamic Book Doctor team, David Sterry. Of course I hadn’t planned on pitching anyone, but fortunately for me I had my synopsis with me. (Yes the same one allegedly without professional polish). David is a great guy and very successful author. He gave me some advice on how to tweak my pitch and told me to call him after the conference to discuss the book. A little while later my trusted advisor Ginger Moran introduced me to another agent who was having lunch. I seized the opportunity and conducted an impromptu pitch. That agent requested a full submission.
The final affirmation was Pitchapalooza. What is that? You stand up in front of hundreds of people and a panel of literary agent and give a one-minute pitch for your book. The panel will then critique you and, at the end of the pitching session, will announce who delivered the best pitch. What are the stakes of Pitchapalooza? A guaranteed introduction to an agent by the Book Doctors, David Sterry and Arielle Eckstutt.
Sounds scary, huh? I was undeterred and commenced preparation. I re-organized my one-minute pitch based on David’s suggestion.
I’ll never forget walking in circles around my living room rehearsing that pitch at 4 AM. I wasn’t alone. My faithful pal Sammy
watched over me from his plush bed. His eyes opened and closed in concert with the volume of my voice.
My girl Stella matched each step and never left my side. When I dropped my hand to my side she would nudge my hand with her dry cinnamon-colored nose as if she was urging me forward. She knew the stakes were substantial.
I delivered a well-written and rehearsed pitch to the audience. I wasn’t nervous. I was in a zone.
And I won Pitchapalooza!
So I walked out of the James River Writers Conference with:
-a submission request
-a phone conversation with David Sterry and an introduction to an agent
-a commitment for a blurb on my book jacket from a New York Times Best Selling Author
I had momentum and I was going to ride it back to the agents who already had my submission. I sent them all an email announcing my news and requesting the status of my submission.
Has anyone else received such brutal feedback from an agent?
I forged ahead. What do you do when you are waiting on your submission?
Was I wrong to keep on emailing agents?
How long do you wait on a submission?
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35 comments on “What to Do While Your Manuscript is Out”
Leave a Reply
Hi Kevin,
whatever else happens, the most important thing for a writer is that they write well and they keep on writing. You will have a good idea that you are writing well by using a good editorial service over several years for a critique of your writing. They will also help you with your synopsis each time. After you have been using them for a while, you will become quite aware of your level of ability.
When pitching your work, if you know you are a good writer because professional people have told you so, then it is possibly just a matter of time before you get into print via conventional means. But at least you have that confidence no matter the types of rejections you get.
By the way, as far as I’m aware, publishers are more on the look out for interesting non-fiction books than fiction. Non-fiction sells more overall as far as I’m aware. If you write a non-fiction book about military dog handling, and you make the narrative compelling, you can sell more books than with fiction and also get a movie deal out of it. Seabiscuit is an example of this.
From there, you can build on that success with another non-fiction book. From there, you can move into fiction.
It might be more likely than an unknown writer will get this non-fiction deal before the fiction deal and you are in an ideal position to take advantage of that. Your blog is your training ground for a non-fiction piece of writing.
Something for you to think about.
Good luck!
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
Hi Jerry. I wish I had involved an editor right from the beginning of the novel. Hind sight is 20/20 though. I will get to the editor piece in my story but I found a great editor! He was just one guy- a big agent though. I laugh at it now. He didn’t realize my potential.
You know, I had two agents talk to me about this. I have a post written about why I haven’t written a non- fiction yet. I just haven’t posted. BL: As an Army Officer I have rules. Plus there are a few non- fiction books on MWD out there and more on the way. My book, when published, will be the first MWD fiction book that closely reflects what is actually going on in Afghanistan. There is no fantasy and made up crap- it is real. It is a gamble but I am rolling with it until I’ve queried every agent in the industry
Traditional media can yield big returns, but often it’s a slog with an absurd amount of disappointments. For example — you “won” pitchapalooza, but didn’t get a book deal out of it.
Screw that.
Self publish. Clean your manuscript up as best you can, get many people to read/review it, clean it up again, and self publish. Then market the hell out of it. Read Konrath’s blog for some ideas/encouragement (http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/). As you sell, continue to push big media for attention (“my book has already sold 5,000 copies, can you help me take it further?”). Mnay publishing houses are looking at self publishing as a kind of proving ground — vetting not only the book, but the author’s ability to promote their own work.
Good luck. If you’re looking for a professional editor for your book, you’re welcome to try mine: Benb Gallaher at http://www.goodideasonpaper.com
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Hi Rob. I haven’t not gotten a deal from winning Pitchapalooza yet either. My MS is with the agent that The Book Doctor introduced me to right now. Yes, I am an optimist. Not only that but I believe in my book!
I have thought of self-publishing as my plan B. I agree it is an excellent plan B! Thanks for the rec but I did end up with an excellent editor. I’ll introduce him in a future about searching for an editor I’ll also talk about why I went with him and not the others.
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Forgot to mention. Pitchapalooza doesn’t guarantee you landing an agent or a deal. It gets your foot in the door. You have to do the work and get the rest.
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Mary Elleh says: Man, the rejections are difficult, but if they weren’t we’d have more unreadable stuff out there. I wouldn’t worry about a rejection from an editor that uses “publishable” as a word. Talk about a clumsy sentence!
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Jeez Mary…I didn’t even catch that! Too funny! That agent needs an editor. LOL.
Alexandra Geiger says: I am so sorry…. I can not even imagine the hurt after getting rejected for publishing a book you worked so hard and long on… I’m sure they were wrong. I don’t see how you could be a “minor league ballplayer hoping to start at center field for the Yankees”. I share your loathing for the Yankees, I am a Phillies and Giants fan. I suggest firing that agent and hire a new one. They probably just personally don’t like your writing style, which is a stupid reason not to publish your book.
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No worries Alexandra…..it took me a few minutes but I got over it quickly. I wouldn’t want someone like that representing me anyway. An agent/ author relationship is a partnership…… I chose to work with some I like. I actually didn’t even re-submit my manuscript to two agents that requested a revised manuscript. I didn’t like their personalities. I want my agent to love my book and share my passion for the story.
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Good for you, I’m glad to hear it
Good luck!-
Thank you!
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Oh yeah. I can paper a wall with my rejections. Although I’ve had a couple that have said, “Too much like something we already have” or “this type of thing has played out. Find an original idea,” the most painful had to be from a guy that praised me. His rejection said, “I just wasn’t connecting with your manuscript, despite its obvious polish and easy flowing style.”
I wanted to scream. How could something be seen by a professional as something halfway decent – assuming he wasn’t just being nice before stomping on my dreams – and then be sent away? It reminds me of that infamous line, “I love you, but I’m not in love with you.”
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Did you take that from me Russ when we were at school together? That is exactly what my ex-wife said! Best thing I ever did was move on….. sounds like you need to keep plugging away at the same thing man. Don’t give up….. if you just validated their statements.
After an initial stutter step, I get extra drive when someone rejects me. I believe in fate and the right person and agency to represent me. I know I will find that person.
Julia Hugo Rachel says: Brutal? That sounds like a character assault to me. Yes, I’ve had one that is on par with that. I wish it were in writing, yet it was on the telephone. Thus, I had to listen to it and her tone of voice.
It took me some time to rebound from being crushed and the words that were said, only to have a sweetly voiced rejection feel like a brick building had fallen on me. (Long story there)
Our situation is slightly different than yours. We obtained funding for the book before we wrote it. The book being written by a very good and well known defense journalist and author, yet my story. We had to get funding to pay the author, so we did the proposal then started “the pitch”.
I am following your blog on this topic with my head half cocked, shaking it sometimes, smiling at others, then grimacing at times!
Our process within the literary world is not complete, therefore I am looking forward to learning as much as possible about your experience. Comparing notes as well.
Thank you for all the good tips, advice and links for tools to use. I never imagined I would be doing this project, nor dealing personally with this topic. I wonder how it will turn out, yet realize, that is part of our book.
Best,
Julia
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Ya know….. he could have been just having a bad day. But most likely he just wasn’t a good guy. I am much better off now. I’m not used to assaults like that though. I do well in the military. But I knew going into this new, unknown world I was taking a risk. It is safe for me back in my military world. But nothing risked is nothing gained so I am willing to put it all out there and let the chips fall where they may.
I am guessing your book is non fiction then Julia? Telling my story…..good or bad is a great release for me. That release was exactly why I started writing. Now I can’t stop writing!
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Kevin – There are some great agents out there. There are some folks who want to work with writers and help them tell their stories.
There are also some jerks(I cleaned up the word I wanted to use). Some seem to take special joy from telling a newbie, “You’ll never get through the gate so long as I’m standing guard!” Of course, these folks said the same thing to JK Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, John Grisham…
It’s not the rejection I don’t like…ok, it’s a little bit the rejection I don’t like, but my biggest gripe is the tone with which a lot do it, and I’ve encountered about a 50/50 split. I do want feedback, and maybe it’s jkust difficult to tell someone their stuff isn’t for you without coming across as a know-it-all.
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I understand Russ. But you know me- I am an optimist. I am not going to allow one or two people to get me down. I live in this world where if I work hard things will work out for me!
I think I had that only one agent actually bruise my ego. The rest who rejected me were professional and some were even nice and helpful. I hold no grudge either way. I see them as the gatekeepers…they know what will sell and what won’t. They are humans as well so you are right- they will make mistakes.
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Your comment on them being “gatekeepers” struck a nerve in me, mostly because I think tastes are so subjective. Most agents wouldn’t touch Fifty Shades of Grey until it suddenly became one of the biggest selling indie titles on the market. JA Kontrath has sold nearly 500,000 copies of a book that he was told “wouldn’t sell.”
I’ve begun seriously re-evaluating the value provided as I’ve done more research into the field. I’m not so sure it’s gatekeeping so much as it is a sense of subjective taste that isn’t always as connected to the potential audience as some would like to believe I plan to write a post on this in the next week or so.
The market is changing, so it’ll be interesting to see how the role of the agent changes as well.
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I thought your post about agents was very interesting Russ. I recommend folks go and read it. http://rdmeyerwrites.blogspot.com/2012/05/loyalty.html
However I have been told by several NY Times best Selling authors that having an agent is the best thing for an author’s career. Can you succeed going Indie- sure, but that is definitely the hard way. Course finding an agent is hard as well!
Most of the agents I read about or hear speak are looking for something (in my opinion) they think they can sell. So yes, in that sense it is definitely subjective. But ask Carl Marlantes how many times he was rejected in his 30 pursuit to get NY Times Best Selling Matterhorn published. It only takes one agent to say yes.
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Kevin,
Ouch…. I can feel the hurt in the way you displayed that. As the experienced soldier you are you carried on. Great written “pitch back” with a smirk laugh from me and ecouragment. Congradulations on your break through from the James Rivers Writers Conference. I am not a literary agent but I think you are fabulous with words and your novel WILL be of high accord and awesome. I enjoy how you write and organize your thoughts. You are an audience grabber even to those who do not have all traits in common. March on and blessings on answers back to your writing questions.
Sincerely,
Adriana Johnson
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Welcome back Adrian. I hope your trip was great. We missed you on the site!
I just mentioned to Julia- Nothing risk is nothing gained. I yearned for more when I was in Afghanistan. I was looking for a risk. I needed something to challenge me beyond what I was currently doing. I wrote a business plan for a winery. I took online wine classes. Then I decided to write my book and just stared writing. Now I need to write. It makes me feel alive! Plus I love talking with everyone here on the site. I am a total extrovert!
aj Melnick says: Kevin, keep at it! I can’t tell you how many publishers I contacted before my non-fiction/photographic book finally saw the light of day. And, my daughter who is a writer said this to you: ” I don’t think I know Kevin. But it sounds like he is persistent, and that’s kind of what you need!” The ugly rejection you received was non-helpful! You don’t need people like that around you.You are doing great and it will get published!
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You nailed me AJ. I am a persistent and determined SOB. I actually just wrote a new post that covers the topic a bit. One thing I learned in the Army and teach my leaders is not to accept no. No is the easiest answer to give…..it takes no effort. If you tell me no then I will go over or around you to get what I want. Here I go telling my secrets again!
Thanks for your vote of confidence!
Kevin, Wow! I loved this article!
By the time I complete my manuscript, you’ll be a pro.!
Let me know if you decide to take on any mentees. I’ll get in line.
Blessings,
Sloan
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Thank you Sloan. Will do on the mentees!
Kevin, thanks for sharing a link to your wonderful blog post on our website. Unfortunately, you attached the comment to an image, so it will not be displayed properly.
Since we don’t have commenting enabled on pages, here’s another way you could share your story. We have an ongoing series of posts from JRW members and others about what the organization means to them. I would love to include your blog post as one of those articles.
http://www.jamesriverwriters.org/who-we-are/our-members/what-jrw-means
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Hi Charles. Thanks for giving me a heads up about the link. I just fixed it.
I would be honored if you included my post. I also have a piece on how to win Pitchapalooza that you might be interested in using. I will post it next week.
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Charles Gerena says:
Just wanted to let you know that I posted a link to your blog post on our website, as well as posted a video we shot of you at last year’s conference on our Tumblr page:
http://www.jamesriverwriters.org/pitchapalooza-winner-tells-his-story
http://jamesriverwriters.tumblr.com/post/28108506285/kevin-henrehan-talks-about-why-he-came-to-jrws
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Actually, the first link is wrong:
http://jamesriverwriters.tumblr.com/post/28108506285/kevin-hanrahan-talks-about-why-he-came-to-jrwsServes me right for doing this sort of thing late at night
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Nate says: Any response lets an author know they can now move ahead – likely in a different direction but waiting is hard.
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Great point Nate. The waiting is like putting your writing life on pause. One of my underlining themes of the post is that I continued to push on. I had some leads but it didn’t stop me from hunting down more! Those instant success stories are few and far between. If you want it then you have to go get it.
[...] Source: http://www.isnare.com Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=87183&ca=WritingDoctor, Doctor, Give Me The NewsBy Scott LindsayYou may have heard of the term, "Book Doctor" in you…o promises to assist you in making your manuscript ready for submission to an editor or publisher. [...]
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Rainey McGuigan says: Getting published is always the hardest part when writing something of any material. At least, you get your material out there but it needs to sell. Some of the comments are really great and applicable to your situation. Like you, I hope to get published but the process is way too much complicated for my liking.
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Hi Rainey. I agree…it is quite challenging to get published mainstream. I am published becasue I have this blog but I apire for more. I want to make a living of my writing some day.
Best of luck with your writings!
Leave a Reply
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Hi Kevin,
whatever else happens, the most important thing for a writer is that they write well and they keep on writing. You will have a good idea that you are writing well by using a good editorial service over several years for a critique of your writing. They will also help you with your synopsis each time. After you have been using them for a while, you will become quite aware of your level of ability.
When pitching your work, if you know you are a good writer because professional people have told you so, then it is possibly just a matter of time before you get into print via conventional means. But at least you have that confidence no matter the types of rejections you get.
By the way, as far as I’m aware, publishers are more on the look out for interesting non-fiction books than fiction. Non-fiction sells more overall as far as I’m aware. If you write a non-fiction book about military dog handling, and you make the narrative compelling, you can sell more books than with fiction and also get a movie deal out of it. Seabiscuit is an example of this.
From there, you can build on that success with another non-fiction book. From there, you can move into fiction.
It might be more likely than an unknown writer will get this non-fiction deal before the fiction deal and you are in an ideal position to take advantage of that. Your blog is your training ground for a non-fiction piece of writing.
Something for you to think about.
Good luck!
Hi Jerry. I wish I had involved an editor right from the beginning of the novel. Hind sight is 20/20 though. I will get to the editor piece in my story but I found a great editor! He was just one guy- a big agent though. I laugh at it now. He didn’t realize my potential.
You know, I had two agents talk to me about this. I have a post written about why I haven’t written a non- fiction yet. I just haven’t posted. BL: As an Army Officer I have rules. Plus there are a few non- fiction books on MWD out there and more on the way. My book, when published, will be the first MWD fiction book that closely reflects what is actually going on in Afghanistan. There is no fantasy and made up crap- it is real. It is a gamble but I am rolling with it until I’ve queried every agent in the industry
Traditional media can yield big returns, but often it’s a slog with an absurd amount of disappointments. For example — you “won” pitchapalooza, but didn’t get a book deal out of it.
Screw that.
Self publish. Clean your manuscript up as best you can, get many people to read/review it, clean it up again, and self publish. Then market the hell out of it. Read Konrath’s blog for some ideas/encouragement (http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/). As you sell, continue to push big media for attention (“my book has already sold 5,000 copies, can you help me take it further?”). Mnay publishing houses are looking at self publishing as a kind of proving ground — vetting not only the book, but the author’s ability to promote their own work.
Good luck. If you’re looking for a professional editor for your book, you’re welcome to try mine: Benb Gallaher at http://www.goodideasonpaper.com
Hi Rob. I haven’t not gotten a deal from winning Pitchapalooza yet either. My MS is with the agent that The Book Doctor introduced me to right now. Yes, I am an optimist. Not only that but I believe in my book!
I have thought of self-publishing as my plan B. I agree it is an excellent plan B! Thanks for the rec but I did end up with an excellent editor. I’ll introduce him in a future about searching for an editor I’ll also talk about why I went with him and not the others.
Forgot to mention. Pitchapalooza doesn’t guarantee you landing an agent or a deal. It gets your foot in the door. You have to do the work and get the rest.
Man, the rejections are difficult, but if they weren’t we’d have more unreadable stuff out there. I wouldn’t worry about a rejection from an editor that uses “publishable” as a word. Talk about a clumsy sentence!
Jeez Mary…I didn’t even catch that! Too funny! That agent needs an editor. LOL.
I am so sorry…. I can not even imagine the hurt after getting rejected for publishing a book you worked so hard and long on… I’m sure they were wrong. I don’t see how you could be a “minor league ballplayer hoping to start at center field for the Yankees”. I share your loathing for the Yankees, I am a Phillies and Giants fan. I suggest firing that agent and hire a new one. They probably just personally don’t like your writing style, which is a stupid reason not to publish your book.
No worries Alexandra…..it took me a few minutes but I got over it quickly. I wouldn’t want someone like that representing me anyway. An agent/ author relationship is a partnership…… I chose to work with some I like. I actually didn’t even re-submit my manuscript to two agents that requested a revised manuscript. I didn’t like their personalities. I want my agent to love my book and share my passion for the story.
Good for you, I’m glad to hear it
Good luck!
Thank you!
Oh yeah. I can paper a wall with my rejections. Although I’ve had a couple that have said, “Too much like something we already have” or “this type of thing has played out. Find an original idea,” the most painful had to be from a guy that praised me. His rejection said, “I just wasn’t connecting with your manuscript, despite its obvious polish and easy flowing style.”
I wanted to scream. How could something be seen by a professional as something halfway decent – assuming he wasn’t just being nice before stomping on my dreams – and then be sent away? It reminds me of that infamous line, “I love you, but I’m not in love with you.”
Did you take that from me Russ when we were at school together? That is exactly what my ex-wife said! Best thing I ever did was move on….. sounds like you need to keep plugging away at the same thing man. Don’t give up….. if you just validated their statements.
After an initial stutter step, I get extra drive when someone rejects me. I believe in fate and the right person and agency to represent me. I know I will find that person.
Brutal? That sounds like a character assault to me. Yes, I’ve had one that is on par with that. I wish it were in writing, yet it was on the telephone. Thus, I had to listen to it and her tone of voice.
It took me some time to rebound from being crushed and the words that were said, only to have a sweetly voiced rejection feel like a brick building had fallen on me. (Long story there)
Our situation is slightly different than yours. We obtained funding for the book before we wrote it. The book being written by a very good and well known defense journalist and author, yet my story. We had to get funding to pay the author, so we did the proposal then started “the pitch”.
I am following your blog on this topic with my head half cocked, shaking it sometimes, smiling at others, then grimacing at times!
Our process within the literary world is not complete, therefore I am looking forward to learning as much as possible about your experience. Comparing notes as well.
Thank you for all the good tips, advice and links for tools to use. I never imagined I would be doing this project, nor dealing personally with this topic. I wonder how it will turn out, yet realize, that is part of our book.
Best,
Julia
Ya know….. he could have been just having a bad day. But most likely he just wasn’t a good guy. I am much better off now. I’m not used to assaults like that though. I do well in the military. But I knew going into this new, unknown world I was taking a risk. It is safe for me back in my military world. But nothing risked is nothing gained so I am willing to put it all out there and let the chips fall where they may.
I am guessing your book is non fiction then Julia? Telling my story…..good or bad is a great release for me. That release was exactly why I started writing. Now I can’t stop writing!
Kevin – There are some great agents out there. There are some folks who want to work with writers and help them tell their stories.
There are also some jerks(I cleaned up the word I wanted to use). Some seem to take special joy from telling a newbie, “You’ll never get through the gate so long as I’m standing guard!” Of course, these folks said the same thing to JK Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, John Grisham…
It’s not the rejection I don’t like…ok, it’s a little bit the rejection I don’t like, but my biggest gripe is the tone with which a lot do it, and I’ve encountered about a 50/50 split. I do want feedback, and maybe it’s jkust difficult to tell someone their stuff isn’t for you without coming across as a know-it-all.
I understand Russ. But you know me- I am an optimist. I am not going to allow one or two people to get me down. I live in this world where if I work hard things will work out for me!
I think I had that only one agent actually bruise my ego. The rest who rejected me were professional and some were even nice and helpful. I hold no grudge either way. I see them as the gatekeepers…they know what will sell and what won’t. They are humans as well so you are right- they will make mistakes.
Your comment on them being “gatekeepers” struck a nerve in me, mostly because I think tastes are so subjective. Most agents wouldn’t touch Fifty Shades of Grey until it suddenly became one of the biggest selling indie titles on the market. JA Kontrath has sold nearly 500,000 copies of a book that he was told “wouldn’t sell.”
I’ve begun seriously re-evaluating the value provided as I’ve done more research into the field. I’m not so sure it’s gatekeeping so much as it is a sense of subjective taste that isn’t always as connected to the potential audience as some would like to believe I plan to write a post on this in the next week or so.
The market is changing, so it’ll be interesting to see how the role of the agent changes as well.
I thought your post about agents was very interesting Russ. I recommend folks go and read it. http://rdmeyerwrites.blogspot.com/2012/05/loyalty.html
However I have been told by several NY Times best Selling authors that having an agent is the best thing for an author’s career. Can you succeed going Indie- sure, but that is definitely the hard way. Course finding an agent is hard as well!
Most of the agents I read about or hear speak are looking for something (in my opinion) they think they can sell. So yes, in that sense it is definitely subjective. But ask Carl Marlantes how many times he was rejected in his 30 pursuit to get NY Times Best Selling Matterhorn published. It only takes one agent to say yes.
Kevin,
Ouch…. I can feel the hurt in the way you displayed that. As the experienced soldier you are you carried on. Great written “pitch back” with a smirk laugh from me and ecouragment. Congradulations on your break through from the James Rivers Writers Conference. I am not a literary agent but I think you are fabulous with words and your novel WILL be of high accord and awesome. I enjoy how you write and organize your thoughts. You are an audience grabber even to those who do not have all traits in common. March on and blessings on answers back to your writing questions.
Sincerely,
Adriana Johnson
Welcome back Adrian. I hope your trip was great. We missed you on the site!
I just mentioned to Julia- Nothing risk is nothing gained. I yearned for more when I was in Afghanistan. I was looking for a risk. I needed something to challenge me beyond what I was currently doing. I wrote a business plan for a winery. I took online wine classes. Then I decided to write my book and just stared writing. Now I need to write. It makes me feel alive! Plus I love talking with everyone here on the site. I am a total extrovert!
Kevin, keep at it! I can’t tell you how many publishers I contacted before my non-fiction/photographic book finally saw the light of day. And, my daughter who is a writer said this to you: ” I don’t think I know Kevin. But it sounds like he is persistent, and that’s kind of what you need!” The ugly rejection you received was non-helpful! You don’t need people like that around you.You are doing great and it will get published!
You nailed me AJ. I am a persistent and determined SOB. I actually just wrote a new post that covers the topic a bit. One thing I learned in the Army and teach my leaders is not to accept no. No is the easiest answer to give…..it takes no effort. If you tell me no then I will go over or around you to get what I want. Here I go telling my secrets again!
Thanks for your vote of confidence!
Kevin, Wow! I loved this article!
By the time I complete my manuscript, you’ll be a pro.!
Let me know if you decide to take on any mentees. I’ll get in line.
Blessings,
Sloan
Thank you Sloan. Will do on the mentees!
Kevin, thanks for sharing a link to your wonderful blog post on our website. Unfortunately, you attached the comment to an image, so it will not be displayed properly.
Since we don’t have commenting enabled on pages, here’s another way you could share your story. We have an ongoing series of posts from JRW members and others about what the organization means to them. I would love to include your blog post as one of those articles.
http://www.jamesriverwriters.org/who-we-are/our-members/what-jrw-means
Hi Charles. Thanks for giving me a heads up about the link. I just fixed it.
I would be honored if you included my post. I also have a piece on how to win Pitchapalooza that you might be interested in using. I will post it next week.
Just wanted to let you know that I posted a link to your blog post on our website, as well as posted a video we shot of you at last year’s conference on our Tumblr page:
http://www.jamesriverwriters.org/pitchapalooza-winner-tells-his-story
http://jamesriverwriters.tumblr.com/post/28108506285/kevin-henrehan-talks-about-why-he-came-to-jrws
Actually, the first link is wrong:
http://jamesriverwriters.tumblr.com/post/28108506285/kevin-hanrahan-talks-about-why-he-came-to-jrws
Serves me right for doing this sort of thing late at night
Any response lets an author know they can now move ahead – likely in a different direction but waiting is hard.
Great point Nate. The waiting is like putting your writing life on pause. One of my underlining themes of the post is that I continued to push on. I had some leads but it didn’t stop me from hunting down more! Those instant success stories are few and far between. If you want it then you have to go get it.
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Getting published is always the hardest part when writing something of any material. At least, you get your material out there but it needs to sell. Some of the comments are really great and applicable to your situation. Like you, I hope to get published but the process is way too much complicated for my liking.
Hi Rainey. I agree…it is quite challenging to get published mainstream. I am published becasue I have this blog but I apire for more. I want to make a living of my writing some day.
Best of luck with your writings!