Caught In A Web

Nerve-racking, but there's just no avoiding it. Caught in a web of research, and anxiously scanning for typos, and nervously re-reading the submission requirements, and compiling spreadsheets of dream makers, because it has to be done-- query letters must be sent out.

And like, sure, what's the worst thing that could happen? Form rejection letters neatly filing into my inbox confirming that perhaps my letter was crap, that maybe I did miss a typo or two, or that when they got to the word count they lost interest instantly. If such a thing-- indeed the most likely outcome of all-- should occur, I still have a story I love. I will get to keep my book to myself for a little while longer. Would that be so very terrible? No. 

Then of course I could get a request for a full, who knows, and then get to be extremely nervous over having missed typos in a much longer length of text. Eeeek! 

And so many people keep saying to me 'why don't you just self publish?' or the like, and the answer is still 'no'. I believe in traditional publishing. I believe agents and editors make books better. Large creative endeavors are improved by some collaboration. Directors get accolades for wonderful films, but hundreds of people make them possible. Even with notes from my wonderful beta readers this last year, the book has improved. It's better already for having received those notes and my making a few changes. Besides, imagine someone believing in your work enough to want to help you make it even better, help make it the best it can be, and help you get it in front of other people who will love it too? I'm not giving up on that chance before I've even made a go at it!

So if I go missing for a bit, as always-- I'm just tied to my desk. As we know it's where I love to be most. Though the only way out of reading endless articles of conflicting advice about finding a literary agent and submission guidelines (and 'dire mistakes killing your query', and the dreaded 'it's not your query it's the book' death sentence) for me seems to be getting sucked into Attack on Titan again (re-watching before diving into season 3). Hey, whatever works. In this horror filled world we live in, a horror filled distraction sometimes fits the bill. 

I hope you all have a fun Halloween. Mine is going to plenty scary-- both before and after I work up the courage to hit send. 

Skirt & Bolero: Made by me
Top: Old Navy
Fishnets: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Royal Vintage Shoes
Petticoat: Malco Modes
Hat, Gloves, & Clutch: Vintage