October 29, 2018

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


12 comments:

  1. Best of luck with the book. Love the dress and the fabric. It not only works for Halloween but also the rest of the year

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  2. Good luck with the submissions! I love your outfit. Is the skirt cotton? I almost looks like taffeta.

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    1. Thank you Laurie! It is polyester taffeta with flocked spiderwebs :)

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  3. Ahhh I'm nervous and excited for you. And, though I have self-published a short story, I don't want to self publish novels. I want traditional publishing. I would love to read about the process of publishing, if ever you get time to write it out!
    xo
    Kristina
    eyreeffect.com

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    1. Thank you Kristina! I will definitely be documenting the process over on YouTube ;)

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  4. Don't forget, rejections aren't always about the quality of the book, they're about the commerciality of it. So it could be fantastic but those particular publishers/agents are interested in the mass market. My friend Mi Mi finally had interest in her Burmese cookbook and it's out next year, but six years ago she was told by sooo many that no-one was interested in Burmese food and there wasn't a good business reason to publish one.

    Fab outfit too :-)

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    1. Thank you Mim! I know there are many factors in why agents may pass on the book, but hopefully someone out there is after some queer girl led speculative fiction!

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  5. Good luck - we can all feel your nerves! I love this halloween-y look: of the moment but still very elegant. I also really like how you've really been rocking black fishnets since the autumn/fall arrived - don't get me wrong, I love your usual nudes, but here's been something seasonal about the change that somehow seems appropriate! Kx

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    1. Thank you! I really break out the black fishnets once it gets cold ;)

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  6. I love the spooky elegance of this outfit!

    And hopefully things turn up soon for you! I understand your desire for traditional publishing, it makes perfect sense!

    Best of luck!
    xoxo
    -Janey

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