My recent Query

[Caged Maiden]

I just sent a query out after signing Phil's Blood pact: http://mythicscribes.com/forums/writing-questions/3365-mythic-scribes-blood-pact.html and I got a response today. They want the first 30 pages!

Okay so this is about the point where I freak out and get too excited and lose my mind. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. My mind is just crumpling under the weight of self-doubt.

My heart's racing just thinking about how not to blow my opportunity to have someone read my novel. However, I do have more confidence with my Query letter now...

I need advice. I feel like I'm just going to mess this up, and even though the chance of them asking for a full manuscript is slim, I really want to put my best foot forward. Please and Thank you.

 

[Steerpike]

Sounds like you wrote a great query letter. That's awesome - congratulations. You should post it

I'd sit down with the first thirty pages and may take the next day or two to polish it up as best you can, then get it out to them. I wouldn't wait very long to do it.

If you want any other eyes on the thirty pages before it goes, you can email it to me. If not, then go for it and good luck!

 

[Devor]

You don't have anything to worry about - even if they don't like it, it means you're off to a better start than you were before. Consider this an opportunity to get over the jitters and a strong motivation for getting those first thirty pages into mint condition.

 

[Ghost]

That's awesome, anihow! I recently submitted poetry, which isn't my favorite medium by a long shot. Every time I think about it I get nervous and my stomach hurts. So I can't imagine what a request for something I have high hopes for would do to me. I'm sure it involves a hospital.

I agree with Steerpike about not waiting long to send it out. The longer you wait, the more frazzled you'll get. I'd say send it out and work on another project for distraction.

Good luck! :bounce:

 

[Steerpike]

I agree with Steerpike about not waiting long to send it out. The longer you wait, the more frazzled you'll get. I'd say send it out and work on another project for distraction.

Not only that, when you query most publishers assume you have something in hand and ready to submit. When it becomes to clear to them that you didn't actually have something complete and ready to send to them, it may not go over so well.

 

[gavintonks]

dance on the ceiling now is time to ace the final barrier,
check spelling and grammar and follow submission guidelines, pray to gods you know and dont know and good luck - thats a serious wow

 

[Penpilot]

Think about it this way. You now know you can write a query letter that can get you a partial manuscript request. IMHO a pretty nice step forward. That's in your pocket no matter what. Now edit your arse off. Regardless of what ever happens after that, at least you took a shot, which puts you way ahead of the game.

 

[Ghost]

Not only that, when you query most publishers assume you have something in hand and ready to submit.

Yeah, I was thinking that as well.

 

[Caged Maiden]

Oh it's done, just doubting whether it's good enough. I'm afraid of blowing it. I might be one of those "never done" people who edit and edit... and then edit some more.

 

[Steerpike]

I have confidence in your story. Continue with your editing until you are reasonably satisfied and get it out to them

 

[Caged Maiden]

I just cut 1000 words, oh boy I'm gonna need some candy or booze or something by the end of this!

 

[Ankari]

I just cut 1000 words, oh boy I'm gonna need some candy or booze or something by the end of this!

Good luck Ani. Wish you the best!

 

[Chilari]

Wow, that's big news. Good luck!

 

[gavintonks]

booze is good, makes the pain go away hahahah we all rooting for you

 

[Rikilamaro]

That's fantastic news, Ani! *HUG*

Congrats!!!

 

[Caged Maiden]

Okay so they got back to me, but I'm afraid to open the email.

It's a "no" I can feel it.

If I don't open it, my dream is still alive.

 

[Ireth]

But what if it's a yes? If you don't open it you'll never know.

 

[Caged Maiden]

I'm scared. I don't want to know.

Okay I do, but I'm really scared.

I need someone to hold my hand and look.

No I can do it.

Maybe I'll wait 'til morning.

 

[Ankari]

Don't worry Ani. All the "no's" you receive will only serve to make your first "yes" that much sweeter. Open it!

 

[Caged Maiden]

It was a "no"

Thanks for all your support scribes. I'm kinda relieved. Now I can send it out again (after another look into my editing process).