Long Listed for Fish Publishing Short Story Competition

It may not be much to blog about but I'm pleased to have been long-listed for the 2012 Fish Publishing Short Story Competition. Each small step is another move towards  my ultimate goal.  Congratulations to all the other entrants and many thanks to the judges. 

The Best Advice by Far

I've submitted by manuscript to nine prospective agents and publishers so far. In return, I've received nine very polite rejection emails. It has taken between 4 hours and 10 weeks to receive a response from the various parties. Although every single one has been really nicely phrased it is difficult to not let the rejection get you down. I'm beginning to think my story is going to languish in a drawer, never to see the light of day.


I thought I'd share the latest note with you all, it's been the most thorough and thoughtful feedback I've had to date. I'll definitely be taking their advice on board!

By email:


Dear Little VoiceJots

Thank you for sending us your manuscript, and many apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

I’m afraid that we won’t be making you an offer of publication on this occasion. At the moment Stripes has a small, very focused list, featuring mainly series fiction, and we feel that this manuscript would not fit into our current publishing plan. I liked the quirky tone of your writing, but I found the pacing was a little uneven, and it might be best to avoid alternating between viewpoints in a story for this age group. It’s also quite long – I would probably expect a story of half the length (which, with illustrations, could work out as about 96 pages) for readers aged five and above.

Have you considered trying to find yourself an agent? The advantages of being represented by an agent are that they will work with you editorially and will submit your work to publishers who would suit the style and content of your work. If you’re unsure of where to send your submissions, you can find a complete list of UK literary agencies in A&C Black’s Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook.

Thanks once again for sending us your work. I wish you the best of luck in placing your manuscript elsewhere.



To all, other, would be authors out there remember: onwards and upwards. Good Luck!!