Submitting a Manuscript

I've just received my first rejection letter from a literary agent. It's liberating. Rejection isn't as bad as one might expect. Admittedly it was a very nice letter saying that as a small agency they take on very few of the many writers who approach them each year and, having reviewed my work, feel they are unable to effectively represent me.

Now that is a gentle fob off and it's clearly a standard response but they didn't laugh at me. Some young intern didn't shoot off a cynical, sarcastic missive suggesting I don't give up the day job just yet. For that I thank them.

The downside to this is having followed all the advice from my adult education class, as well as other blogs, I only submitted my manuscript to one agent.  I waited 9 weeks for their response.  Combining this timeframe with  JK Rowling rejection statistics of 18 rejections before finding a publisher it would take me 162 weeks to find an interested party. That is 3.12 years.

I'm not the most patient person in the world but surely that would truly test the commitment and self belief of any author.

The good news is I've since googled 'multiple submissions.' The general rule of thumb is that it is acceptable to make multiple submissions to agents so long as if and when someone does indicate an interest in your work you let the others know.

So go on, get your work out there, give it a go. I truly wish you the best of luck and really hope that soon we have some good news stories to share. 

Building your Profile as a Credible Author

We were talking in class the other day about how one goes about building a profile within the publishing industry. There are so many aspiring writers out there it might not be enough just to write a great story. J K Rowling was famously rejected by twelve publishing houses before finally getting the greenlight.

New Authors can fall at the first hurdle with their CV and Cover Letter. It's all very well having a strong synopsis and compelling offer, the problem is who are we to be offering our manuscripts to agents? What credentials do we have to that give us the right to intrude on these busy professionals?

Entering competitions and submitting contributions to receptive press are a good starting point. Google 'story or poetry competition' and hundreds of results will be returned. They usually require a small entry fee, often which goes towards a charitable cause or sustaining a small independent publisher. Competitions can be local or global. Some carry more stature than others.

Pick ones that feel right for you. Submit your work and most importantly keep the faith. Rejection is all part of the process and as my husband always says, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

If you really need somewhere to start check out this competition which has been put together to raise awareness for palliative care charity Dying Matters. Closing date is 31st March 2012.

Good Luck!