From newbie to professional (Query Readiness Part 3)

Here is the emotional response when you don't understand those in publishing:

http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2010/09/you-cant-make-this-up.html

He not only sounds unprofessional, but a newbie and is not ready to be published. No literary agent wants to hold your hand and wipe your tears through acquisitions. Don't forget those edits too.

I beg you, don't query until your skin is ready. You might want to query that same agent another book in a year or two when you have better perspective on the industry.

Also, THINK before you respond to an agents rejection letter and then don't. If you don't have anything nice to say then shut the hell up. You're making it harder on the rest of us.

Research gives you the professional edge. Go to conferences, blog, twitter, tumblr, and get creative writing books at the library. Trust me, you can't go wrong.

The PEOPLE in Publishing (Query Readiness Part 2)

Yesterday, I blogged about how doing my research, prepared me emotionally for query rejection. Understanding the PEOPLE in the publishing industry will take the sting away, making it not personal but business.

Here are two perfect examples of that research:

http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/09/behind-scenes.html

http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2010/09/day-in-life.html

What makes me a writer... (Query Readiness Part 1)

I started the query process a lot later than I wanted, but here I am and with my first official rejection letter. It was a form rejection that said very nicely, "This is not for me."

Am I riddled with sadness? No.

Why not? I'm glad you asked imaginary person. I have done my research. I know the process and what NOT to expect. I have read countless posts on an editor's/agent's day to day life. Their job isn't glamorous but it's something they love to do. Writing is something I love to do, yet I know this is a shocker, I too don't lead a glamorous life. I'm one with all there is in publishing. Hummmmmmmmm...

Here's what NOT to expect:

1. You can't expect (YCE) immediate response or any at all.
2. YCE editorial explanations.
3. YCE to talk to anyone directly.(In fact it could ruin your career.)
4. YCE those in publishing to understand your novel. If they don't get it, they don't care. (That's your job, dumb ass.)
5. YCE to be the next bestselling author. (Never put that in a query BTW)
6. YCE them to tell the truth all the time. They have their reasons.
7. YCE a $750,000 advance. (That's the agents job to barter.)
8. YCE to be published in less than five years.
9. YCE that anyone will love your book. (The book might be revolutionary in a few years but not now.)
10. YCE your dreams to come true the way you want them to.

Here is what you can expect:

1. The enjoyment of no one telling you how or what to write.
2. Absolutely no pressure to perform.
3. Happiness and joy in your writing being yours alone.
4. More from your writing everyday.
5. Love from your critique group.
6. Emails sent if you push send instead of save on accident. (Put the email address in ONLY when you're ready to send.) I made this mistake again today. Oops.
7. It to hurt after your first critique at a conference. Scratch that, after any number of critiques at a conference. You look up to said person and it sucks when they say your writing isn't perfect. Well duh, that's why you're there.
8. To have some sort of site/blog and a twitter account.
9. Have fulfillment because you are doing something you love. If you don't please don't become a writer. No one wants to read dispassionate drivel.
10. The title of writer after your first official rejection letter.

Today, I was rejected and then wrote this post. That's what makes me a writer!

Excellent. It hurt my brain but most excellent!

Punk Writer Kid Punkiversary Giveaway

Today, I entered a contest with a new up and coming. The premise for her novel sounds great and the epic prizes you'll have to check out for yourself at Punk Writer Kid Punkiversary Giveaway.