I’m getting close to the querying stage and am getting a little anxious. Granted, growing a super-human layer of skin to protect myself from massive rejections is pretty darn close to a superhero power. Is it as cool as x-ray vision or being able to fly?
Well, no. But I digress.
A few weeks ago my two-year-old was having a little emotional breakdown (read: temper tantrum worthy of UN intervention). I told her she needed to calm down so she could be happy again.
Amidst the rivers of tears, spit, and snot, she was able to choke out, “But I am happy!”
This was, of course, said to persuade me that she didn’t need to sit on the time-out step. And you know what? I laughed. I laughed and laughed until I had tears in my eyes.
And did she have to sit on the time-out stair? Of course not. Sometimes I’m a softy.
When it was all over and she was happily ensconced in the TV room watching The Lion King it dawned on me that very soon I’m going to have to self-promote like a two-year-old. Even when I’m cranky because my in-box is full of form rejections and I just want to curl up with a box of Kleenex I’m still going to have to send out more queries. And put on a happy face.
And then maybe I’ll find an agent who thinks I’m hilarious (or maybe just that my book is wonderful) and wants to sign me for a ten book deal.
"… maybe I'll find an agent who … wants to sign me for a ten book deal."
Yes!!!!!
A ten-book deal would be pretty … sweet that is.
Ten book deal? Books for everyone! *throws sparkly confetti*
I hear ya. Querying is rough, but it's not as hard to face the rejections as I thought. I think it's really helping that I have my second WIP though.
A friend of mine had a binder with 125 rejection letters. Number 126 was the only letter that mattered. Number 126 said "yes" and he signed a three book deal!
Try to think of it this way: each letter that says 'no' brings you that much closer to the one who says 'yes'!
Good luck, Jill
http://www.jilledmondson.blogspot.com
*Sigh*
Pass the kleenex please. I have been tormented by dreams of eternal expulsion from the writer's world!
We just have to keep plucking. I can't imagine not writing, so I will keep writing. Rejections mean they are reading your work at least.
Keep holding out for your dream, I know I will.
Blessings to you…