My name's Spencer, I wrote a book, & I think I'm cursed

spentastico · Sep 11, 2011

I think I need some help with my query letter. I see I have to post 50 times, but I can't really impart any advice since I haven't been successful at this yet. Guess I can hobnob around the other forums.

I'm a thirty-something Ohio dude with no literary contacts whatsoever. I've written locally for our paper and done some other projects, but that's the extent of my public creativity resume. I wrote a contemporary fiction novel called "Wannabe Deadbeat" about a twenty-something Ohio dude who wants to have a kid to fulfill his duty as a human being, but he doesn't want to have anything to do with kids. I finished it and began the querying process.

I got a positive response on the VERY FIRST query I sent out! They wanted to see more. I sent more, then they said it wasn't what they expected, so thanks anyways. Fast forward 4 months later, and I'm on my 76th rejection with another 20-some out at the moment.

Is this many rejections normal? I guess I'm just getting a little worried at this point and am looking for either some comfort that this is normal or a review of my current tactics if it's not.

Thanks for any advice you might have.

Spencer

CheekyWench · Sep 11, 2011

Welcome.
Yes, it can be normal.

Hang out here, read, socialize... There's a treasure trove of information here.

regdog · Sep 11, 2011

Take some time and read the Newbie Guide and the Stickies found
at the top of Forum pages. They are your best guide to learning about
Absolute Write.

Don’t forget to read the FAQ regarding posting pictures at AW.

Members who want to start a thread in Share Your Work to have work critiqued need
50 posts. So take some time to greet fellow newbies, critique other members’
works, or join a discussion.

Alessandra Kelley · Sep 11, 2011

Welcome and good luck.

Topaz044 · Sep 11, 2011

Welcome Spencer!

As Regdog stated, take some time to post around and then share your work-we have top-notch critiques in there.

Cheers,
Natasha

Ari Meermans · Sep 11, 2011

Hi, and welcome. Yes, it's normal. I've read of published authors who claim to have been able to paper a whole room with their rejections.

Nickie · Sep 11, 2011

Hello Spencer, and welcome to AW. Rejection is just a part of the writing process we all have to endure, so don't lose courage and keep on trying!

spentastico · Sep 11, 2011

Thanks for the encouragement!

thehairymob · Sep 11, 2011

Shadow_Ferret · Sep 11, 2011

spentastico said:
I think I need some help with my query letter.

I got a positive response on the VERY FIRST query I sent out!

Fast forward 4 months later, and I'm on my 76th rejection with another 20-some out at the moment.

Is this many rejections normal?

First things first:

Now... I'm thinking it might not be your query letter, especially if you got a bite your first go -- although it wouldn't hurt to have it looked at to see if it couldn't be tightened.

There might be something about the story itself that needs help. You could try asking for a Beta reader or posting sample chapters (when you reach the 50 post minimum).

Until then, have fun, look around, soak up the atmosphere and advice. Regdog posted a couple important links. You can also start your education with the Learn Writing with Uncle Jim thread. Lots of great advice there from our own Sage, Uncle Jim.

MissAimee · Sep 11, 2011

Welcome.

spentastico · Sep 11, 2011

Good stuff, shadow. I'll check that out!

I'm all about improving; not easily offended.

dpaterso · Sep 11, 2011

Welcome to the board.

Just in case it wasn't clear, you can post in Share Your Work, you just can't start a new thread of your own until you hit 50 posts. So you can read and comment on other query letters, writing samples, etc. in SYW. Cool way to reach 50 posts. Maybe even make some friendly contacts along the way.

-Derek

Brutal Mustang · Sep 11, 2011

Welcome. You probably just need to polish up your manuscript a bit. Sounds like your query is okay. Luckily, you've come to the right place to learn this stuff. Hang out in the SYW forums, and comment on other people's work, to build up your fifty posts.

CACTUSWENDY · Sep 11, 2011

Welcome to AW. Hope you enjoy your stay with us.
How do you like your popcorn?

If you go to the bottom of the page to the 'forum jump' you can scroll down and find all the areas of this place. After you post 50 posts you can use the SYW areas to get help there. The password for some of the areas is…..vista. A word to the wise, it would be a good idea to participate first in helping others before you think about posting your own work. After you have been around here for awhile, then post something of your own for help. Good luck.

VP_Benni · Sep 11, 2011

*Agrees with everyone else*

Welcome Spencer

~Amber~

NickDR · Sep 11, 2011

Welcome!

spentastico · Sep 11, 2011

CACTUSWENDY said:
Welcome to AW. Hope you enjoy your stay with us.
How do you like your popcorn?

If you go to the bottom of the page to the 'forum jump' you can scroll down and find all the areas of this place. After you post 50 posts you can use the SYW areas to get help there. The password for some of the areas is…..vista. A word to the wise, it would be a good idea to participate first in helping others before you think about posting your own work. After you have been around here for awhile, then post something of your own for help. Good luck.

Re: Help before helped: Definitely. I just don't know what I can offer since I haven't been successful yet. I just did what I know how to do, you know? Once I get it right, I'll start talking like an expert. Anything else would just be me sharing what I like and don't like.

Kateness · Sep 11, 2011

In some respects, just sharing what you like and don't like is extremely helpful. Your unique perspective is just as helpful as (for example) a published writer or a professional editor. Readers are readers. All opinions are welcomed.

Ari Meermans · Sep 11, 2011

spentastico said:
Anything else would just be me sharing what I like and don't like.

A new readerly eye can be incredibly helpful to a writer especially if he and everyone else is reading from a writer's perspective.

spentastico · Sep 11, 2011

Good points. I'll definitely help where I can.

timp67 · Sep 11, 2011

Query Shark is a terrific resource, if you haven't checked it out already.

http://queryshark.blogspot.com/

jamiehall · Sep 11, 2011

Welcome, Spencer!

...

legion · Sep 11, 2011

welcome, we all start out new, but the forums here are very informative and im sure youll find all you want after looking around here like i did.

CC.Allen · Sep 11, 2011

Howdy, Spencer.
Welcome!

My name's Spencer, I wrote a book, & I think I'm cursed

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