A virgin no more...

Creative_Solitude · Oct 21, 2011

Wow - that was quick. lol

I am proud to say my manuscript rejection virginity has officially been taken away.

I got my first rejection yesterday - in less than 10 hours, no less. Musa Publishing responded to my query with a brief, yet cordial email, that my novel isn't the right fit for them at this time. But hey, it's all good. I understand.

On the other hand, I also got a response from the editor-in-chief at The Wild Rose Press in regards to the query I submitted a couple of days ago. She informed me that she forwarded my query to the senior editor of the Sweetheart Rose imprint, and said I should hear something back in approximately 45 days, i.e., either a request for partial or full ms or a rejection. She told me if I didn't hear anything back within that time frame to let her know and she will look into it for me.

Still waiting to hear back from at least five others, all of which I queried long before the two aforementioned publishers. Hearing back is good...even if it is a rejection, as the waiting absolutely KILLS.

So, time will tell...

COchick · Oct 21, 2011

Congrats on popping your rejection cherry. And good luck with the other submissions.

girlyswot · Oct 21, 2011

Wild Rose are really good at communicating through the whole process and responding in a timely way. Good luck!

CACTUSWENDY · Oct 21, 2011

Hands a cigarette pack out towards Creative. So, was it good for you? The second time it won't hurt so much and you might even enjoy it.

Creative_Solitude · Oct 21, 2011

Thanks for the encouraging words everyone!

And I have heard that Wild Rose Press is pretty good with communicating back as promptly as possible. Good to know.

And yes, CactusWendy it was DAMNED good! lol

amrose · Oct 21, 2011

Good luck with the rest of your subs!

job · Oct 21, 2011

Creative_Solitude said:
I am proud to say my manuscript rejection virginity has officially been taken away.

Congratulations. For every 99 people who say, "I want to write a book," only one collects that first rejection.

You've reached the first plateau. This is so wonderful.

job

Tifferbugz · Oct 21, 2011

Congrats! I don't know about you, but when I got my first rejection I finally felt like a real writer.

Creative_Solitude · Oct 21, 2011

Tifferbugz said:
Congrats! I don't know about you, but when I got my first rejection I finally felt like a real writer.

Well I feel like I'm finally in the "game", so-to-speak. Now, whether or not I win the game (get published) remains to be seen.

The queries I've put out there in the past four months mark the first time I've ever submitted any of my work to anyone in the business. I have been writing fiction since the tender age of nine - that makes it approximately 32 years that I've been at this. And even though this this is my very first rejection, in a weird way I finally feel validated as a writer now. Strange...

Jess Haines · Oct 21, 2011

Ha! Congrats on popping your cherry.

Best of luck to you!

shameless · Oct 21, 2011

Good for you!! Takes guts to put your work out there!! Had a heartbreaking rejection myself this week, and I'd love to tell you they get easier, but... :Shrug:

Good luck!! :snoopy:

Ann_Mayburn · Oct 21, 2011

lol- Now you're a woman!-sniff-

I wish I could say it only gets easier from here, but honestly it does hurt a little bit less each time. Just remember, every rejection helps to give you the thick, bullet proof skin that you'll need to survive being a successful author.

elindsen · Oct 22, 2011

Oh the rejection cherry has been popped. Don't tell your parents

Good luck with your subs

Alley1958 · Oct 23, 2011

Congrats! I hope to be de-virginized myself very soon. Hopefully, the pain lessens with each rejection.

shameless · Oct 23, 2011

Alley1958 said:
Congrats! I hope to be de-virginized myself very soon. Hopefully, the pain lessens with each rejection.

I really wish I could tell you it does, but... We put so much of our hearts and souls into our books, a rejection always hurts. Some more than others.

On the other hand, there's nothing more rewarding than the moment you sell that first book!

Good luck!!

Lady MacBeth · Oct 23, 2011

lol I love that you have a sense of humour about your first rejection. Good luck with the book.

*RomanceWriter* · Oct 24, 2011

We've all been there. Good luck with the next!

Creative_Solitude · Oct 24, 2011

Lady MacBeth said:
lol I love that you have a sense of humour about your first rejection. Good luck with the book.

I may not have the same sense of humour after my 10th, 15th, 20th, rejections, etc., so I"m enjoying this while I can.

Soccer Mom · Oct 24, 2011

The first 'yes' makes everything all better. Congrats on taking the first step.

Ambri · Oct 26, 2011

Congrats! And hang in there. Sooner or later, you will get a "yes" instead of a "no."

Creative_Solitude · Oct 27, 2011

Rejection number two came a couple of days ago. Reason: not currently seeking any works in my genre.

Honestly, I thought this would sting a little more than it has so far. Maybe I'm still too new and naive with this whole "submissions" thing...

Still feeling optimistic...

Creative_Solitude · Oct 28, 2011

Silly question alert:

When one receives a direct reply from an editor (not an autoreply) in regards to a query stating s/he has received your manuscript etc. and will get back to you etc., are we expected to reply back to them?

I am assuming, no, but just want to be sure of the proper protocol.

ccarver30 · Oct 31, 2011

I wouldn't reply- there's no real point.

Creative_Solitude · Oct 31, 2011

ccarver30 said:
I wouldn't reply- there's no real point.

Thanks. That's kind of what I was thinking, but just wanted to be on the safe side.

JustJas · Oct 31, 2011

Got one of those myself today. Maybe it's just wishful thinking but it seems like a good sign when the editor responds personally. Makes me think they must weed out anything unsuitable immediately and send out a rejection, otherwise why not have an automated response? Good luck!

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