I'd love whatever input any of you could offer. Although I don't have an agent, I was referred by someone to his publisher's editor. I have a couple of non-fiction projects that I'm working on and this publisher is open to queries or proposals so I sent a query to the editor. The first couple of queries weren't quite right for her but on the third one she expressed some interest, asked a few questions, etc. I wrote back; she wrote back. A month has gone by which I know is not considered a long time when it comes to waiting to hear about a project. Today, I sent a brief e-mail to the editor that included an update on the case I'm writing about as well as a link to some recent news about it. She wrote back: "Got it, thanks." Maybe I'm just being way too optimistic but I'm thinking the fact that she didn't take that opportunity to tell me that she's not interested in the project means that it's still being considered and I should just sit back and continue to be patient. Agree?? Or not?? Thanks!
Regarding time and courtesy
- Thread starter itsnews2me2
- Start date
There's nothing to be gained from analysing conversations like this.
Write your next book. Forget about the one with the publisher: you can't change anything for it now.
And good luck.
Write your next book. Forget about the one with the publisher: you can't change anything for it now.
And good luck.
Well, since there hasn't been a turn-down I don't think it's wise for me to forget about it and move on - especially since I've already established communication with this particular editor. She turned down my first couple of queries but not this one. I believe that means it's still being considered. Just wondered if others have had similar experiences. I've been told it can take months to hear back. Thanks! And I always continue to write - no matter what! 
The answer is not only that you should sit back and continue to be patient, but that you need to sit back and continue to be patient - and continue writing. Maybe she's still considering your proposal, but you shouldn't let her consideration affect you, because what if she ends up not taking it? There's nothing else you can do at this point to better your chances of being picked - apart from creating a new work that is more appealing - so there's no use worrying about a single conversation you had. Rather, it would be more productive to focus on writing.
This type of thing happens a lot and in most cases does not end up with an offer, although sometimes it does. After having submitted the proposal, though, you can't do anything to affect the editor's decision; you can only wait. In the meantime, write.
(The exception is that some editors/agents allow you to nudge them if it's been a while, but that's not until at least three months after the submission.)
Thanks for the great input Kayley! I really appreciate it. I wish I wasn't so impatient! Gotta work on that. I'm always writing and I'm working on another project besides the one that's submitted to this editor. I do realize it may take months to hear back - and that I may never hear back. So frustrating!
Well, since there hasn't been a turn-down I don't think it's wise for me to forget about it and move on - especially since I've already established communication with this particular editor. She turned down my first couple of queries but not this one. I believe that means it's still being considered. Just wondered if others have had similar experiences. I've been told it can take months to hear back. Thanks! And I always continue to write - no matter what!
You seem to have misunderstood me.
I meant pretty much what Kayley said, although I said it more briefly.
Good luck with your book.
Old Hack: Thank you! I looked back and see what you mean - you didn't say forget the first project but just move on to the next one while waiting to hear back. I appreciate your feedback!! I'll let you guys know if I hear anything.