What to do...

Branwyn · May 19, 2006

Okay, you're writing a novel that you want to continue into a series, you've got the first one done and you're pitching it-querying your little heart out. Now you have book 2 in the series done. You're frustrated because so far there are no takers on book one. What's a girl to do?

Do you focus on book 1 or try your luck with book 2?

ChaosTitan · May 19, 2006

How long have you been querying the first novel?

Will the second book make sense without the first book?

Branwyn · May 19, 2006

I have been querying since January. I have two agents reading partials. I guess I'm jaded and expecting another 2 rejections.

The 2nd book can work without the first, although I'd like the first to be published, naturally.

LightShadow · May 19, 2006

Focus on #1 and treat it as a stand alone, and if it doesn't sell, come up with a new novel and try with that one, and if it don't work, go to the next and pitch again. . .

Starbrazer · May 19, 2006

Don't ever give up; persistence is key and sometimes it's hard, because rejection has a way of bruising the ego. Somewhere, someone will like your book and take you on. Rewrite your query and synopsis and target specific agents. Check the listings in the 2006 Guide to Literary Agents and read their websites, buy their books, whatever it takes find the agent that is right for you and your books.

Gillhoughly · May 19, 2006

Do what I did--start the third book and keep working.

Every time the first one comes back, check it over and polish, polish, polish.

I had to redo my 1st chapter at least 25 times, and did 3 full rewrites of the novel--in between working on the next books in the series. I got betas to read the first one for feedback. If two or more tripped over the same problem, I'd fix the problem.

I did this ON A TYPEWRITER. With White Out and carbons.

But it paid off. My current WIP is the 17th in the series.

You go, girl.

-

Branwyn · May 19, 2006

argenianpoet said:
Don't ever give up; persistence is key and sometimes it's hard, because rejection has a way of bruising the ego. Somewhere, someone will like your book and take you on. Rewrite your query and synopsis and target specific agents. Check the listings in the 2006 Guide to Literary Agents and read their websites, buy their books, whatever it takes find the agent that is right for you and your books.

You're not kidding, my ego is pulverized. I am sorely lacking when it comes to patience, so this is a real test for me. One that I feel slipping away.

I had heard that by the time the Writers Guide comes out it's out of date.
I check AgentQuery, I'm sure there are a few there I haven't queried. It's very daunting. Iread other books in my 'genre' and I think...mine is as good, so what's the problem? Luck? It's not what you know, but who you know?

Branwyn · May 19, 2006

Gillhoughly said:
Do what I did--start the third book and keep working.

Every time the first one comes back, check it over and polish, polish, polish.

I had to redo my 1st chapter at least 25 times, and did 3 full rewrites of the novel--in between working on the next books in the series. I got betas to read the first one for feedback. If two or more tripped over the same problem, I'd fix the problem.

I did this ON A TYPEWRITER. With White Out and carbons.

But it paid off. My current WIP is the 17th in the series.

You go, girl.

-

Thanks.

How did you do that? I have reworked and polished and rewrote some more and now I feel like I'll get physically sick if I have to read it one more time!

That's what's frightening, that the pendulum has swung and now I can't be objective due to the fact I'm sick of it. I feel horrible saying it, but it's wearing me out. It, at this point, is no longer a labor of love but an albatross.

What to do...

Branwyn

Print release:Sept.1,'09

ChaosTitan

Around

Branwyn

Print release:Sept.1,'09

LightShadow

defender of the blahs!

Starbrazer

Gillhoughly

Grumpy writer and editor

Branwyn

Print release:Sept.1,'09

Branwyn

Print release:Sept.1,'09