They say that to everyone...don't they?

klostes · Sep 20, 2006

I've got a request for three chapters of my novel from a well-regarded agent and an editor known for working with what's "hot" in a particular genre. These came from pitches a recent writers' conference which I attended. First time I've pitched, and it was exciting to see someone with the power to help me reach my goal of publication excited and asking questions about my story.

So I ran right home and jumped on the remaining revisions and got the story out the door.

Except not.

A month and a half later, and I find myself bogged down in excuses and worries. My subconscious tells me over and over again, "They say that to everybody." "They were just being nice." "It's dreck and you'll just get it back." "You can't send it out like THAT!!"

And then there are revisions and rewrites and more. Ad infinitum, ad nauseum.

A friend recently told me that in ten years, when he's well-established writing popular comic-book heroes. if I am still not published (or at least with work out there being considered), he's going to hunt me down and destroy me with his newly-gained super-hero fortune. I whined, "Not help me get published?" Nope, destroy me.

Okay, he's twisted. Still, he has a point.

I'm not particularly looking for help or inspiration; in this case there's only one person who can help me, and that's the one sitting in this chair typing this message. I guess I'm venting, and trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with me that I'm not out there getting it done and getting it out the door.

Ah, well. Maybe I should just wait for my friend and then sue his *** for what's left of his fortune after he's wasted it on wasting me. :Shrug:

Then I can retire and enjoy the fruits of his ill-gotten gains.

klostes

Tracy · Sep 21, 2006

This opportunity has all your fears coming up in force (it's not just you, it's not a personality defect, we all suffer them). Those are fears of rejection, of failure, of success (yes, really!), of exposure etc. Those fears disguise themselves as seemingly worthwhile advice, i.e. all your negative self-talk.
Acknowledge the fears, don't fight them (because that feeds them), but carry on regardless. I suggest you say to yourself, whenever one of these thoughts comes up, "Ah yes, there's another one of those fears. How interesting that I'm still carrying those. I know, however, that I don't have to give into those fears, so I'm sending off this mss anyway". And DO it.

Good luck - it sounds like you have a great opportunity here. Let us know how you get on.

wordmonkey · Sep 21, 2006

Sounds like fear of success, dude.

To this point your dreams lay before you. You could be the next big thing and then you have to live up to all that goes with it.

I know, sounds stupid, but it's real and I know quite a few people who have gone through this.

Send them your stuff and then worry about what they might say. Forget about the delay as well. They likely as not forgot you as soon as they left the conference but they will remember they invited you to sub when your sample arrives. The delay won't hurt.

kristie911 · Sep 21, 2006

I have two words for you: SEND IT!!

Then you can sit around and worry just like the rest of us. But at least it will be out there, and someone will have read it. If they reject it, maybe they'll give you some insight on what needs to be fixed. If they want to see more, then you'll know you're on the right track. But if you never send it, you'll never know.

Good luck!

expatbrat · Sep 21, 2006

Send it.

LeeFlower · Sep 21, 2006

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Marianne Williamson, as quoted by Nelsen Mandela.

If areligious/atheistic/nondeistic/follower of a different diety, mentally replace religious references as necessary. The message is still valid.

You're never going to find out if the agent wants it unless you submit it. And yes, there's a chance that they might not like it (Or that they were 'just being nice,' though that chance is too slim for size two jeans) and might choose not to represent you. But if you don't send it, the odds of them not representing you approach one at a rather alarming speed. Just my $.02.

Anonymisty · Sep 21, 2006

klostes said:
My subconscious tells me over and over again, "They say that to everybody." "They were just being nice."

Your subconscious is lying. They do not say that to everybody.

But they did say it to you.

James D. Macdonald · Sep 21, 2006

Print it out and send it. Right now today. Before you do anything else.

You're not allowed back here unless your next post is "I sent it."

WriterInChains · Sep 21, 2006

If you haven't sent it by Saturday, I'm stealing your cookies!

Bubastes · Sep 21, 2006

Send

those

chapters

out!!

allenparker · Sep 21, 2006

klostes said:
A month and a half later, and I find myself bogged down in excuses and worries.

A covey of your fears are breeding in your mind.THe more you think about this, the more you will doubt.

Raise the flag, sound Charge! and send the three chapters.

Then sit back and be nervous as you await the letter. In the mean time <insert Jim's favorite saying>.

Sassenach · Sep 21, 2006

The don't say that to everybody. Don't be a chump--send it out.

Marlowe · Sep 21, 2006

James D. Macdonald said:
Print it out and send it. Right now today. Before you do anything else.

You're not allowed back here unless your next post is "I sent it."

I know this has been said before a lot- in fact, there seems to be a whole thread for it- but I gotta say it for myself: Mr. Macdonald, you are the awesome.

Klostes, get those chapters printed and get your butt to a UPS store, and that's all there is to it.

priceless1 · Sep 21, 2006

Klostes, editors and agents are far too busy to be nice. We're task masters at allowing our eyes to glaze over when we know something isn't a fit for us. On the other side of the coin, we'll sit up and ask for more if something tickles our fancy.

That you garnered interest from a pitch is a validation of your ability to sell your story. Get off your rusty dusty and send it. The worst thing you can be told is that they're not the right agent for you.

Ask yourself what your writing goals are. If they are to be published, then I'm afraid you're really going to have to stick your big toe in the water and test the temperature. Anyone can quit.

Best of luck to you!

Doug Johnson · Sep 21, 2006

My contrarian advice, don't send it out until it's ready.

Getting a request for the complete manuscript a year from now is better than hearing, "Not for me." right away.

C.bronco · Sep 21, 2006

Today I finally understood what people were talking about when they said someone was a "risk taker." It isn't necessarily about jumping out of planes or joing the merchant marines, it's about taking yourself out of your comfort zone and trying to achieve something new. I think that's when personal growth occurs, when we put ourselves in over our heads (or what we presume is over our heads) and get to the work at hand.
Don't wade into this fandango. Cannonball!

popmuze · Sep 21, 2006

Doug Johnson said:
My contrarian advice, don't send it out until it's ready.Getting a request for the complete manuscript a year from now is better than hearing, "Not for me." right away.

Contrary to the contrarian, my feeling is you never know when it's right. Getting a few "not for me"s out of the way, hopefully with some comments, will only make your completed manuscript that much better.

Besides, a year from now your hot topic may not be so hot and your hot agent and editor may not be taking on anymore clients/projects.

Soccer Mom · Sep 21, 2006

Add me to the spanking machine here. Get that ms out now or I'll nag you unmercifully.

blackbird · Sep 21, 2006

They definitely DO NOT say that to everyone. I've attended several conferences where there are agent pitches. I've seen participants in near tears because they didn't get the responses they expected or wanted, in some cases after having spent everything they had to attend. I've been on that hurt end a couple of times, myself. Enough to know to appreciate the encouragement and good advice when I received it.

I did have one agent who requested a partial from me and then never followed up. But that's part of the game. They may like the pitch better than the actual execution and it's no more or less than the same gamble you take when sending a query letter by mail.

Popeyesays · Sep 21, 2006

The only reason an agent NEEDS a submission is because it might be good enough to take it on successfully.

His slush pile is probably deep enough. If he ASKS for more it's cause he wants it.

Regards,
Scott

batgirl · Sep 21, 2006

Send it or I'll give you a negative rep point! I mean it!
-Barbara

maestrowork · Sep 21, 2006

Goodness! You have a standing invitation to send in your work and almost two months later you're still balking? Get it done and send it out already. Fear of success will always lead to failure -- do nothing if that's what you want.

Jenan Mac · Sep 21, 2006

Okay, here's the deal: they do say that to everyone, and the agents do this so that they can cruelly crush your hopes at a later date, when it's more convenient. And by the way, when they do get your manuscript, they'll never read it, but recycle it in a carefully crafted, million-dollar-making paper-recycling venture. After they steam the SASE and steal the postage.

See? Your inner voice just said "that is so not true". And ya know what? You should listen to your inner voice, because it's right. So send it already.

PattiTheWicked · Sep 21, 2006

It would probably benefit a lot of people if you DON'T send it. You know, like all those other writers you're competing against to get something read.

Send it now, or I'll unleash my flying monkeys.

popmuze · Sep 21, 2006

I guess Klostes (only 19 posts) doesn't know the half of what happens when the power of AW is unleashed on an unsuspecting newbie.

But look at the join date--August. Right about the time of the pitch session.

In my opinion, the post is a plea for us to force the action.

I just hope we haven't driven poor Klostes into a nervous breakdown.

They say that to everyone...don't they?

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