Heads Up: Harper Voyager calls for unagented submissions

thothguard51 said:

Not sure why, but I dread Tuesday more than Monday. We will see...

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I agree. Maybe they will use Monday to regroup/meet and then....

HV has updated the submission standings as of 2/01/2013.

2,200, rejected
543, still being considered.
1,800, that still need to be read.

HV promises another update in a few weeks. Mean while, here is where AW members stand as of 2/11/2013.

The AW Water Cooler is now up to 81 members submitting 98 manuscripts as of 9pm 10/15/2012.

For total submissions by AW members, are now up to 33 rejections, 4 still in review, and 61 not reporting any response from HV yet...

01..JJdebenedictis, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/01/12, rejected 1/8/2013.

02...Saanen, submitted 2 fantasy manuscripts on 10/01/12, both rejected 1/8/2013.

03...thothguard51, submitted 1 Epic Fantasy manuscript on 10/01/12, no response yet.

04...marmowen, submitted 1 Epic Fantasy manuscript on 10/01/12, no response yet.

05...Amergina, submitted 1 urban fantasy manuscript on 10/01/12, no response yet.

06...Dryad, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/01/12, no response yet.

07...tirceretops, submitted 3 manuscripts on 10/01/12, genre ?, all three rejected 1/8/2013

08...Shadow Ferret, submitted 1 Urban Paranormal manuscript on 10/01/12, no response yet.

09...A.P.M, submitted 2 YA manuscripts on 10/01/12, both rejected 1/14/2013.

10...Michael Drakich, submitted 3 manuscripts on 10/01/12, no response yet.

11...GeorgeK, submitted 1 Fantasy and 1 SF on 10/05/2012, no response yet.

12...G. Applejack, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/06/2012, no response yet.

13...Anarchic Q, submitted 1 fantasy on 10/07/2012 and 1 dystopian SF 10/13/2012, 1 still in review as of 1/8/2013, 1 rejected on 1/23/2013, but unsure which one.

14...MaraValderran, submitted 1 Epic Fantasy manuscript on 10/09/2012, no response yet.

15...eileenmcilwain, submitted 1 YA Urban Fantasy, 10/11/2012, rejected 1/30/2013.

16...ElizaC, submitted 1 Epic Fantasy on10/04/2012, and 1 Urban Fantasy on 10/07/2012, no responses yet.

17...Evelyn, submitted 1 SF manuscript on 10/05/2012, rejected on 1/16/2013.

18...Andrea GS, submitted 2 manuscripts on 10/13/2012, 1 rejected on 1/23/2013, but unsure which one.

19...Miguelito, submitted 2 Fantasy manuscripts,10/04/2012, and 10/12/2012, 1 rejected on 1/?/2013 but unsure which one.

20...Retlaw, submitted 1 mystery, 10/14/2012, banned from AW, outcome unknown.

21...Amadan, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/13/2012?, no response yet.

22...Mistri, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/14/2012, no response yet.

23...Lineykin, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/14/2012, no response yet.

24...M.R. Mortimer, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/07/2012, no response yet.

25...N.P. Browning, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/07/2012, rejected 1/22/2013.

26...Cally W, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/13/12, rejected 1/23/2013.

27...Espresso5, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/14/12, rejected 1/23/2012.

28...J.R.Vogt, submitted 1 urban fantasy, 10/02/2012, no response yet.

29...Veggie Neko, submitted 1 YA Fantasy, 10/14/2012, no response yet.

30...Jan Darby, submitted 1 urban fantasy on 10/01/2012 and 1 dystopian on 10/02/2012, no responses yet.

31...Omnigon, submitted 1 Epic Fantasy, 10/13/2012, no response yet.

32...WarpedReality, submitted 1 YA Fantasy, 10/14/2012, no response yet.

33...Leanan-Sidhe, submitted 1 manuscript, 10/15/2012, no response yet.

34...RemusShepherd, submitted 1 YA SF, 10/01/2012, no response yet.

35...Xenith, submitted 1 fantasy, 10/02/2012, no response yet.

36...Link 389, submitted 1 Epic Fantasy, 10/01/2012, no response yet.

37...BlinkerBot, submitted 1 Epic Fantasy, 10/06/2012, no response yet.

38...Bookislovakia, submitted 1 contemporary fantasy, 10/08/2012?, no response yet.

39...Skunkmellon, submitted 1 Fantasy manuscript on 10/12/2012, no response yet.

40...Velcro, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/14/2012, rejected 1/24/2013.

41...Cameomac, submitted 1 Urban Fantasy on 10/9/2012, no response yet.

42...Sarahdalton, submitted 1 SF YA dystopian, 1/10/2012, no response yet.

43...Clovia, submitted 1 Contemp. Fantasy, 10/13/2012, no response yet.

44...Pterofan, submitted 1 Urban Fantasy 10/01/2012, no response yet.

45...Sheadakota, submitted 1 Paranormal, 10/07/2012, no response yet.

46...Literati, submitted 1 manuscript on 10/14/2012, still in review 1/08/2013.

47...loki76. submitted 1 SF Paranormal on 10/02/2012 and 1 SF Horror 10/06/2012, no response yet.

48...Black Marlin, submitted 1 Military SF manuscript on 10/13/2012, no response yet.

49...Teleidoplay, submitted 1 Urban Fantasy on 10/04/2012, no response yet.

50...Specialfae, submitted 1 YA manuscript on 10/09/2012, no response yet.

51...td333777, submitted 1 Urban Fantasy on 10/12/2012, outcome...?

52...Beverly, submitted 1 SF on 10/12/2012, rejected 1/22/2013.

53...J.L. Rowan, submitted 1 Epic Fantasy on 10/07/2012, rejected 1/22/2013.

54...BillBlume, submitted 2 traditional Fantasy manuscripts, 10/06/2012 and 10/15/2012, 1 still in review as of 1/08/2013, no response on 2nd.

55...AnnaC, submitted 1 SF on 10/11/2012, no response yet.

56...Cmartin, submitted 1 YA paranormal on 10/14/2012, rejected 1/23/2013.

57...Michael P, submitted 1 Sword & Sorcery on 10/08/2012, no response yet.

58...CatherineS, submitted 1 Fantasy on 10/09/2012, no response yet.

59...Slclick37, sumitted 1 YA Supernatural on 10/13/2012, no response yet.

60...Gin Jones, submitted 2 manuscripts,10/01/2012 and 10/02/2012, both rejected 1/14/2013 & 1/16/2013.

61...Ravenlea, submitted 1 Urban Fantasy on 10/14/2012, no response yet.

62...Chebbs, submitted 1 Epic Fantasy on 10/14/2012, rejected 1/23/2013.

63...eltondiva, submitted 1 Dark Fantasy on 10/01/2012?, rejected 1/10/2013.

64...AziaRayne, submitted 1 Urban Fantasy on 10/14/2012, no response yet.

65...entropicsinkhole, submitted 1 Urban fanstasy on 10/01/2012, and 1 SF on 10/14/2012 1 rejected 1/23/2013.

66...sennydreadful, submitted 1 Urban Fantasy on 10/15/2012, rejected 1/23/2013.

67...A Long December submitted 1 on ?, genre ?, rejected 1/23/2013.

68...QueenFrostine, submitted 1 YA Fantasy on 10/9/2012, no response yet.

69...Janntampa, submitted 1 on ?, genre ?, rejected 1/23/2013.

70...Absolute Koala, submitted 2 Horror submissions on 10/15. 1 is still in review as of 1/8/2013, no response yet on 2nd.

71...MichelleAdir, submitted 1 YA Fantasy on 10/14/2012, rejected 1/23/2013.

72...BoBalder, submitted 1 Fantasy on 10/12/2012, no reposnse yet.

73...Skatehall, submitted 1 YA Supernatural on 10/06/2012, no response yet.

74...SK Daley, submitted 1 Fantasy on 10/03/2012, rejected 1/30/2013.

75...Adam Rakunas, submitted 1 SF, 10/13/2012, no response yet.

76...Treehouseman, submitted 1 YA Cyberpunk, 10/14/2012?, no response yet.

77...Sochitelya, submitted 2 Urban Fantasies on 10/1/2012 and 10/2/2012, no response yet.

78...ChesS, submitted 1 SF religious satire on 10/13/2012, no response yet.

79...GingerSue, submitted 1 Urban Fantasy on 10/04/2012, rejected 1/30/2013.

80...Lauren 82, submitted 1 Paranormal Romance on 10/6/2012, rejected 2/11/2013.

81...Springs1, submitted 1 Space Opera SF on 10/03/2012, no response yet.

If I missed anyone, or got any of the information wrong, please notify me. To those who have reported their submissions, please report back on any contact you recieve from Harper Voyager. If not, then on March 1st, I will mark outcome as no response/closed.

For new members who have found the AW Watercooler because of this open submission by HV, welcome and enjoy your stay. Please check and join in the other forums, including the newbee starter threads. I think you all will find a wealth of information on writing and publishing, and just maybe make a few friends...

I really hope we'll hear something this week, but I'm not going to hold my breath. I'm trying *not* to get discouraged, but ever since learning they've gone though over half the submissions in 4-ish months...I dunno. I guess I'm feeling down on the process.

(Not to say I don't understand it's a one of a kind opportunity, no news is good news, long wait times are to be expected... blah, blah, blah. It's the reason I haven't pulled my manuscript yet.)

G. Applejack said:

I really hope we'll hear something this week, but I'm not going to hold my breath. I'm trying *not* to get discouraged, but ever since learning they've gone though over half the submissions in 4-ish months...I dunno. I guess I'm feeling down on the process.

(Not to say I don't understand it's a one of a kind opportunity, no news is good news, long wait times are to be expected... blah, blah, blah. It's the reason I haven't pulled my manuscript yet.)

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I'm the same. Plus I read over a bit of one of the stories I submitted and was like, 'Haha wow, I thought this was good?' But on the other hand, I guess it reduces the stress a little, and if that 1 in a billion chance happens, it'll be even sweeter for being unexpected.

G. Applejack said:

I really hope we'll hear something this week, but I'm not going to hold my breath. I'm trying *not* to get discouraged, but ever since learning they've gone though over half the submissions in 4-ish months...I dunno. I guess I'm feeling down on the process.

(Not to say I don't understand it's a one of a kind opportunity, no news is good news, long wait times are to be expected... blah, blah, blah. It's the reason I haven't pulled my manuscript yet.)

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Jeez. Four months is nothing. Why would you pull your manuscript? Just start submitting it elsewhere. The exclusion period is over. If someone else accepts it, you can tell HV. If not, it's still in the running until you hear differently.

I don't get some of y'all.

Amadan said:

I don't get some of y'all.

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Everyone is different and copes/reacts differently. Some of us are still relatively new to this side of writing and are still learning what 'normal' is. Speaking only for myself, I am still learning to cope with the waves of panic, excitement, confusion and numerous other feelings and sensations that putting our 'babies' out there evokes.

Someday I hope to be as calm, cool and collected as some of you... until then I'm thankful for AW and all of you here that also remember being new to this.

@ Nick: Thank you as always for all your hard work. At this point though I do think it's instructive, as Michael has occasionally done, to include in your list a color-coded notation alongside anyone who has yet to check in since the rejections began back in early January. The numbers (31 rejected/4 under review/63 no news) do not come anywhere near the percentage that we ought to see right now, which should be more like 47 rejected/4 under review/47 no news. Yes, yes, it's only speculation, but it would help to know exactly how many previous posters have neglected to check in. Were we to factor in those persons as likely rejections, would we see more like a 47/4/47 statistic? Just curious.

@Applejack: Yes it's been 4 months, but as we've said before, several rather powerful factors would account for the slow start: holidays, hurricanes, the distraction of a submission which caught their eye at the outset (and no doubt attracted a good deal of office-wide attention), and of course a rough start to a project that must've at first overwhelmed them. I'm fairly confident they've got a good system going by now. As for the length of time.....last week I received a request for a full from an agent that I queried back in May of last year. That's over 8 months ago. Let's say it takes them 3 more months to read it, and let's say (woo-hoo!) they sign me and sub it, and it takes another 4-6 months to (woo-hoo!) snag a publisher, and after that another 14 months (woo-hoo!) to print. This way is far far better, don't you think?

@Specialfae: I heard at a conference 2 years ago a very instructive piece of advice. You'll do much better when you stop thinking about that book as your baby and start thinking about it as a product you're selling. You can't afford to get wounded by criticism or bogged down by any powerful sensations associated with the querying process. Criticism is a tool for personal improvement, and waiting gives you the opportunity to work on something else in the meantime. You must advance to the next phase, wherein you do all it takes to get your product on the market, even if it means changing that book in fundamental ways. Even if it means waiting for freakin-ever for someone to fall in love with your vision.

All that said, I am not cool, calm, or collected. I can barely focus on anything else. My house is a disaster area, and there is still evidence of Christmas tucked about here and there. To my shame, I do the happy dance every day that a particular email doesn't show up. Limbo is not a pretty place to be in for this many weeks!

Thank you, Specialfae and CatherineS for your thoughtful replies.

I do hope they prove me wrong and they've got a good system going by now. Like Specialfae, I'm new to this. It's been a roller coaster of emotions and this is my first submission anywhere. Being stuck in limbo is driving me batty. XD

thothguard51 said:

HV has updated the submission standings as of 2/01/2013.

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It does make for slightly depressing reading.

Mythical Monday and its still early.

What magical wisdom or demonic terrors will we hear about?

Well, add me to the list of rejections I just saw it now, it came Sunday night. Good luck to you all!!

Sorry to hear that, Lauren. Good luck with your future submissions.

CatherineS,

Speculating as to which members have been rejected, or accepted is not going to help with the numbers.

Why?

Yes, I could speculate on what members have been rejected because they have not reported back, but I could also speculate on what members have been accepted by HV but have been asked not to say anything by HV.

It works two ways...

Sorry to hear Lauren, best of luck with your future submissions. Your submission tracker has been updated...

Nick, just for the sake of speculation, however, I have identified at least eleven submitters from your list who have not been heard from since logging in last year. That makes the numbers more like 42/4/52, which is far more in line with what one would expect based on the numbers that HV released. This is all about probability, and the probability that all 11 (let alone even one) received offers from HV and were asked to stay mum is very low compared to the chances that they all got their Rs and never checked back in. I wasn't asking you to change the master list, I was just thinking that it would be useful to mark those submitters who haven't checked in and run a side-statistic, for curiosity's sake.

Lauren82 said:

Well, add me to the list of rejections I just saw it now, it came Sunday night. Good luck to you all!!

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Commiserations Lauren.

No word myself yet. (unless HV are talking to me on a frequency I just can't hear....(not impossible, you know! I do have floppy ears*)...)


*i dont.

OK, lets mark all those who have not reported back in, (many of whom more than likely don't even know I am keeping a submission tracker), anyway, lets mark them all as still under consideration. Unless you have other proof...

It makes as much sense as listing them as rejected...

CatherineS said:

Nick, just for the sake of speculation, however, I have identified at least eleven submitters from your list who have not been heard from since logging in last year. That makes the numbers more like 42/4/52, which is far more in line with what one would expect based on the numbers that HV released. This is all about probability, and the probability that all 11 (let alone even one) received offers from HV and were asked to stay mum is very low compared to the chances that they all got their Rs and never checked back in. I wasn't asking you to change the master list, I was just thinking that it would be useful to mark those submitters who haven't checked in and run a side-statistic, for curiosity's sake.

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it aint easy....

Paul said:

it aint easy....

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but as others said, better they do it right and it takes time, bringing us terrible uncertainty, than they do it rushed, and leave us with... terrible certainty...

Lauren82 said:

Well, add me to the list of rejections I just saw it now, it came Sunday night. Good luck to you all!!

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Sorry to hear. A Sunday night rejection. I think that's a first. I guess reviewing the list isn't your standard 9 to 5 job.

CatherineS said:

Nick, just for the sake of speculation, however, I have identified at least eleven submitters from your list who have not been heard from since logging in last year. That makes the numbers more like 42/4/52, which is far more in line with what one would expect based on the numbers that HV released. This is all about probability, and the probability that all 11 (let alone even one) received offers from HV and were asked to stay mum is very low compared to the chances that they all got their Rs and never checked back in. I wasn't asking you to change the master list, I was just thinking that it would be useful to mark those submitters who haven't checked in and run a side-statistic, for curiosity's sake.

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If we assumed those who have not been heard from to automatically be rejections, then the number of AW rejections would rise to 56% (28% rejected + 28% no update -- with 40% no response and 4% review) which is a larger rejection ratio than HV's numbers! But--but--I thought AW members were "special." Lol guess that disproves it; we are averaging below the norm!

Seriously, there is no way we can guess who has been rejected and who hasn't. All I'm seeing is people trying to make our numbers fit HV's, which defeats the purpose of counting our own small pool. We have no idea what the true rejection ratio is, nor can we guess why some members on the forum have not updated. Maybe they just don't feel comfortable posting or are afraid to "jinx" themselves. Maybe some aren't focused enough to follow the topic or are too busy with life or other projects. Maybe some have been rejected, and again maybe some just haven't heard anything--which seems more likely a reason why they wouldn't feel the need to update. Personally, I'm guessing it's a little of all of the above.

And I hate to be the voice of doom here, but all or most of us are going to be rejected in the end; that is a fact, not speculation, so while it's great to have fun with the guessing games, it's probably best not to get too worked up over the numbers and just be thankful for the opportunity, lest we find ourselves seriously disappointed. Just take it for what it is, and remember this is only one more opportunity among many. Consider that the numbers we're competing against are pretty huge--at least as large or larger than any slush pile--so it's not like this is even the most practical way to submit a manuscript.

But it is fun, for sure.

Great speech, now watch me be the next to get a rejection, lol.

OMNI,

Tracking AW members was my sole purpose in starting the tracker on this thread. Just for kicks and not any serious attempt to figure out the fame...

Have fun with it people, but don't take this tracker thingy too seriously...

Definitely AIN'T easy. <Bashing head against wall>
I WAS having fun with the numbers, actually, it's ALWAYS been less than serious for me.....but at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I am going to make one final stand, if only because I don't understand Omni's figures.

HV's percents:
543/4550= 12% reserved
2200/4550=48% rejected
1800/4550=40% still to read
WC's percents (after moving the 11 unaccounted-for to the rejection slot):
4/98=4% reserved
42/98=43% rejected
52/98=53% still to read

So, yeah we ARE still special <winking, WINKING!!!>.
Sure, maybe a couple of those 11 folks have not been following this thread because they're too busy, but I'm only talking about probability--the likelihood that they got rejected and dropped the thread without checking in.
And now I promise I am walking away because this horse is really really dead and annoying other people was never my objective.

Sorry to hear about the R Lauren Wishing you luck with future submissions.

Sunday reply, that's a first, maybe it was the snow storm.

Catherine - As for looking at my baby as a product you are right, in truth I know you are (and thank you for taking the time to give me that feedback, honestly.) I do know I have to work on that part (the mental part) so much harder to do though. I'm still in that 'easily wounded/protective/fearful stage'. I'm sure reality will adjust that soon enough though. ha ha (said with tongue in cheek)

Sorry Lauren :-(

Thanks to the statisticians for all the stats and charts. Fun, fun!