Top this, if you can...

David I · Jan 31, 2008

At the risk of annoying an agent (oh, Lord forbid!), I'd like to relate that I recently received a phone call from an agency requesting a full manuscript...(drum roll...wait for it...)

...on a partial they received back in 2002. I mean, back before the Iraq War started. I mean, waaaaaaaaaay back.

Meanwhile I've published another novel, and the book in question has been bought by a publsher for release in 2008.

I really want to see the pages. Have they been used to prop up a desk? Keep the philodendron from leaking onto the windowsill? Folded into fancy interlinked origami swans, which at some point an agent in the building happened to focus on and say, "Hunh, Ashley? This here lampshade looks like the openin' to some effing novel..."?

Okay, I don't mean to boast. But can anyone top a five-year postiive (and too-late) response time on a partial?

Do I rock? Or what? (Don't answer that.)

KTC · Jan 31, 2008

wow. That is incredible! I wonder if that's the longest wait in history?

CaroGirl · Jan 31, 2008

David I said:
At the risk of annoying an agent (oh, Lord forbid!), I'd like to relate that I recently received a phone call from an agency requesting a full manuscript...(drum roll...wait for it...)

...on a partial they received back in 2002. I mean, back before the Iraq War started. I mean, waaaaaaaaaay back.

Meanwhile I've published a novel and the book in question has been bought by another publsher for release in 2008.

I really want to see the pages. Have they been used to prop up a desk? Keep the philodendron from leaking onto the windowsill? Folded into fancy interlinked origami swans, which at some point an agent in the building happened to focus on and say, "Hunh, Ashley? This here lampshade looks like the openin' to some effing novel..."?

Okay, I don't mean to boast. But can anyone top a five-year postiive (and too-late) response time on a partial?

Do I rock? Or what? (Don't answer that.)

I'd like to say "or what" but you are somewhat rock-like in that you are a particular shade of grey and don't move around a lot.

That's a wicked story. Bet you could base a novel around it.

SageFury · Jan 31, 2008

CaroGirl said:
I'd like to say "or what" but you are somewhat rock-like in that you are a particular shade of grey and don't move around a lot.

That's a wicked story. Bet you could base a novel around it.

Call it "The novel across time.. Origami style"

=)

SadieCass · Jan 31, 2008

Um...wow. 5 years? That story has me giggling...and crying all at once *lol* Great story!!

JJ Cooper · Jan 31, 2008

I think Matthew Reilly may be able to get an episode out of that story for his new series.

JJ

Soccer Mom · Jan 31, 2008

Wow. Just...wow.

Erin · Jan 31, 2008

Absolutely incredible! Did they even apologize for the delay?!

ChaosTitan · Jan 31, 2008

Erin said:
Did they even apologize for the delay?!

Did they even notice the delay???

Wow.

kristie911 · Jan 31, 2008

Aw...you've just given me hope that they're not ignoring me, they're simply behind.

Wow sums it up.

Hillary · Jan 31, 2008

David I said:
Do I rock? Or what? (Don't answer that.)

If the "Things that Rock" thread weren't on "L" at the moment, I'd put you in as a thing that rocks.

So, in conclusion, yes.

ona · Jan 31, 2008

They are behinds, indeed.

David I · Jan 31, 2008

ChaosTitan said:
Did they even notice the delay???

Wow.

Oh, yes. The poor young woman who called (not the agent herself, of course) was quite apologetic.

I don't think she understood why I kept giggling, and I am sure she was happy to get me off the line.

ChaosTitan · Jan 31, 2008

I can't imagine calling someone after FIVE years and thinking the manuscript was still available. That just seems....I dunno, insulting, or something.

Madison · Jan 31, 2008

amazing. i guess i should work on my patience... i may have a long wait ahead

JohnDavidPaxton · Jan 31, 2008

Good sir, I believe you have won.

At least they didn't wait nearly six years to tell you no, though...

Ravenlocks · Jan 31, 2008

I really, really hope you mentioned to them that the book is slated for release in 2008!

Cuz I know I would've.

Viral · Jan 31, 2008

That is epic. Fully epic.

Raphee · Jan 31, 2008

Another feel good story for the poor souls on this board.
or is it. There are uses for paper other than lamp shades, but lets not talk about that.

JoNightshade · Jan 31, 2008

The ultimate vindication. Awesomez.

Nari · Feb 1, 2008

Wow! What a blip! An absolute blip! I'd email them a copy of your post here and address it to the one who was sleeping.

Andre_Laurent · Feb 1, 2008

Talk about being behind. Geez.

NeuroFizz · Feb 1, 2008

Maybe this thread should let us all know that the proverbial "slush pile" actually exists, and that there are slush moles who occasionally burrow on through it to find worms*.

Congrats on your recent successes, David.

*not meant as an insult to the OP - worms are mole food.

Moon Daughter · Feb 1, 2008

Well, it wasn't their fault that their desk was wobbly because the guy who made the desk had one leg that was shorter than the other and they had to put something that would fit underneath the leg right away or else all the other ms's on the desk would get mixed up and lost on the floor. So, in turn, they said: "Let's sacrifice this ms for five years and then reward him with a request!"

I'm being "cereal".

Prawn · Feb 1, 2008

The only thing that would be worse would be a five year delayed rejection!

Top this, if you can...

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