Had to laugh!

It's not often that I get rejected before a rejection. It was funny at first until I really stopped and thought about it. Comment from an editor about my query letter.

"I have to tell you that this title just doesn't fly. It's cheesy, and I'm sorry, I just can't B.S. you or any author. It's no reflection on your writing, but we'd have to change that title if we publish this."

Title: Planet Janitor--Custodian of the Stars.

Well, Gak. I guess it does conjur up images of a spaceman with a mop and bucket. As Joe Dirt would say, "dang." Maybe I'll cut off the first two words and leave it at that.

Ever get the feeling you're hamstrung before you even get out of the starting gate?

No biggie, though. I'm not as obsessed about this as he is. Publishers alway pull a title switch anyway.

Thought it was funny. I imagined him coming through my computer screen with a red face, clutching a prefered title list. "You vill sign zee papers!"

Tri

Thanks guys. You make me feel better. Though it is a Crusoe survival story, there is a lot of humor in it. The players are somewhat stumble bumb environmentalists who have to learn how to survive and cope with each other. Idiots transform into galactic heroes.

Tri

I've seen galactic pirates, detectives, thugs, thieves, exploration teams, miners and all other sundry. I just tried to come up with something different.

Oh, I agree absolutely about letting the marketing folks come up with the best possible title. I would never, ever have any problem with that. Afterall, an unpublished book has only a running title to begin with. They all do.

Tri

Thanks, Greenwolf. There's great purpose and irony in that title. My next one (just started) is called Hang A Left At Aldebaran. If they don't like it, well, they can just make a U-turn at Proxima Centauri.

Tri