This thread has been a great source of inspiration and support for me, too. We'll have to keep the momentum going. Writing can be such a hard road...but when you have people to share it with who know exactly what you're going through, it helps!
Excellent advice from Jack on the query writing, too. Keep on keeping on!
Oh, and drinking does make the rejection easier. I'm having my evening gin and just got a rejection from a referral. It was the usual 'It did not come together as I had hoped' bit. Meh. Do these agents take a college class: 'Rejection 101'? They all use the same shpiel.
I'm currently working on an inspirational romance series set in the 1870s, but I plan to write romances circa 1940 at some point. Depends on if my agent approves. These days, I've been seeing more novels set in the Golden Era as opposed to present day. There's a demand for novels that incorporate nostalgia and a certain bygone style of storytelling.
If the wind will not serve, take to the oars.
-Latin proverb
I hear you. Rejection is extremely tough. That first sentence of the dreaded letter always starts with something akin to "Thank you for your submission" but the second sentence kills it with, "Unfortunately...." It really boils down to the saying of one man's trash is another's treasure. I had several publishers turn me down, saying that they didn't like my characterization or the story pacing. Then I queried for an agent, and she signed me because she thought my writing was unique and cliche-free. It all depends on individuals' preferences.Originally Posted by Senator Jack
If the wind will not serve, take to the oars.
-Latin proverb
Just discovered this post having made a mention of my book over in the Observation Bar forum...
I certainly feel everyone's pain re rejection - it can be a long rocky road - but I guess it serves its purpose. But every now and again you can get one away...
It's a golden era set fantasy and out now published by Philomel.
Can read a little more info here...
www.alexwilliamsbooks.co.uk
All best wishes
Alex
I hope you're right, Lindy Lady. I've had an overwhelming response from agents that say it's a hard time period to sell. Maybe it depends on the genre, though? Mine is more mainstream and not a straight romance, though there is a love story involved.
Another rejection.
I was especially looking forward to the response of this agent (she's very well known) and finally got a letter in the mail today.
"While your writing is strong and you develop your characters nicely, I am concerned about the time period. World War II is an especially difficult period to sell."
ARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
I was looking for reprints (along the lines of Nostalgia Venture's Doc Savage and The Shadow), and I came across this publishing house with newer prints of Charlie Chan novels. They might be worth sending something to (if you haven't already), as there are a couple of WW2 novels listed in their catalog.
http://www.academychicago.com/index.html
Oh wow. Thank you so much, R! I'm going to give this publisher serious consideration.
My rejection from Academy Chicago came yesterday.They say they've seriously cut back on fiction.
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