Got an interesting rejection:

"Thanks for your interest in our agency. Unfortunately you've caught me at a time when the demands of my current clients leave me with very little time to devote to exploring new talent and unfortunately in this case I have to pass on the opportunity to pursue this. I am being extremely picky so please seek many opinions since my decision may have little to do with the salability of your work."

I appreciate his sending me a rejection note. Many won't even do that much.

More on: agents, marketing, novels, publishing, Query, Querying, rejection

About Paul West

Paul West is a freelance writer and novelist. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Paul claims to be a "Prune Picker," though he now makes his home in Taylorsville, Utah.

You can follower him on Twitter: @PaulWWest

Published: Thursday, December 11, 2014

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After my last post, it occurred to me that some of you (all 1 or 2 of you) might not get what I was talking (writing) about. They didn't get that I was talking about publishing my novel, that I still prefer to have a traditional publisher publish my novel.

A lot of writers are self-publishing lately, but when I consider the quality of self-published books, there's a much greater chance the book will not be a quality work. Publishers (at least most of them) know and only accept quality work to publish. With self-publishing there's no guarantee.

Sure, some self-published work is great, well done. But I tend to think most are trashy with little or no editing. Let's face it. Hiring an professional editor is expensive. I can't afford it. And that's a huge reason I need to go traditional.

On another subject, sort of. I've sent out nearly 20 query letters so far in the past month. Here's to not holding my breath. I intend to send out more. I've heard back from 3 or 4 of them, all negative with no helpful notes, but I ain't given' up.

Wish me luck.

I agree with the old school thinking about finding an agent/editor. It goes: "If it's not good enough for a traditional publisher, it's probably not good enough."

I just can't get over that idea. I know a lot of people will disagree with me, and some of them are actually selling a lot of books, but I think they are the exception, not the rule, and probably could do even better with a major publishing house.

Hang in there you faithful followers (all 1 or 2 of you). I ain't giving up. It's gonna sell!!!

Got 5 rejections so far. Most agents won't let me know, however, so I should probably log all of them as rejections. j/k. Still, who knows. Maybe one will eventually prove positive. I've thought about self-publishing but I just can't bring myself to go that route. Hang on for the bumpy ride.

To all of you (all 1 or 2 of you) who are following my rantings here, I hope you'll hang in there with me. Knowing you are with me gives me hope.

I got 5 rejections so far. Most won't let me know, however, so I should probably log all of them as rejections. j/k. Still, who knows. Maybe one will eventually prove positive. I've thought about self-publishing but I just can't bring myself to go that route.

Hi gang - all 1 or 2 of you.

Sorry for abandoning you. I've been gone and when I was here, I was too busy to get onto this blog site.

So, what have I been up to? Lots. I've reworked my query letter - again, and my synopsis. You know, it's really tough boiling a 83,000 word novel down to 3 or 4 sentences, but I think I've done it - I hope. We'll see when the rejections come through - hahaha.

If it doesn't work this time, I'm seriously considering going the self-published route. I don't like doing it that way, however. I feel "if it ain't good enough for a traditional publishing house, it probably ain't good enough."

Hang in there, fans (all 1 or 2 of you). The bumpy ride isn't done yet. So, if you enjoy hearing about my agony, keep tuned. I need y'all to be there when I finally publish my novel - and purchase it, hehehe.

BTW, you do remember the title don't you? Vengeance or Vindication?

Thanks y'all,
Paul

Yesterday, during my lunch break at work, I started to resume sending out query letters. I think my latest query revision is good, thanks to the help of a couple of my former critique partners coming to my rescue.

Then, I realized I also need to revise my synopsis. So, here's to more work. But it shouldn't take long to tweak it to fit my novel's revision.

Hang in there, all 1 or 2 of you. I'll get this project off the ground yet.

Reworking my query - again. I hate writing query letters, but I guess they're a necessary evil if you ever want to be published.

Because of the rewrite of my novel, a new query is needed. I think what I have could work, but I'm still open to comments and critiquing. I've posted it at a couple of sites that do query reviews. I'm hoping they will help me get to a quality query.

Wish me luck, all 1 or 2 of you.

Thanks

Finally finished the rewrite of my novel I'm calling "Vengeance and Vindication" (V&V) for now. It's about 490 pages, 85,000 words. It's about a young man who loses his family in a fiery automobile accident on the Carquinez Bridge and struggles to be accepted at a new high school in the shadow of the bridge where his family died, while trying to discover who caused the accident.

I think I'm ready to resume sending out query letters now. Wish me luck, all 1 or 2 of you.

If any of you (1 or 2 of you) would like to review it for me, I'd be open to that, but I need an honest critique and I can't pay anything. However, I would be open to paying a percentage of the advance and royalties, assuming there are any.

Any takers?

You can contact me at paulwwest@q.com.

Not a whole lot has been happening in the writing arena. I'm working on some final (???) edits to my novel I'm now calling Vengeance & Vindication. Does that title have a nicer ring than Bridge to Destiny? Let me know, all 1 or 2 of you, what you think. Personally, while it's a bit big, I think it coveys the main theme in the story better.

What do you (all 1 or 2 of you) think?

Still working on the revisions. I'm up to page 270. Also, I've changed the title. Still not a great title, but at least it captures the theme of the story. For now, until all 1 or 2 of you come up with something better, I'm calling it "VENGEANCE AND VINDICATION." The story is a lot about revenge and forgiveness.

Do you like it? If not can you come up with something better. I'm open.

Still working on the revisions.

I think I posted about a company, that will remain nameless, that wanted $700 to market my novel to agents and publishers. As I'm going through my novel, making major and minor changes, I'm realizing more and more that this company is a scam. They claimed to have read my novel and made some comments (that I agree helped a little). But as I'm going through my novel, I'm becoming more and more aware that they couldn't have read the entire thing. In their comments, they totally missed the meaning of the novel. I really think all they wanted was my money, regardless whether or not the book is publishable.

Fat chance!!!

Keep following (all 1 or 2 of you). I'm sure I'll have many more exciting adventures along the publishing trail as time goes by.

Hi Fans (all 1 or 2 of you),

This week I don't have much to comment on. I've been too busy to do much of my writing, just the writing I need to do for my "real" job.

I have, however, found a few minutes here and there and I'm still working on the revision of my novel. I think this revision is going great! I can feel it coming on the way it was meant when I first started to write this so many years ago.

I can't wait to finish it so I can, once again, start marketing it.

Then, I'm anxious to resume work on GERTA! and Johnny Sweeting's Story.

More about them later. Keep with me. It's got to get better.

I'm so glad I have so many followers (all 1 or 2 of you), ha, ha, ha.

Oh, well. Keep posted and I'll let you know about the progress I'm making with my first novel, Bridge to Destiny. Yesterday, I decided to change the title to something more catching. I'm not calling it "Retribution and Vindication." You'll have to read the book to discover why the name change. Frankly, it fits the story better, but I may change it again.

Following the advice of that group that wants to charge me $700 to market my book to agents or publishing houses, I am revising the story. I've completely done away with the first chapter where I described in some detail the accident that started the ball (story) rolling. Now, Mark, the MC, starts by describing his sadness over losing most of his family but he doesn't remember any of it, even though he was there. Eventually, he will start remembering, but the whole accident won't be revealed to him until the climax of the book.

I won't bore you with those details, ha, ha, ha. But reading it earlier today, I still find it very suspenseful and even frightening.

Wish me luck as I revise the entire novel.

And in the meantime, my two other novels are sitting on the proverbial shelf.

Anyone who knows me knows I have two sweet daughters. Both

For all of you (all 1 or 2 of you) who are new to this site, just a word of explanation. I have written one complete novel and am working on two others. The first novel I am tentatively calling Bridge to Destiny, or B2D for short. It is set in my childhood community of Crockett California and in particular my alma mater, John Swett High School, in 1965, the year I graduated. It's about a young man (seventeen) who loses his family on the Carquinez Bridge and vows to get even with whoever cause the accident that killed his family. Of course there is a lot more to it than that, including a love story, but that should give you some idea of what my novel is about. I'm currently searching for an agent and/or publisher if anyone knows of one who might be interested in handling my novel. I'll fill you in on the other two novels later. Stay tuned.

Our Alaska cruise was wonderful. We just saw portions of the pan-handle but what we saw was beautiful. I really hated to return home and to work.

Now, I'm so behind in my work it's likely to take me a while to get caught up. I'm going to have a tough time doing the revisions the people at AWA suggested.

They suggested combining my first and second chapters. The first was well written, but the second had more of a hook. I've started working on that, starting with chapter 2 and using flashbacks to incorporate the important elements of chapter 1. But I'm finding I'm losing a lot that is so important for character development in chapter 1. So, I'm rethinking how to do this, if I do at all. Maybe there's a way to incorporate a better hood into chapter 1 and not combine them at all.

Wish me luck, all 1 or 2 of you faithful followers.

Summer has been crazy so far and doesn't appear to be getting any better. We've made two trips to California so far, had family get-togethers, and now we're looking forward to an Alaska Cruise. Can't wait. In the meantime, I sent my query letter (at their request) to American Writers Association. I think, without a contract or agreement that I'd hire them to find a publisher for me, they were kind to respond. They basically told me my query was well written but a bit wordy. So, I'm going over that again, along with reworking my opening chapters. Hang in there all you faithful followers (all 1 or 2 of you) and I'll get published yet.

I just got off the phone with two people with the American Writers Association regarding their evaluation of my novel. First thing, they asked if I'm in love with the title "Bridge to Destiny." I told them no, but I just can't think of anything better. They then had some good comments and LOTs of praise for my writing. Several times they pointed to passages that showed great character development, great background information (Vietnam War), Great drama, etc. They said they'd found a couple of grammar glitches, but couldn't point them out. Guess I'll have to read through it again to find them. They didn't like my old chapter 1. Like that publisher recently told me, they agreed it lacked a hook. Too much detail about the accident in chapter 1. They told me I should combine that chapter with the funeral scene. They did say my original chapter 1 was very well written, and the new chapter 1 needed more in the way of character development and drama, though the drama there was good and Mark came across as sympathetic. They then asked to see my query letter, so I'm anxious to see what they think of that. Next, I know, they're going to want me to pay them $700 to market my novel to agents and publishers. That ain't gonna happen, but I didn't let them know that. They said their critique services were free, so I'm not under any obligation, plus there's no way I'll be able to come up with that much money. Overall, I think their evaluation was OK, not great, but OK.

... this time not to an agent or publisher, but to a company that promises to review my book and if I like their review I can pay them to submit it to over 1000 agents and publishers. I don't have to pay them for the review, so I'll wait to see what they come up with. I also submitted to two small publishers. Not holding my breath for them.

After reviewing the rejection letter from that publisher that I had hopes for, I think the primary reason for their rejection is because I don't have a strong enough book. Therefore, I've revised the first three chapters. Now, I hope the book is stronger and maybe that's been one of the many reasons I've not been accepted yet. I'll keep trying. Maybe someday I'll get it.

Well, that publisher that I had so much hope for, finally gave me a rejection. It was a nice one, I have to admit, but I can't tell if it was a form rejection or a personal one. Here it is. What do you think:

Dear Mr. West,

Thank you for submitting your work, Bridge to Destiny. After careful consideration, we have decided not to publish your manuscript at this time. While your writing is very good, it was felt that the story did not have a strong enough hook to compete with other similarly themed books aimed at the same audience. Please be aware that we offer to publish less than six percent of the manuscripts we review, and although we did not offer to publish your manuscript, we encourage you in your endeavors to get it published. We do not feel like we could effectively represent your book in the marketplace right now and hope that you can find a publisher to better suit your needs.

Again, thank you for sending us your manuscript.

Sincerely,

The Editorial Board

Just wondering. Do any of you (all 1 or 2 of you) have any idea which is better?

Is it better for a publisher to take a long time in responding or respond quickly?

My submission to the small publisher was done 3 months ago. They said they would respond in 2 to 8 months. I'm pretty sure they said they would respond either way.

Any possible answers from any of you?

Sent off two more query letters yesterday. Still trying, but not holding my breath.

Finally getting back to writing. I've been so busy with other things that I haven't had a moment free. So, now, I'm going through GERTA! and making some significant changes that I hope will tighten up the story.

In the meantime, though, I have submitted Bridge to Destiny to a few more agents, all with no response, yet.

Keep following if you want to share in my frustrations and victories. Yes, I said victories. I totally expect to have a victory one of these days.

I realized it's only been 2 months since I sent my submission to the small publisher. They have up to four more months to respond.

Now that I've quit my critique group, I'm now finally able to get back on track with my writing and submitting. I sent out two query letters today. I may never hear from them as they don't respond if they're not interested. I'll give them 8 weeks then scratch them off my list. In the meanwhile, I'll keep submitting and writing.

Still no word from that publisher, but then I don't expect to hear for another few months.

OK. I quit my critique group. I had to. Work and other responsibilities have taken precedensce. It was sad when I had tell all my good friends I'm quitting. But I totally intend to keep writing, and maybe this is a way to help me do that. Instead of filling my lunch hours with critiquing other people's words, I'll be able to spend that time writing. Still, I hate not getting the feedback a good critique group can give. Maybe, when my books are finished, I might go back, providing I have the time to do that.

I suppose there's a good chance I'll never get published, but that's OK. I love writing. It's in my blood. And maybe my kids, grandkids, and great grandkids will enjoy reading my stories.

Well, the second agent responded. No surprises. Gotta keep trying.

Ha, ha, ha. I sent off two queries to a couple of agents I found on the web. The first one didn't say how long she would take to respond, but did respond, within the hour - Reject.

The second won't respond right away, but did she she would respond within the month.

Here's to not holding my breath.

Haven't heard anything yet. But then I don't really expect to this early on. But I did get some great comments regarding the last written chapter of my Johnny Sweeting's Story, so I'm reworking the chapter. Much better, I have to say myself.

So, if you (all 1 or 2 of you) still want to follow a wannabe author through all his frustrations and aggravations, along with his joys and successes, keep tuned to my comments, and even drop me a note or two.

OK, it's done. I found an on-line submission form that was a whole lot easier than the submission form in MS Word. Now it's not holding my breath time. The receipt email said they would let me know in 2 to 6 months. In the meantime, I think I'm going to devote my time to writing GERTA! and Johnny Sweeting's story.

I was planning to submit all the stuff the publisher asked for but I had it all on my thumb drive and forgot it at home. Too many things on my mind. Maybe I'll be able to get it all together tomorrow.

Just finished re-formatting my novel as per the publisher's requirements. A lot of work. I still have to finish writing the chapter outline. I hope I'm doing it right. Next I have to come up with some idea of a marketing plan. All of you (all 1 or 2 of you) please say a prayer I can get this thing published. I've been working on it for too long, now.

Wow! A 10-page outline. Took me a while, but if a publisher or agent ever wants a long synopsis, it won't be difficult to adapt it. I just hope all this work will be worth it.

Well, I think I've finally put it all together for the publisher I'm aiming at. Problem is, now I will be out of town for the next few days, then there's the weekend, and I won't be able to send it off until next week??? Here's to hoping.

Gads, the publishing house I'm wanting to submit to has some pretty onerous requirements. One of which is to write a chapter by chapter outline. Oh, the things I do to get my book published.

Our critique group is now filled. Thanks to all who have helped us find the new members.

Can you believe it? I had two people take issue with our requirements of "No mockery of any God-based religion." They thought that was ambiguous.

What???

For Real???

How is that ambiguous?

I simply told them if it bothers them, then we probably are not the right critique group for them.

Our private on-line critique group, The Writer's Pen (PEN) (a sub-forum in the Authors by Design writers forum) is open again for new members.

The "PEN" is for serious writers seeking publication.

We are looking for writers of fiction (novels or short stories). We are open to most genres: Young adult, fantasy, sci-fi, light horror, romance, steampunk, mainstream, etc. Absolutely NO pornography, Satanism or mockery of any God-based religion.

Members must be willing to post something (chapter/short story) by the 7th of each month, up to three posts not to exceed 6,000 words total. Members must also critique ALL posts by the last day of each month.

If you think this group would be for you, contact me at paulwwest@yahoo.co. Also, come and visit Authors by Design at http://www.authorsbydesign.com/

Thursday, December 11, 2014

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