Rejection... how do we deal with it?

I know I have not blogged much recently, more for lack of something to say really. I am writing, working, reading, spending time with family...

But, you might be interested to know that I decided to submit my novel to one agency for potential representation. I know... I wanted that one.

Now, I know I was probably asking for a rejection, based on the fact I did not take long to prepare it. In fairness, last time I tried I took ages and it got me nowhere. I felt that the writing should speak for itself, and with things being digital, they could either read it or not. I submitted what they asked for after all.

So, no surprises then when I received this yesterday...

"Dear Vanessa, 

Thank you for sending me The Victorian Dream and for giving me the opportunity to consider your work. 

I have read your material, but I did not feel it would be right for my list and therefore I am unable to offer you representation.

I am sorry not to be writing with better news, but I hope this response will not discourage you and I wish you all the best with your writing.

Best wishes"

Effectively a standard nondescript NO.

The truth is that agents get hundreds of submissions and have to wade through what is called the "slush pile" to find something that will sell to the masses. I understand, which is why I gave up nearly 4 years ago, that the chance of your work being picked is slim.

Interesting articles to read...

How to interpret Rejection Letters

I guess from my rejection email... the agent included my name, correct book title, and said they'd read the submission (hmm...). Not completely terrible, maybe?

Don't Give up until you've queried 80 agents or more

The problem with this article is that I have never been a patient person... Like was said in the classic and fantastic film, Shawshank Redemption "Get busy living or get busy dying"

I am sure an agency out there might my new novel. In fact, one was interested a few months ago when I took part in the #pitchwars via Twitter. But, I soon realised the books they had on their website had hardly any sales and they were not even going to print a hardback. Therefore, I can do it all myself again via KDP, Smashwords, and Createspace.

I once talked to an online friend, Terry Tyler, about this and she also said that she had given up on agents. She has written several blogs about this... A FEW SELF-PUBLISHING TRUTHS

I am unsure what to do now, since I would love to have more support and experience behind my historical novel. I am currently still writing up the original letters found by my parents for the second book in the series, and am unsure on whether to publish the first or not. Read my latest update... Finished the Diary!

I'll give myself a week or so to consider my options. At least, the agent did not say... "Give up Now!"

Either way, I think I will head Terry's advice and edit further - NOT another 'how to write' article - but it may help new writers...

Anyway, thank you to all who continue to support me.

TO AGENT OR NOT TO AGENT? That is indeed the question...

Vanessa :)

Happy New Year

So, it happened - we are now in the year 2016! Is anyone else like me? Wondering where exactly 2015 actually went? I really can't say what I have done this year - it's a blur!

All I know is that I love my family more than ever and I am happy - busy, but happy!

Writing has taken a back-burner as I started teaching again, but I have spent a lot of time researching so it's all good! Maybe this year I'll publish another book? Who knows.

I have been promoting my trilogy this year via channels like Freebooksy and BargainBooksy and they have worked at keeping sales alive. However, it has taken over a lot of my time and I think the time has come to walk away from the trilogy for a bit. So, HYBRID is no longer free to download. I have had it free for over 2 years, have barely had reviews from this, and the sales have allowed me to pay for the promotions - so, no, I have not made enough sales to warrant the effort and expense. Don't get me wrong, it's a lot of fun seeing the downloads rocket, but I feel a like a gambler waiting for that next big hit! I have to step away...

So, on to my resolutions!

1. Keep on writing
2. Get fit - I would like to lose a stone at least... (hee hee)
3. Blog more often about books I have read
4. Promote authors I love
5. Have fun teaching & building up new resources
6. Smile more!

I think that's enough... they are achievable (I have lost weight many times before - I CAN do it again!)

What are your aims for the year? Let's make it a good one?

All the best for 2016,
Vanessa

Fueteventura
Recently visited with the family & had an amazing time!