I'm pretty sure there isn't going to be a whole lot of time for partying while I'm in Cali. That's the problem with these darn business trips, they always want you to WORK while you're there. What's up with that?
Got another rejection on a query last night, though it was one of the remainders from the last batch I sent out. I really do feel like it's best to take a little step back, adjust my first chapter, let the lovely Miss Jessica read it over for me (and anyone else who's interested -- I'm not a snob) for a little extra help and then jump back into query hell.
Though I know it probably means nothing in the grand scheme of things, I feel better that only one of my ten rejections (including the partial) was address "Dear Author" everyone else actually included my name and the story title. Easy enough to do, but at least I feel like they did read it, even if the rejections themselves are most likely really nice forms.
Oh and I think that I'm having another round of "What's My Genre Again" happening. This would be the 3rd time I've changed it -- for those of you following along at home -- if I do in fact decide to lean that way.
A friend who's recently read my ms suggested that my story is more paranormal women's fiction, than paranormal romance. (See, this is what happens when you just write the story first without giving a thought as to what you're actually writing).
There is a large portion of the story that revolves around the romance of the main character and the love of her life ... but as was pointed out to me, since the story covers a larger arc -- including her becoming a mother, etc. -- it's a little more women's fiction than straight romance. Not to mention my story is written in first person (which is a tough sell in adult romance -- though YA is cool with it, go figure) AND written from the female protag's point of view only (so again, not very romancy).
Dammit! THIS is why I need an agent. I can't even decide what genre I really belong to. I'm just going to start telling agents that my story is what happens when you combine Nicholas Sparks and Anne Rice, and let them figure out where it belongs! ;o)
10 witty remarks:
LOL! Well there's nothing wrong with women's fiction. That's my genre! :)
And I can't stand when you get Dear Author letters. Agents make it so clear to address them with their correct names, the least they could do is take notice of who is sending the query. It's wuite simple, really. After all, we do provide them with our names rather than telling them to research it. LOL
I hope you enjoy Cali! Sorry about the rejection- at least you know where you're going from there. I'm never sure about my genre. But I think the best thing to do is just pick one. If an agent is interested and thinks it'd be best to market it as a different genre, they can be the judge.
I've heard the genre confusion from a lot of people. I think that happens when you write your first book and you have this GREAT idea so you just do it...and figure out how it will fit later. Only problem, later you don't know how it fits.
Not to worry. Your baby will find a home ;-)
~JD
Oh, and I would HATE a "dear author" rejection. I mean, COME ON! Geezzz.
~JD
Hang in there - we'll always have baseball!!! :-)
I so hear you about "what's my genre again" -- I'm going through that too with one of my manuscripts. You're right, if only we had an agent, the agent could help us figure out where to market the book. Except to get an agent, we need to know our genre. Aaahh! Good luck with your queries, though. Keep us posted!
I'd go for paranormal women's fiction as your friend suggested! The paranormal romance market is huge and cluttered right now. Best to set yourself apart from that if you can!
Hope you have a great business trip and I'd read a story combination of Sparks and Rice in a hot second!
Have a great time in CA! I may have missed it - where are you going, exactly?
Keep you head up with the queries. It just takes one yes!
I think that happens when you write your first book and you have this GREAT idea so you just do it...and figure out how it will fit later. Only problem, later you don't know how it fits.
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Always hard doing the query thing. And I hear you on genre. Not all books fit nicely in little categories.
Good luck with the next round!
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