Thank you so much for your support. I feel there are a few things I should clarify. I did finish the book and the rej was from a publisher, not an agent. I've written three other novels and here are some of the effed up things that have happened.
My first agent's assistant was murdered and she was diagnosed with a serious illness and decided to close the agency. Another agent placed a book with a publisher who wanted the book 'if I would make the love scenes more explicit'. It wasn't that kind of book so I had to pass. Another publisher asked me to write an explicit paranormal and two weeks after I finished it, the agency closed. I had an agent ask for a partial and then pass because it smelled like cigarette smoke. (Stupid mistake on my part, but really?) Another agent asked for a partial and then passed because though she really liked my writing, my fantasy world didn't come alive for her as it should. I reread it and had to agree with her. In the L. Ron Hubbard competition I came in 4th and 6th on two different occasions but did not make the top 3.
You get the idea.
It's only been three years ago that I abandoned my typewriter and was dragged, kicking and screaming, to a computer. The novel I pitched directly to a publisher had been through 4 drafts on the typewriter, 1st page to last, and then a final rewrite and polish when I put it into the computer, word by word. All 100 K of them.
Since that publisher (who rejected me the other day) was the only one to see the book in it's final form, I have hope that others will see it and be interested. So while I am subbing that one to agents I will be finishing another one that I'm 75% into. (a little over 100 K)
Though I've been writing all my life, I've only been seeking publication for the past three years. So despite my bad luck I feel I have a real chance at publication. I feel so lucky to have found this amazing site with all the help available that anyone could wish for. And if you read this whole thing, thank you for that. And thanks again for all your support.
River
