Would you suggest putting that query for critique on SYW, even if you've not finished the book? It seems so often that the squirrels there reveal possible flaws in plotlines, etc. But I wouldn't want to be seen as wasting other members' valuable time.
Old People Writing for Teens, IV
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Would you suggest putting that query for critique on SYW, even if you've not finished the book? It seems so often that the squirrels there reveal possible flaws in plotlines, etc. But I wouldn't want to be seen as wasting other members' valuable time.
I guess if that's your aim: to find out if it's flawed. Sure. Besides, you'll use it eventually, right?
Unless there's a rule against that. Maybe Sage knows.
I buy them from iTunes
There is no rule against it, but sometimes the squirrels grumble about it if you tell them
There are definitely people who like writing queries first. And I've seen books that could improve thanks to the advice given in QLH, and when you're ready to query, that's a pretty discouraging place to find out.However, sometimes what the squirrels see as a problem with your plot is simply a problem with the query, and it helps to go through a few queries to be able to spot the difference. And, let's face it, sometimes critters are just...wrong, and it helps to have a novel to give you something solid-ish to look at and see if they're right.
And in my own personal experience, once I write some kind of synopsis, I start to feel locked into the plot, and the same goes with queries. Sometimes when I write a query-like summary on my NaNo profile, I get frustrated when the novel's focus shifts during writing. I could imagine this would be extra frustrating with a query because it means you'll probably have to write a new one and go back through QLH again.
Personally--and this is still just my own experience--I like writing queries while revising or waiting on betas. Still in a revision mood if there's a problem, but without anything that feels final to me, and so that I can probably shoot off queries as soon as I'm done with post-beta revisions. But I know lots of writers who love writing queries at the beginning.
You guys 
I finished my revisions!!!! Its now in my beta's inbox, just checking over and then omg I can hopefully send my R&R back and query again. *bites nails*
I finished my revisions!!!! Its now in my beta's inbox, just checking over and then omg I can hopefully send my R&R back and query again. *bites nails*
Congratz Smiley!
*working on the last 9k of a novel*
Not sure if I'll submit it somewhere or not :/
*working on the last 9k of a novel*
Not sure if I'll submit it somewhere or not :/
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You guys
So excited for you. And inspired.
I'm so behind...sigh. Why did I decide to try to get a novel published while in grad school?
Actually, I do have some good news--as of last night, I got my final committee member's approval on my dissertation proposal, so I am officially an "ABD" (all but dissertation), which means I've cleared every single hurdle in my program except the research and writing of the diss. Of course, that's a book-length research project and will take the next 12-16 months, but...it's exciting to know that's the only thing left.
Congratz Kitty for the editor. But why change title for "Satan Goes to High School"? I think it's a cool title.
Congratz Smiley on. Good luck on R&R.
Congratz Smiley on
. Good luck on R&R.
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First day of classes!
I feel underprepared. I hope that changes by 2 o'clock. But there's always a certain excitement in looking forward to meeting a new set of students.
I feel underprepared. I hope that changes by 2 o'clock. But there's always a certain excitement in looking forward to meeting a new set of students.
YAY, SMILEY!!!!!!!!! You have been working so hard on those revisions. I'm so happy for you and very proud and inspired.
You guys
Congrats! From the query in SYW alone, I'm excited for when your book gets published!
YAAAY SMILEY.
So, guys. I bought Terry Pratchett's new book today. I've wanted to read it for ages.
So, guys. I bought Terry Pratchett's new book today. I've wanted to read it for ages.
Congrats! I just finished grad school and got my master's, so I remember that huge relief of reaching the final hurtle. A lot of work ahead of you, but good luck, and it will feel SO good when you're done.
And yay, Smiley!
I have a new writer problem. To stick with my original post-NaNo plan or start a new one.
Original plan = dates of important events
New plan = word count goal
Gah.
Original plan = dates of important events
New plan = word count goal
Gah.
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Got a rejection from the Random House e-book imprint today. My first rejection ever
It wouldn't really bug me so much, except for this part:
At least it's not a form rejection though, right?
It wouldn't really bug me so much, except for this part:
At least it's not a form rejection though, right?
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Aww, sorry to hear that, justbishop. But I agree, I'm very impressed with the comments I'm seeing back from the new RH imprints.
Stay at it! We will keep cheerleading! *\o/*
Stay at it! We will keep cheerleading! *\o/*
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Got a rejection from the Random House e-book imprint today. My first rejection ever
At least it's not a form rejection though, right?
I would say pay close attention to the ones that aren't form rejections! Maybe the characterization is worth looking into, at least for the parts they read. Looks like you are getting very close to publication!
Got a rejection from the Random House e-book imprint today. My first rejection ever
It wouldn't really bug me so much, except for this part:
"While the premise is instantly enticing I found myself unable to connect with the characters, which makes it difficult for us to position this successfully."
At least it's not a form rejection though, right?
I got a rejection from Random House e-pub today too.
"While the premise was interesting, I found that I did not connect with the piece, which makes it difficult to position successfully"
So yeah, I know how ya feel. *hugs!*
I was bummed today, but I'm submitting a short to them in a couple of day, and then I have a novel I am about to finish. I might send that too. :/
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Thanks guys
And yeah, I wasn't really expecting to get picked up by RH, so even hearing back is kind of a victory in my eyes, lol!
And yeah, I wasn't really expecting to get picked up by RH, so even hearing back is kind of a victory in my eyes, lol!
Yeah, now we can actually say 'I have a rejection letter from Random House' ... Lol.
Life is complete *kidding*
Life is complete
*kidding*
So, it's official: I'll be signing at BEA this year. I'm kind of nervous. You know, that kind of nervous where you fear NO ONE will line up for your autograph? *bites nails*
Anyone planning to attend?
Anyone planning to attend?
I wish I was! I'd totally line up for you
Congrats on finishing Smiley.
Sorry about the rejections Parump and Bishop.
So I've been offered to move into a bigger classroom next year. It's literally twice the size of mine. And has a projector and a SmartBoard.
Is it wrong that I almost don't want it?
Change kind of freaks me out and I'm not quite sure what I'll do with all the space. Like literally, it's the biggest room in the school. I'd be stupid to pass it up, but I have to have a layout idea for Sunday so stuff can be ordered.
In other news...life is good. The hubby turned 39 yesterday! He's still running around saying "It's my birthday!" He claims he learned it from me.
Congrats on finishing Smiley.
Sorry about the rejections Parump and Bishop.
So I've been offered to move into a bigger classroom next year. It's literally twice the size of mine. And has a projector and a SmartBoard.
Is it wrong that I almost don't want it?
Change kind of freaks me out and I'm not quite sure what I'll do with all the space. Like literally, it's the biggest room in the school. I'd be stupid to pass it up, but I have to have a layout idea for Sunday so stuff can be ordered.
In other news...life is good. The hubby turned 39 yesterday! He's still running around saying "It's my birthday!" He claims he learned it from me.
Parump and Bishop,
Sorry to hear about your rejections. I've been rejected so many times I've lost count!
(Yeah, and it hurts every single time, too).
But I've also been accepted a few times and that's always a bonus. What makes the rejections somewhat less painful is if they editor there tells me why. If it's a character issue, okay, I can learn from it. If it's the style i.e. telling and not showing--something I still struggle with--then it makes me think all the more about how to improve. And I've been very fortunate that some of the publishers who did reject me took the time to detail--and one person did it quite savagely--what went wrong. While I didn't agree with his cutting me to piece entirely, I saw his point and made corrections, so in a way, I'm grateful.
And now, off to bed. Best of luck to those querying!
Sorry to hear about your rejections. I've been rejected so many times I've lost count!
(Yeah, and it hurts every single time, too).
But I've also been accepted a few times and that's always a bonus. What makes the rejections somewhat less painful is if they editor there tells me why. If it's a character issue, okay, I can learn from it. If it's the style i.e. telling and not showing--something I still struggle with--then it makes me think all the more about how to improve. And I've been very fortunate that some of the publishers who did reject me took the time to detail--and one person did it quite savagely--what went wrong. While I didn't agree with his cutting me to piece entirely, I saw his point and made corrections, so in a way, I'm grateful.
And now, off to bed. Best of luck to those querying!
I would take the classroom while you still can, and just start making a list of what you need - or it'll be a missed opportunity 
Trying to finish up a novel before the day starts - not making much progress though
Trying to finish up a novel before the day starts - not making much progress though
Aw thanks, I would have lost count, but I'm kind of obsessed with saving/archiving all responses to MS [even form letters].
And I wasn't so bummed it was an 'R', I was bummed it was Random House and an 'R'. But, I now have a prestigeous rejection letter from them so that is VERY cool!
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