The Next Circle of Hell - Page 117

TrixieLox · 11-03-2009, 04:23 PM

Ah man, sorry YA. What did your agent say about not liking it? Was he encouraging. Eg. I don't feel this is right but keep 'em coming and I'm sure we'll find an idea we'll both love?

YAwriter72 · 11-03-2009, 04:35 PM

It lacked voice and crudity. Not believable. It was my first attempt at contemporary, and I really loved the idea, but I guess I couldn't get into her head enough to make it work. And, I'm sorry I didn't like it.

I did let him know I had some thoughts about the full he said wasn't working for him. So I'm waiting on feedback from that. Otherwise, I am not sure which direction to go in. Hopefully he will be able to guide me a little.

IHeartWriting · 11-03-2009, 05:01 PM

Yikes, that sucks YA.

(and I completely understand your self-doubts since my agent trashed my last book too...the problem with being a writer is that we're too good at the "what if"s)

Have faith that you'll figure this out.

Remember, you're an AGENTED writer which puts you way ahead of most of the pack.

kellion92 · 11-03-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YAwriter72

It lacked voice and crudity. Not believable. It was my first attempt at contemporary, and I really loved the idea, but I guess I couldn't get into her head enough to make it work. And, I'm sorry I didn't like it.

I'm sorry, YA. It sounds like you're trying to do AVOID your natural voice, and it's not working. I think you should embrace it, whether you think it's fashionable or not, and look for a story where it will shine.

TrixieLox · 11-03-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellion92

I'm sorry, YA. It sounds like you're trying to do AVOID your natural voice, and it's not working. I think you should embrace it, whether you think it's fashionable or not, and look for a story where it will shine.

GOOD advice. :-)

kellion92 · 11-03-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyCamper

Hi all!

I know this is probably a question that doesn't have a definitive answer, but I was just wondering how long it takes an editor to get back to an agent on an MS (in your personal experience).

Hi Happy Camper! Congratulations. I just went on sub eight days ago. I have heard nothing, so it looks as if I won't be one of those literary sensations whose book is auctioned off within 24 hours.

If you are not one of those either, from what I gather (and Other Lisa knows much more than I do), the process takes 4 to 12 weeks, with Rs rolling in as they become available. With editorial submission, no news really is good news, since that means that somebody likes your book enough to keep pushing it through the rather lengthy review process. My concern (which may affect you too!) is that the usual timeframe pushes us right into the holidays, when publishers shut down officially or unofficially. So decisions may get kicked back until after New Year's...

callalily61 · 11-03-2009, 05:24 PM

{{{YA}}} It's 5:00 somewhere.

YAwriter72 · 11-03-2009, 06:49 PM

Plotted a bit more this morning. Am getting all geeked up about rewrites for the faery fantasy that I started off good but lost the grit on. Its aiming more true UF now, with less romance, and I have to say, looks awesome already just in note form.

One door closes, another opens. I did tell agent he made me cry and eat a ton of fries though! LOL (He has a funny sense of humor)

mikeland · 11-03-2009, 08:20 PM

There seems to be a lot of WIP malaise going on with writers and agents these days. I think that agents are a bit freaked out by what is being bought and not bought, and so they're looking much more carefully at what they have. I don't think this means that they're looking less favorably at the writers they believe it (that's us!). I prefer to think that they're protecting their investments by not throwing things against the wall that they know aren't sticking right now.

And I say this from experience, having had my agent tell me that the second book I gave her was not right to go out with now. I could tell there were some things she didn't like about it, but basically it is just too similar in tone to the one that's not selling right now. At least, that's what I'm telling myself until some moment down the road when we actually have a detailed conversation about this one.

Anyway, I'm bracing myself for another not-quite-there conversation about a third book of mine she is currently reading.

Oh, and as for the length it takes editors to read. I had some from my first round respond in a couple of weeks. And there are still two out there after three months. It varies widely, even for a single project.

Gatita · 11-03-2009, 08:42 PM

Well, got a big fat NO from the editor who loved it. His people apparently do not. And again, it's "commercially difficult."

*Sigh*... I always get this news in the morning before work, when there's no way I can have a martini.

callalily61 · 11-03-2009, 09:43 PM

*hands several virtual martinis to Gatita*

YAwriter72 · 11-03-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatita

Well, got a big fat NO from the editor who loved it. His people apparently do not. And again, it's "commercially difficult."

*Sigh*... I always get this news in the morning before work, when there's no way I can have a martini.

So sorry

Wordwrestler · 11-03-2009, 09:56 PM

Lots of hugs and chocolate for YA and Gatita.
Welcome, Happy Camper. The best way to get an idea for the range of response times is to go back and read the older parts of this thread.

Off I go to bury my head in NaNo. It facilitates denial nicely for me.

Gatita · 11-03-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callalily61

*hands several virtual martinis to Gatita*

Aw thanks

... my boss is gonna be pissed when I show up to work half-crocked... *sniff*

IHeartWriting · 11-03-2009, 10:18 PM

((Gatita))

RedScylla · 11-03-2009, 11:05 PM

Oh poop. I was hoping to come back here to some good news, but it looks like things are a bit down right now. I came home from my mini vacation to nada. No news. *sigh*

Gatita · 11-03-2009, 11:11 PM

Hey thanks y'all ...

((YA)) back atcha.

I'm not a giver-upper, but this came close. Just hanging on 'till happy hour... trying to Nano but def. lost some steam.

Gonna sulk for one whole day and get back to it, or to something...

kellion92 · 11-03-2009, 11:41 PM

I can't wait to hear some good news from someone. Idle thought unsupported by evidence: I wonder if editors are dragging their feet on decisions for books they like but otherwise might have to turn down, hoping that if they wait a while, circumstances may change.

TrixieLox · 11-03-2009, 11:48 PM

So sorry Gatita.

Kellion, I'm holding onto the hope that no news means good news... right? RIGHT??????!!!

kellion92 · 11-03-2009, 11:54 PM

No news means no rejection, right? It means it's being considered.

Another unsupported thought: The publishing industry's recent pursuit of a few "big books" is what triggered the Walmart/Amazon price wars. Perhaps now publishers will pursue a different competitive strategy that will include broader acquisitions.

Let's hope...

OL · 11-04-2009, 12:32 AM

Ugh, Gatita and YA. Can I send you guys a pitcher of margaritas?

Elisabetta · 11-04-2009, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YAwriter72

It lacked voice and crudity.

What do you think he meant by "crudity"? I would think lacking crudity would be a good thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatita

Well, got a big fat NO from the editor who loved it. His people apparently do not. And again, it's "commercially difficult."

"Commercially difficult" can also mean "unique, quirky, and the beginning of a new trend." Ask Other Lisa.

((( Hugs ))) to both of you. As Miss Scarlett was wont to say, tomorrow is another day!

YAwriter72 · 11-04-2009, 02:02 AM

I have egg on my face. I shouldn't go on memory! LOL

He said, "It also really strains credulity." (My MC was mistaken for another girl and assumes her life)

Also, got the thumbs up on my ideas for the rewrite, so thats where my focus will be this month. I so want to nail this baby because this book is my baby.

HappyCamper · 11-04-2009, 11:17 AM

Hi all!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellion92

Hi Happy Camper! Congratulations. I just went on sub eight days ago. I have heard nothing, so it looks as if I won't be one of those literary sensations whose book is auctioned off within 24 hours.

If you are not one of those either, from what I gather (and Other Lisa knows much more than I do), the process takes 4 to 12 weeks, with Rs rolling in as they become available. With editorial submission, no news really is good news, since that means that somebody likes your book enough to keep pushing it through the rather lengthy review process. My concern (which may affect you too!) is that the usual timeframe pushes us right into the holidays, when publishers shut down officially or unofficially. So decisions may get kicked back until after New Year's...

Thanks! Yup, I'm equally concerned about the holidays - the upside is that if it's bad news, I really don't want to hear it until after I pack up the Christmas tree!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatita

Well, got a big fat NO from the editor who loved it. His people apparently do not. And again, it's "commercially difficult."

*Sigh*... I always get this news in the morning before work, when there's no way I can have a martini.

Sorry to hear that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wordwrestler

Lots of hugs and chocolate for YA and Gatita.
Welcome, Happy Camper. The best way to get an idea for the range of response times is to go back and read the older parts of this thread.

Off I go to bury my head in NaNo. It facilitates denial nicely for me.

Thanks! Will do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YAwriter72

I have egg on my face. I shouldn't go on memory! LOL

He said, "It also really strains credulity." (My MC was mistaken for another girl and assumes her life)

Also, got the thumbs up on my ideas for the rewrite, so thats where my focus will be this month. I so want to nail this baby because this book is my baby.

Good luck with the rewrite!

OL · 11-04-2009, 11:21 AM

Heh. YA, what my lovely agent said to me was (I am paraphrasing), "Your book is quirky, it's different. That's going to scare a lot of people. But it's also what will eventually sell it."

Whaddya know? He was right.

11-03-2009, 04:23 PM	#2901
TrixieLox Benefactor Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Just outside London Posts: 571	Ah man, sorry YA. What did your agent say about not liking it? Was he encouraging. Eg. I don't feel this is right but keep 'em coming and I'm sure we'll find an idea we'll both love? __________________ "There is absolutely no point in sitting down to write a book unless you feel you must write that book, or else go mad, or die." Robertson Davies

11-03-2009, 04:35 PM	#2902
YAwriter72 someone let me off this crazy ride Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: We all live under the same sky, but we don't all have the same horizon. Posts: 2,382	It lacked voice and crudity. Not believable. It was my first attempt at contemporary, and I really loved the idea, but I guess I couldn't get into her head enough to make it work. And, I'm sorry I didn't like it. I did let him know I had some thoughts about the full he said wasn't working for him. So I'm waiting on feedback from that. Otherwise, I am not sure which direction to go in. Hopefully he will be able to guide me a little. __________________ Highway to YAH! My Website FATES - Random House/Delacorte-Summer 2013 FATES SEQUEL - Random House/Delacorte-2014 (writing as Lanie Bross ) TANGLED WEBS - Disney/Hyperion-Summer 2014 TANGLED WEBS SEQUEL - Disney/Hyperion-Summer 2015

11-03-2009, 05:01 PM	#2903
IHeartWriting Lurking in the shadows Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,012	Yikes, that sucks YA. (and I completely understand your self-doubts since my agent trashed my last book too...the problem with being a writer is that we're too good at the "what if"s) Have faith that you'll figure this out. Remember, you're an AGENTED writer which puts you way ahead of most of the pack. __________________ The First Victim by JB Lynn "Looking for a suspenseful thriller? Then The First Victim by JB Lynn is the book for you. From the first word to the last word this novel will keep you hooked."

11-03-2009, 05:24 PM	#2907
callalily61 The Girl in the Steampunk Hat AW Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Non carborundum illegitimi Posts: 26,032	{{{YA}}} It's 5:00 somewhere. __________________ <-- We're links to our Amazon pages!

11-03-2009, 06:49 PM	#2908
YAwriter72 someone let me off this crazy ride Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: We all live under the same sky, but we don't all have the same horizon. Posts: 2,382	Plotted a bit more this morning. Am getting all geeked up about rewrites for the faery fantasy that I started off good but lost the grit on. Its aiming more true UF now, with less romance, and I have to say, looks awesome already just in note form. One door closes, another opens. I did tell agent he made me cry and eat a ton of fries though! LOL (He has a funny sense of humor) __________________ Highway to YAH! My Website FATES - Random House/Delacorte-Summer 2013 FATES SEQUEL - Random House/Delacorte-2014 (writing as Lanie Bross ) TANGLED WEBS - Disney/Hyperion-Summer 2014 TANGLED WEBS SEQUEL - Disney/Hyperion-Summer 2015

11-03-2009, 08:20 PM	#2909
mikeland Call me Pookie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pending Posts: 756	There seems to be a lot of WIP malaise going on with writers and agents these days. I think that agents are a bit freaked out by what is being bought and not bought, and so they're looking much more carefully at what they have. I don't think this means that they're looking less favorably at the writers they believe it (that's us!). I prefer to think that they're protecting their investments by not throwing things against the wall that they know aren't sticking right now. And I say this from experience, having had my agent tell me that the second book I gave her was not right to go out with now. I could tell there were some things she didn't like about it, but basically it is just too similar in tone to the one that's not selling right now. At least, that's what I'm telling myself until some moment down the road when we actually have a detailed conversation about this one. Anyway, I'm bracing myself for another not-quite-there conversation about a third book of mine she is currently reading. Oh, and as for the length it takes editors to read. I had some from my first round respond in a couple of weeks. And there are still two out there after three months. It varies widely, even for a single project. __________________ website blog twitter My debut novel, WE, will be published by Coffeetown Press. Read my stories at Pindeldyboz, Barrelhouse, and Treehouse. I review TV and movies at Pop Matters.

11-03-2009, 08:42 PM	#2910
Gatita Girl reporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: Back in Cali from Brrrr! Posts: 256	Well, got a big fat NO from the editor who loved it. His people apparently do not. And again, it's "commercially difficult." Sigh... I always get this news in the morning before work, when there's no way I can have a martini.

11-03-2009, 09:43 PM	#2911
callalily61 The Girl in the Steampunk Hat AW Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Non carborundum illegitimi Posts: 26,032	hands several virtual martinis to Gatita __________________ <-- We're links to our Amazon pages!

11-03-2009, 09:56 PM	#2913
Wordwrestler permaflounced Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 946	Lots of hugs and chocolate for YA and Gatita. Welcome, Happy Camper. The best way to get an idea for the range of response times is to go back and read the older parts of this thread. Off I go to bury my head in NaNo. It facilitates denial nicely for me.

11-03-2009, 10:18 PM	#2915
IHeartWriting Lurking in the shadows Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,012	((Gatita)) __________________ The First Victim by JB Lynn "Looking for a suspenseful thriller? Then The First Victim by JB Lynn is the book for you. From the first word to the last word this novel will keep you hooked."

11-03-2009, 11:05 PM	#2916
RedScylla KoalaKoalaKoala! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: In the Salon d'ennui Posts: 4,348	Oh poop. I was hoping to come back here to some good news, but it looks like things are a bit down right now. I came home from my mini vacation to nada. No news. sigh __________________ ~RedScylla Between a blog and a hard place.

11-03-2009, 11:11 PM	#2917
Gatita Girl reporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: Back in Cali from Brrrr! Posts: 256	Hey thanks y'all ... ((YA)) back atcha. I'm not a giver-upper, but this came close. Just hanging on 'till happy hour... trying to Nano but def. lost some steam. Gonna sulk for one whole day and get back to it, or to something...

11-03-2009, 11:41 PM	#2918
kellion92 A cat may not look at a king Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The edge Posts: 5,232	I can't wait to hear some good news from someone. Idle thought unsupported by evidence: I wonder if editors are dragging their feet on decisions for books they like but otherwise might have to turn down, hoping that if they wait a while, circumstances may change.

11-03-2009, 11:48 PM	#2919
TrixieLox Benefactor Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Just outside London Posts: 571	So sorry Gatita. Kellion, I'm holding onto the hope that no news means good news... right? RIGHT??????!!! __________________ "There is absolutely no point in sitting down to write a book unless you feel you must write that book, or else go mad, or die." Robertson Davies

11-03-2009, 11:54 PM	#2920
kellion92 A cat may not look at a king Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The edge Posts: 5,232	No news means no rejection, right? It means it's being considered. Another unsupported thought: The publishing industry's recent pursuit of a few "big books" is what triggered the Walmart/Amazon price wars. Perhaps now publishers will pursue a different competitive strategy that will include broader acquisitions. Let's hope...

11-04-2009, 12:32 AM	#2921
OL Still a beach bum... Join Date: May 2009 Location: California by the sea Posts: 1,697	Ugh, Gatita and YA. Can I send you guys a pitcher of margaritas? __________________ (MY BOOKS & STUFF: here's the latest!)

11-04-2009, 02:02 AM	#2923
YAwriter72 someone let me off this crazy ride Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: We all live under the same sky, but we don't all have the same horizon. Posts: 2,382	I have egg on my face. I shouldn't go on memory! LOL He said, "It also really strains credulity." (My MC was mistaken for another girl and assumes her life) Also, got the thumbs up on my ideas for the rewrite, so thats where my focus will be this month. I so want to nail this baby because this book is my baby. __________________ Highway to YAH! My Website FATES - Random House/Delacorte-Summer 2013 FATES SEQUEL - Random House/Delacorte-2014 (writing as Lanie Bross ) TANGLED WEBS - Disney/Hyperion-Summer 2014 TANGLED WEBS SEQUEL - Disney/Hyperion-Summer 2015

11-04-2009, 11:21 AM	#2925
OL Still a beach bum... Join Date: May 2009 Location: California by the sea Posts: 1,697	Heh. YA, what my lovely agent said to me was (I am paraphrasing), "Your book is quirky, it's different. That's going to scare a lot of people. But it's also what will eventually sell it." Whaddya know? He was right. __________________ (MY BOOKS & STUFF: here's the latest!)

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