Thoughts about querying

It seems to me that there are many different ways to write a query letter. Most websites recommend the same basic information, but not in the same order.

I think it is difficult because it is such a subjective piece of writing, and far different from writing my novel. I do think my letter is far better than what I wrote last summer. I have removed fluff and descriptions that don't need to be there. Now I think it mainly shows the conflicts in the story and provides a brief look at the story. Hopefully I'll get some more feedback this time and get me closer to a full request.

I really knew nothing!

When I started trying to query back in the summer, I really had no idea about how this process works. Since then, I have continued to edit my story and rewritten my query several times. I did get one partial request, and another agent said he liked my story, but was already representing another writer with a similar story.

I see now how impatient I was, but I guess all writers are excited when they finish their first books. I'm trying to be realistic about this. I just redid my letter again after making a few significant edits to the story.

I sent out a new batch of 9 queries today, so I'll see what happens. Regardless, I will be more patient and realistic this time.

The best thing from the past week was that I finally started my next book! For now, I am calling it Trio. I have three characters in mind, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to them. I hope to get 20-30 pages done over the next week as I have some time off from work.

Back with an old friend

I just reread my novel and finished proofreading it. I know it will need more polish, but that is fine.
I really enjoyed rereading it. It felt good to make my main character's story better. Frankly, it just felt good to get back into my book, instead of tweaking/rewriting/revising my query letter again. It reminded me why I am trying to do this -because I love writing.

I have found that it is really great when I just get rolling and don't notice how much time is passing. The creative exercise of writing is the best part. I can't let myself forget that while I'm waiting and hoping to hear from an agent.

Right now, I hate my query letter

Maybe because it's a new thing for me, but I don't like my query letter this week. It might be because I've received several, okay six, rejections in the past week. It's easier to blame my query letter than my novel.

Maybe it's because writing a query letter is new for me, and difficult. I am trying to be realistic about all this, but I thought I was done after I finished writing my novel. I did not think I would have to write something difficult after my novel, and I didn't know the query letter would be so important.

I am sure that every writer in my shoes wants an agent or two to read some part or all of our books. To hell with the query, my novel is good. Please just read it and you will love it. Right?

Still, I can be patient, and I'll keep thinking about my query. I'l work on it and make it better; I might change my title again; I'll learn s much as I can about agents and what other writers did to get published.

I do know that success does not come easy, and I am willing to work. I remember when I was in college and my Dad gave me a sign that said: "Success comes to him who waiteth, if he worketh his ass off while he waiteth."

I'm willing to wait, and I think I'm going to start my second novel soon. I like the fact that it is rumbling around inside my head, and telling me to let it out.

Waiting, waiting

Well, so far I've sent out 20 queries and have received 5 form rejections. I am fine with this, not that I have any choice. I am trying to be realistic about this; however, I don't think anyone would write a novel unless they thought their stuff was good enough to be published.

I was in three libraries yesterday picking up books for my high school students. While walking around, I couldn't help thinking that my book was surely as god as some of the books there.

Writing my query letter has been challenging. This is a new thing for me. It is always a bit difficult to take on a totally different writing task. I do think my third/fourth version is better that my first. I've managed to get rid of almost 100 words, and I think it is much more clear. Reading the examples on the Query Shark website has helped.

I am starting to think that the best thing I can do is get started on my second book. I find myself thinking about it all the time, so I think it's time to begin. Plus, it will take my mind off the waiting.

First Blog!

This is my first post on my first blog! This is a big month for me as I also just finished my first novel, tentatively titled, The Other Side of the Mountains. Here is my hook for my query letter: When seventeen year old Anabar leaves his sheltered valley home to train to become a warrior, he has no idea that instead of fighting, his destiny will lead him to bring peace to the two nations linked to his past.