So I have submitted seven times since Hindman, and while I feel like the number should be higher, I'm still proud of myself. This is the first time I've submitted, so I'm going to take a moment to be glad that I'm moving forward. However, four rejections and one returned query have me wondering what comes next.
I should hear back from one of my pending submissions any day now according to their website and duotrope.com. Which is only the best resource for writers... EVER. The other pending submission will take a while, and I'm good with that. But I feel like now is the time to start sending out again. And I feel like I should be simultaneously submitting to more places.
This leads me to the obvious next question(s). Do I find new places for the two stories that have been rejected, or do I work on those pieces to make them better then find them new places? Or do I try to find new places, then write stories to fit their style/form/ideals? Or do I finish up one of the three pieces I've started since Hindman and start sending them out?
Either way, November is almost here, and yes... I'm going to attempt NaNo again. I know what I'm going to do and need to get plotting so that I can be a success again this year. However, I think it would be a good idea to get a few things out there and in people's hands while I'm pecking away in November. Not to mention, it's never too early to be working on what I will use to attempt to gain access to the wonderfulness that is Hindman next summer.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Keep writing. No matters what it is keep writing. If you don't know what to write then read. Reread everything above you mentioned and if you haven't got a start on it (NaNoWriMo) read the website if some thing else for inspiration. I would love to help you decide what to write but I'm not the one inside your head to know all the wonderful ideas you have for the writings and I definitely can't know what one means the the most to you as a writer. Good luck Mrs. Smith, you got this no matter what you choose.
ReplyDeleteHey, lady! First off, congrats on submitting seven times! (I just checked my list and I have submitted eight -- so if you're "behind," I'm right there with you!) I have three rejections and five "unknowns" waiting to hear back from. I have several upcoming deadlines that I want to send things in for -- five between October 15 and November 15.
ReplyDeleteI'm betting that Denton would tell you to keep submitting things. If you feel like a piece is "where it should be," I suggest continuing to submit it. Maybe you just haven't reached the right person yet; maybe you're shooting for the wrong place entirely. But you don't know that for sure until you submit it. This whole "submissions process" reminds me a lot of my life-long philosophy that actually guided me a lot when I was selling Pampered Chef -- "I believe in giving EVERYONE the opportunity to tell me 'no,' because, if I don't give them the opportunity to tell me 'no,' then I'm also not giving them the opportunity to tell me 'yes.'" I think that's what Denton's "Rule of 50 Rejections" is about, really. If we don't keep putting stuff out there, we can't get it published. Period. And putting it out there more will inherently mean more rejections, but in the long run, it's also going to lead to more publications, which is what we want. ;-)
NaNo sounds really cool. I'm tempted to try, just to see how far I can get. I can't wait to read what you produce next month!
I know it's a short amount of time, but my thinking is to get more stuff submitted before you plunge into NaNo. On the bright side, you'll be keeping yourself busy all month and won't let it drive you crazy waiting to hear from places. You have stuff ready to submit, I know -- I've read them. Trust your gut and get them out there! There are BUNCHES of places left to try for these pieces -- get on it! ;-)
I love you and am behind you every step of the way!!!
I think you should keep sending those pieces out until they have accrued a few more rejections before worrying about any more revisions. And send them to new markets. In the meantime, work on some new stuff or old stuff or anything at all. Get more writing finished and send it out. And remember, there is nothing wrong with your writing. In fact, I think you are a very talented writer. You've blown me away with everything you've shared. I think you have immense talent and potential. Just keep doing it.
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