"This manuscript of yours that has just come back from another editor is a precious package. Don't consider it rejected. Consider that you've addressed it 'to the editor who can appreciate my work' and it has simply come back stamped 'not at this address.' Just keep looking for the right address."
~Barbara Kingsolver
Besides, every time we say we don't believe in agents or publishers or our own stories, another MS falls down dead. Just ask Tinkerbell! She'll tell you.
When you are sure (really sure) you are ready - critiques collected, prose polished, research finished, query perfected, agents selected... - then send out those letters and manuscripts. Be really sure your precious package is at its best. And then, "just keep swimming; just keep swimming"; keep sending them out until you find the "right address".
Besides, every time we say we don't believe in agents or publishers or our own stories, another MS falls down dead. Just ask Tinkerbell! She'll tell you.
Oh, this is too funny! I'll be querying soon (eek!). I'll remember your warning. I wouldn't want another fairy, I mean ms to bite the dust!
ReplyDeleteFunny but true. We gotta keep swimming. I won't be ready to query until the middle of next year so have tucked your warning away to remind me to keep going.
ReplyDeleteThis business is so subjective!
ReplyDeleteJust keep queryin'!
Anyone who can quote Dori is my hero...Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...
ReplyDeleteThis is the perfect way to look at it! (And I think I really DID get that pointing finger hand stamped on my ms envelope once.....)
ReplyDeleteShelley
Great advice! Way to think positive.
ReplyDeleteCD
Awesome quote!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this encouraging post. I'm out in query land, too, and it's quite the roller coaster!
ReplyDeleteShannon, thanks for throwing out life vests today. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat quote and advise! I love to swim but hate the cold waters sometimes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the laugh!
ReplyDeleteI believe! I don't want MS blood/ink on my hands
Yes, I just haven't sent my query to the correct address.
YES!!! It's all about perseverance.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a beautiful way of saying it! It's a lot more difficult now, but, if we keep from giving up, and keep our minds open to opportunties that maybe are altered from what we thought would happen, then the universe can open up to us *smiling*
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon! Thanks for stopping by my blog. Very incouraging words on your post. Look forward to the future posts as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! Thanks for the support on my blog. I am not yet to query state, but when I am there and ready to send my package out I will remember this message, for sure! What a lovely way to look at it!! Enjoy the week. Janelle
ReplyDeleteWhat spot on encouragement! Our stories will only find the right home if we keep searching!
ReplyDeleteYes! And write on!
ReplyDeleteLOVE Barbara Kingsolver, just recently reread Poisonwood Bible.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote!!
Would love you to check out my blog today for a bittersweet writer's story...
Blessings, dear one.
Patti
Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI don't know where you find all these fantastic quotes, but your encouraging posts are so often just what I need. Thanks!
That is so awesome! And just what I needed today. Hmm... maybe I need to query Ms. Kingsolver! :)
ReplyDeleteI keep telling myself that.
ReplyDeleteLove your posts, love, love. I always leave here feeling better than when I arrived.
ReplyDeleteWords to live by, if your a wannabe writer anyway. Thanks, Shannon.
ReplyDelete"Subjective" is the key word to remember when querying.
ReplyDeleteSo true and so encouraging. For those who would write no matter what...it helps to know that you'd do it anyway. Keep learning. Keep striving. Keep on keeping on.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Edge of Your Seat Romance
Love this. Great advice too.
ReplyDeleteLyn
W.I.P. It: A Writer's Journey
You are in so much trouble for putting that swimming song in my head.
ReplyDeleteArrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh
:D
Hi Shannon -
ReplyDeleteLoved the quote!
We're not splashing around a pond. This is the English Channel, requiring endurance, strength, and perseverence.
Blessings,
Susan :)
But....how do you know when your really sure? *sigh*
ReplyDeleteLove this post, Shannon!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Great quote. Great advice. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
ReplyDelete: )
lol.
ReplyDeleteHaha... Nice.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to be ready to query!! Just finishing the editing touches *sigh* Which will take Forever.
Thanks for the encouragement!