 For Authors: May 27, 2009 Issue [#3068] |
  For Authors
This week: Edited by: Cubby  
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Hello, everyone! Welcome to this edition of the For Authors newsletter.  This week's topic is focused on rejection slips, but first off, I'd like to share a few quotes with you. Enjoy!
Quote:
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"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 |
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Rejection Slips? Don't Give Up!!
Are you discouraged with rejection slips? Don't be. For one thing, you've already crossed a huge barrier by sending your manuscript out. Many writers don't get that far because... well, for many reasons. We've all got at least one excuse. 
You may or may not know how many times published authors have in the past been rejected. Do not be discouraged. According to Inkygirl (see third link below), Judy Blume dealt with rejection slips for two years before she was finally published. Madeleine L'Engle received 26 rejection slips for A Wrinkle in Time before it was accepted for publication, later winning the Newberry Medal. It took Dr. Seuss more than 15 rejection slips before an editor finally accepted his work. Amazing, isn't it? You'll find all kinds of rejections like these if you browse a bit on the Internet. So... how many times have you sent a manuscript out, if any?
First of all, before sending your manuscript out, make sure you follow the basic rules. Read the market books; research publisher's catalogs; know the guidelines. If you don't follow specifications, your manuscript most likely will be discarded.
What about your cover letter? Is is average? Then redo it. Write something that catches the attention of the editor or agent. One example of what not to write is:
Dear Editor;
Here is my story about a teenager who meets a girl online and they fall in love. I feel this will connect to many kids that age.
Is that alluring? If you were reading thousands of incoming cover letters for manuscripts, would that peak your interest? It's doubtful. You must add uniqueness to your letter. Pull the editor in. Make your words interesting, not humdrum.
A few interesting books to check out:
 The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile by Noah Lukeman
Damn the Rejections, Full Speed Ahead: The Bumpy Road to Getting Published by Maralys Wills
And links...
http://www.writing-world.com/life/rejection.shtml
http://www.right-writing.com/rejection.html
http://www.inkygirl.com/writers-and-rejection-dont-give-up/
Now for a fun prompt... Write a boring, or average cover letter about something you've never written. Rewrite the letter, making it unique. Imagine being an editor reading through thousands of cover letters. How is your revised cover letter better than the first? If you were an editor, would you find it interesting?
Happy Spring! and...
Keep on Writing!
Cubby ") |
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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~FEEDBACK~
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THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! 
Nice quirky NL, you know. I enjoyed it a lot, you know. Good way of rounding a character and making her / him lovable, you know. 
- Sonali
~ You know, I know! Thanks, Somali! 
Joy 
Thank you for an excellent newsletter, Cubby.
Quirks and mannerisms are usually omitted by the novice writer, and if used, they are shown as paste-ups. You did great service to us by bringing up the quirks.
~ You are welcome and I thank you for the compliment! 
A thinker never sleeps 
My quirk is definately tapping. Good newsletter.
~ I shake my knee a lot, especially when I'm nervous. 
Acme
Cubby, I always appreciate your onsite links and further reading suggestions. Thanks! 
~ You are always welcome!
jlynnh
I have other quirks if you want any more.
Traces lips (one of mine. I always trace my lips with my pinky finger when concentrating deeply or when I'm really angry)
Gets REALLY close to the paper when writing/drawing something (another of mine)
Tenses then relaxes repeatedly (I sometimes do this...)
Constantly moves some body part when sitting (can't sit still. Again, me.)
Doesn't look people in the eye.
Hums/whistles when does something wrong (my friend does this)
Plays with random things
Always touches things
...and many more.
Great newsletter by the way. I sometimes don't give my characters quirks, but I have a million of them...
~ Great additions! Thanks so much for sharing!
Shannon 
Excellent NL, Cub! As a nurse, I've come across some pretty strange quirks (my favorite is the guy who carried a package of cold hot dogs around in his breast pocket). Strange stuff, but stuff that amounts to interesting characters.
~ I will never, as long as I live, forget that.  That is something you should definitely use in a story someday! I do not have the gift of nursing, so I just want to say Thank you. You are truly among the special people in this world. (((HUGS)))!!!
Quick-Quill 
This is just a note to let everyone know that this newsletter is great. I followed all the links and read them. They were informative and beneficial. This for sure is a definite keeper. I am making it a prominate Favorite in my Portfolio
~ Gee, thanks! Thank you for such nice feedback!
sarahreed
Thanks so much for the breakdown on character quirks. The lists and links are very helpful. I honestly hadn't thought much about picking character quirks. Most of the time they just appeared or didn't, like they just wrote themselves in. But I think I'll be a little more pro-active now, especially if I find my characters are flat. Thanks!
~ You are very welcome!
Verbosity
Thanks for a great reminder that we must be believable in our writing. I'm a nurse too and find myself suffering the same feelings as you when I read or see the profession displayed in a shallow or unrealistic way.
Thanks!
~ You are welcome... and a huge Thank You to you, too, for being part of such a profession as nursing.
pooja_sr
Very true. :)
~
Big Mike 2humble2bragbut...
I know it's actually screenwriting, but I thoroughly enjoy the TV show "Monk". The main character (for those unfamiliar) has basically every phobia you can imagine. However, his "disabilities" enable him to be the best detective. And sometimes, situations compel him to overcome (at least temporarily) his fears in order to save lives or catch a criminal. It's great writing with humor and heart. Adrian Monk... what a character!
~ I've never seen it, but it sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing!
esprit
Good letter, Cubby, and thanks for finding and including my piece on character building. It's getting read.
~ Thank you and you're welcome. I'm glad it's getting read!
Puppycat
Thanks, Cubby. I hadn't thought much about that but you are right.
~ I love to be right, lol! Thanks so much!
Koyel~writing again 
I liked this newsletter.This is an interesting piece about quirks.
~ Glad you enjoyed it!
 Thank you, everyone, for all the wonderful feedback you send in!
As always...
Have a wonderful week!
AND KEEP ON WRITING!!!
Cubby ")
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