Tuesday 15 November 2011

The Next Step And Waiting.

I haven't really said anything about this on my blog because I was scared to. I was scared to because I didn't want to put a jinx on anything. A jinx, can you believe that. I actually thought that if I discussed it too much the opportunity would go away.

Now I'm tentative and cautious, but a bit more willing to write about it here. After all, my blog is not only an ongoing conversation with fellow bloggers and readers, but a permanent reminder for me to look back on. A place to chart the trials and tribulations of attempting to get published. To have a novel, or further, a series of novels, out there for people to read. It is with this in mind that helped me come to the decision to finally write about what is ongoing. That and the fact that it's gone and I can't get it back. My novel is actually out there in the big wide world.

Okay, so six months ago I sent an enquiry off to an agent. I was aware the agent was interested in finding new crime writers, so I bit the bullet and sent an email, telling them what I was writing. (I am purposefully keeping this gender none specific, still worrying about jinxes etc!) I sent the first few chapters and synopsis and was then asked to send the full manuscript when I had completed it.

That was nearly six months ago. I worried I was taking too long and the request would be rescinded. I recently made contact again and informed them it was completed. It was confirmed that the agent was still happy to read it and yesterday I sent my manuscript to them via email.

I'm terrified. It's my first submission and a no thanks is expected, but I've now spent a year of my life writing this and it's going to feel personal, no matter how well I'm turned down. I'm trying to lock all emotions away as I wait and deal with what comes in a detached manner. That's the plan. But for now, it's a waiting game. Who's going to sit with me?


16 comments:

  1. Good luck, Rebecca.

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  2. I'm with you in the row of chairs, as am currently awaiting a publisher's response to my YA novel. Horrid, stomach-churning, nervous feeling isn't it? I have to force myself to get on with other stuff and not wait around biting my fingernails, but I've been at it for a while. Very good luck - I'm thinking of you, and remember what it was like the first time!

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  3. Good Luck, Rebecca - keeping all fingers crossed for you!

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  4. Good luck - I remember this all too well, and I felt exactly the same! I've got everything crossed for you.

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  5. Hi Rebecca,

    I was awarded a blog award recently and I have been asked to forward it onto five blogs that I enjoy to read.

    I picked yours because it is always a great read and you capture the thoughts of many writers!
    To accept and read about the award, click here http://liz-crump.blogspot.com/2011/11/lovely-emma-hunneyball-who-writes-blog.html

    xx

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  6. Wishing you all the best! Looking forward to hearing good news as well :)

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  7. Wishing you the best and keeping everything crossed! xx

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  8. Good luck and my very best wishes to you. I have my fingers so tightly crossed it is difficult to type this ;)

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  9. Ah, Rebecca, this is such a scary and exciting time isn't it? I recognise the feeling well - every time I send something off I anticipate rejection, with that tiny spark of hope that says 'maybe, just maybe.' And having been published already doesn't make that any easier, it's like starting again each time. I'm waiting for a response too at the moment, so will definitely sit with you. Good Luck!

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  10. Oooooh, good luck Rebecca. Fingers crossed for you.

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  11. Rebecca, regardless of the outcome, this is great news. I'm crossing my fingers for you :-)

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  12. Could you pass me that magazine while we're waiting? I'm praying for you.

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  13. How exciting, Rebecca. Good luck! :)

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  14. Good luck. Fingers crossed for you!

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  15. Thank you Donna.

    Lucy - Thank you for sitting with me. It really is a stomach churning timee isn't it. I know it won't have been read yet, but I keep checking my emails every half an hour! Wishing you a positive outcome at the end of your wait x

    Thank you Laydilejur. :)

    Emma - Thank you. It's a nightmare time isn't it. It would be so much easier to wait if I already knew the outcome ;)

    Liz - Thank you for the award Liz, I will blog it over the next few days. It's lovely to have received it. x

    Karen - Thank you. Hopefully it's good news I'm waiting for, but I'm also trying to steel myself for the opposite.

    Thank you Janice. I appreciate it.

    Elaine - Thank you. I hope you are still keeping them crossed for me. I know it might make life a bit difficult, but I really need the the help. :)

    Abi - Thank you. It is such a rollercoaster. One minute I'm holding out hope and the next I telling myself I just sent off a big pile of rubbish. Argh!

    Thank you Annalisa. I need it. :)

    Sarah - It is definitely a step. Keep those fingers crossed though :)

    Thank you Mieke. I appreciate the company while I wait.

    Ranae - Thank you. It's exciting a nervewracking all at once.

    Thank you Glynis.

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  16. This is so exciting, Rebecca, congratulations!! I am keeping my fingers and toes and anything else I can crossed for you, good luck!!!

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