The first rejection comes almost three months after sending the completed manuscript of the Civil War novel to my agent. An editor for a major publishing house has been looking at it and has, alas, decided to pass.
This doesn't come as a surprise, as my agent and I both suspected the book was too "literary" to be the sort of commercial blockbuster the house is really looking for. It's a business decision, of course. So, no hard feelings and Ann the agent will forge ahead, trying other editors whom she thinks will be more open to this book.
The rejecting editor said nice things about "pitch-perfect and utterly authentic" language -- at the same time noting it may be daunting and a little "chewy" for a reader looking for an escape.
I'm not apologizing for this book. It's written the way it needed to be told and I have faith it will find a sympathetic publisher and, in time, an audience.
In time being the operative phrase. Things rarely happen quickly in publishing so now we can just settle in for a nice contemplative wait . . . Thus the pictures of the glaciers, courtesy of Patagonia's Glacier Park.
14 comments:
I'm sorry they didn't leap on it with cries of joy, but I believe the right publisher will come along and then . . . I'll get to read it!! Oh frabjous day!!
How disappointing for you, but one hopes it will all turn out well.
It will happen, and all of us will be reading it and rejoicing!
One of them will love it! Chin up, keep calm and carry on...
Yes, the earth moves slowly. And apparently finding the right publisher. Sorry about the process being so grinding. I love these photos!
Vicki, it will be important for your book to connect with the publisher who will be a perfect fit. I'm confident that your agent will find that spot.
(I guess we all know the story about Ms. Rowling....) xo
Vicki, this is just part of being a good writer, I fear. And you are a wonderful writer! Your book will find its niche. Don't doubt yourself--ever!
This publisher will, no doubt, live to regret its decision to pass. (Too bad you're laid up and unable to attend the Trump rally over in Fletcher this afternoon. I'm sure that would have cheered you up. LOL!)
Onward.
HUG
Hey Vicki,
Oh the places we'll go, right?
I'm dead certain this detour into rehab was NOT on your bucket list.
Just wanted to say hi. I talk to fellow Phrog Lourdes every week (a ph conference with her and another Wildacres writer and our stuff) and she was horrified when I told her what happened. She sends her best as do I.
I'm intrigued about your Civil War mss. It will find its home -- can't wait!
Dianna in TX
Darn! I can't wait to read it.
Linda
Gracious and lovely way to look at it. But I do hope the right publisher comes along. I'm getting pretty old here and I really do want to read it. I have no problem with daunting and chewy. Escape is not the only reason to read a good book.
I echo the words of others. Like a house sale, it just needs the right one to say yes! Such things move slowly, oh yes, but often you can see the rightness, with hindsight. I'll look forward to reading it, one day.
Well you got that rejection out of the way - now onward to the right place! xo
Post a Comment