I'm playing the waiting game at the moment... and I've realised I'm not very good at it. As my husband always says, when I want something, I want it straight away.
You see, my second novel is out there. The first three chapters are with a few agents and the complete manuscript is with two more, as well as a couple of publishers (two of whom are also reading my first novel as well). I know I should chill... take up crochet... meditate. Anything to take my mind off the wait - but it's hard.
Every time the phone rings, I jump.
Every time the email pings, I jump.
Every time a Twitter message comes through, I jump.
I'd make a good kangaroo.
You'd think I'd be good at waiting - after all, I've had five years experience in waiting for magazine editors to buy or reject my short stories - but, somehow, the wait to hear about the novels is worse.
I brought up this topic in a Facebook post last week and author, Emma Darwin, came to my rescue. She'd recently written a blog post on this very subject and thought I might like to read it. It's actually aimed at writers with agents who have sent their manuscripts out to publishers but is equally relevant for those of us waiting to hear from agents. You can read it here.
Is Your novel Out on Submission - Welcome to Hell
On the good news front (after a bit of waiting) I have, in the last month, sold eight stories - which I'm really chuffed about. The three hundred mark is moving ever closer!
If you're interested in reading one of my stories, The Beloved Sea will be published in The People's Friend Special this week.
Back to the submissions. My favourite piece of advice from Emma is, 'Find companions in misery'. So... are any of you waiting to hear about something too?
Oh yes, I can empathize. Waiting for results of several submissions. The biggie may not be until July!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain, Lindsay.
DeleteI feel exactly the same, Wendy. It's horrible, and you can't get down to anything else. Waiting can be a full-time job! Good luck with your submissions - at least you seem to have several irons in the fire!
ReplyDeleteI doubt it ever gets better, Frances.
DeleteMy nails are gone as I'm waiting with you, Wendy! And you have to let me know any developments asap - even before you call hubby! Great advice and post by Emma Darwin too. I think we all reside in Writer's Hell sometimes :)
ReplyDeleteWhichever way it goes, you’ll be the first to know x
DeleteI'm always waiting. On the plus side, having become so accustomed to it that it's a way of life now, I'm no longer quite as criminally impatient as I used to be! I've factored it into the process of writing. In fact, writing is the only way to take my mind off it. Looking forward to hearing your news when it arrives, Wendy, and hoping it's soon xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanna. I’m hoping it will be soon too.
DeleteYes, but, yes...but you sold EIGHT stories in a month. Count them...1, 2, 3, 4.
ReplyDeleteI know there is no such thing as balance when you're waiting but I am in awe of your work rate and your ability to get it right. (Goes away muttering to herself. Eight stories SOLD, not written. Sold!)
Sorry, Bridget! I know I’m really lucky and I’m honestly very grateful to the lovely magazine editors who like my work. It’s just that the novel is a huge leap for me and I just need to know if it hits the mark.
DeleteWow, Wendy - eight stories in one month is amazing. I'm sure you're not going to have to wait too long. Good luck and keeping everything crossed for you. x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rae.
DeleteCongratulations for finding an agent and for getting so many short stories accepted for publication. That will definitely help when publishers are considering your book.
ReplyDeleteMy wait was ten years! I'm delighted to say that late last year I signed contracts for my 3 completed novels, the first to come out this year.
The one thing I would say is never give up. There were times I was despondent and could have saved myself the angst, but I continued because I simply love writing.
Good luck to you and the other writers who are waiting anxiously.
Ange x
Sadly, I haven’t found an agent, Angela... that’s what I’m waiting to hear about 😊
DeleteYou know I'm waiting too Wendy and it is agony, I'm taking comfort in writing my next novel. I'm also in awe of you selling all those short stories this month, well done! Keep going you'll get there xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a journey we’re going on, Sue. Exciting and scary in equal measures.
DeleteI'm like you in not liking to wait.
ReplyDeleteOne of the good things about short stories is that it's relatively easy to have several out at once, so we're never just waiting on one.
That’s so true, Patsy.
DeleteTo have sold 8, how many had you submitted? I've made 2 sales this month with 22 subs.
ReplyDeleteIt’s difficult to say, Ray, because the stories are all subbed at different times and I mostly sub to the mags most likely to buy my work (thus reducing the rejection rate). I’m very lucky to find a home for most of what I write.
DeleteThis will go well. I have a feeling in my water.
ReplyDeleteLet’s hope so, Phillipa.
DeleteIt's just as well you're selling so many other stories, Wendy - at least it gives you something rewarding to focus upon! Hope you hear the news you want soon.
ReplyDeleteYes the stories are a lifesaver, Rosemary.
DeleteWaiting, waiting. All part and parcel of being a writer isn't it. Congratulations on your sales, clever lady, and hope you hear really soon with the good news you are waiting for xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue.
DeleteI'm waiting for the cricket season to start but I don't suppose that compares to what you're going through. Good luck, Wendy.
ReplyDeletePossibly not, Keith!
DeleteEight stories in a month is a great achievement, well done you. I hope you get some good news soon on the novel.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maria.
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