Yes, faithful readers. I did send my manuscript to my editor yesterday, via email attachment. Happy days, and with Snoopy, I’m doing the happy dance!
Now I’ve got to write like a fiend on my next book before this one arrives back in my In Box to be edited (about two weeks). No rest and all that.
I have been very lazy since July about my work outs, and that is something I mean to change today. Back onto that stationary bike. Start lifting those free weights. Use that big ball to do my sit ups. Why is it that good habits take so long to establish and bad habits seem to be established overnight?
I got one of those phone calls last night. “Ms. Hatcher, you don’t know me, but I’ve written a novel…” This particular caller was hoping I could refer her to a Christian editor. I told her I didn’t work with any freelance editors, so I couldn’t give her any referral information for that. But it wasn’t a freelance editor she wanted. She wanted me to refer her to a publishing house. I always feel so mean as I try to explain that there are no shortcuts. She will have to start sending query letters and sample chapters. The most help I could be to her, when she told me hers was a Christian fantasy novel, was a suggestion that WaterBrook might be a good place to start since they are the publisher of Dragonspell. She asked if she had to send just a query letter or if she could send sample chapters or even the full novel. I told her to do whatever Writer’s Market and/or Christian Writers’ Market Guide said to do. “But I’ve heard that if the novel is done you should send the entire manuscript.” I replied that few publishers want the entire manuscript unless they request it and reiterated that she should follow the submission instructions of the publishing house.
I often hear how tough it is to sell a book these days. Truth is, it was just as tough when I started in 1981. Less than 1% of the novels that are written get published. That was true in 1981. It’s still true today. (I’m talking traditional publishers where they pay the author an advance against royalties, etc. Self-publishing and POD publishing has made it easier for writers to get books in print, but that’s a different topic altogether.) Ultimately, I have to say this: If you are a writer, you write, whether or not you get published. A writer will write, no matter what.
I’m often asked what is my favorite part of being a writer. My answer? “Having written.” I’m not all that crazy about the writing itself, but “having written” something is enormously satisfying.
Today is errand day. Better get a move on.
-rlh-
