Publication Quest
July 22, 2007
A big part of success in getting published is finding a good match between your story and the publisher. This is why you hear, right editor, right day so often in writers’ loops. There’s truth to it, timing is a big factor. But here’s what all editors are looking for–stories that will sell well. That’s the editor’s job to acquire the best stories she can for her publisher.
This is why the already successful author has a big edge. So what is an aspiring writer to do? I suspect we each have to find our own answer to this question.
Here’s what I do. Work on becoming a better writer–not a goal but an endless journey and look at which publishers, and or editors I like. No two writers are alike but you can probably come up with a few that are sort of like you that you admire and enjoy, Who publishes them? Who edits them? Who represents them? They might like you too. If you’re pitching to an editor who is looking for your kind of story you’re miles ahead of the game.
BTW, despite what the word meter says I’m making progress on the revising. I may not have a lot more words but many more the current words are the right ones.
This week brought another rejection, I’d almost forgotten it. They’re still not fun mind you. But when I submit to a line that I know has it’s pick of brand name authors, then I’m prepared for the thanks-for-thinking-of-us letter.
Current year’s goals updated
1) Continue to study and learn the craft of writing.
2) Three submissions – done – follow up with a sequels* to each– two sequels in progress!
3) In roads into the TBR shelves
Progress report
1) Reading craft stuff — character related
Six submissions sent! Two novels, one novella x two, and one short x two
Status: One sale – three rejections – two waiting to hear from the publishers
Timeline:
Number one: resting (revisions next year?)
Number two: Sold! Tasteful acquiring editor explained it will be months before an editor is assigned to work with me … actual release date? Some time next year is my best guess.
Number three: Resubmitted–new estimated response time–five to seven weeks
Number four: Resubmitted – new estimated response time – six weeks–eleven months two weeks **
TBR shelves is even (as long as I don’t count the virtual shelf, which is growing) – reading two books (one print, one virtual – very slowly) I may as well admit I cheated to keep the stack even I took three books that I’m never going to read off the TBR shelves since I sent away for three, okay four, books that I’m positive I want to read.
*Yes, I do admit this is an insane plan, but I need to stay busy. If I have idle time I become even more neurotic and imagine unpleasant things. Far better to put my twisted mind to work developing more dangerously sexy stories.
** Tasteful review editor wrote that she liked it and moved it on to acquiring editor’s inbox. Sadly, acquiring editor’s inbox is overflowing
A lonely woman finds passion with a dominant much younger lover, forcing a choice between love and loyalty 
The Enyo Chronicles includes both Dalia's Choice and Joon's Tempation. 
Three different stories, three dangerous men, and three women who deserve them 
One dangerous warrior woman plus two rogue demon males equals a love to threaten an empire. 
Getting paid to watch Eduardo is Desiree’s dream assignment, but when he reaches out to her, crossing the line, everything changes.
Deep in her secret heart, she lusts for a sexy pirate who’d be her master and commander in the bedroom. But, this man may be too dangerous
One woman, two men, three wounded hearts--though already mated their love is still forbidden.
A reluctant reporter and a lone wolf undercover cop work to catch an extortionist, finding love requires the most dangerous risk of all. 
Street-smart cop plays princess to catch deadly terrorists. Now,the only man she trusts is the one she can't resist.
Along with the arrival of Sam’s nemesis comes Karina, the one woman who can heal his wounded soul. What he doesn’t know may kill him. Because, the love of his life is his worst nightmare--his enemy’s daughter. 
July 22nd, 2007 at 10:38 pm
edit