And so it begins...

In case you haven't surmised it yet, I'm an editor. I receive queries. I read them. I take a deep breath and ask for submissions from those who show promise. Some show more promise than others, but as a small publisher, I want to give as many writers a chance as possible before I become overwhelmed and buried in my electronic slush pile. I receive submissions. I read them. Some show promise, some are worthy of a request for a re-write, some are nearly ready to be published (that's when I stop reading and call far and wide for any and all fellow publishing slaves within earshot to join me in a happy dance), and some, unfortunately, have to be turned down.

I know, I'm an editor. That's my job. I'm heartless and cruel and unkind. My critiques are like lightning bolts hurled from on high where I sit upon my pillowed throne eating Bon Bons and deciding, quite at random, which irrelevant, talentless author will be my next target. Right?

Wrong. In actuality, my comfy throne is a squeaky office chair and I haven't consumed a Bon Bon since the spring of 1985 (not a provable fact, but I'm sticking with it). Yes, if I take the time to read your submission, you can bet your sweet patootie that I will have a critique for you. If you weren't willing to hear it, then boy, did you submit to the wrong publisher. And it's probably better that we both found that out now, before I wasted countless hours on the editing process. That's why we're here - to find the diamonds in the slush. And if you can't take the heat, stay out of the pile.

Harsh words, I know, but I'm offering a glimpse into my perspective, which I hope my readers and future queriers will take to heart. I do know how you feel. I've submitted and been rejected and I'll tell you a little secret. It is far worse to be rejected for no reason at all, or to receive a form rejection with reasons that in no way apply to your manuscript, than it is to hear even the worst critique you can imagine. Why? Because one day, after you've calmed down, wiped your eyes, decided that this whole writing business just isn't for you (and some will quit there - that's not who I'm talking about) and, finally, changed your mind again and come to terms with the fact that maybe, just maybe, you might have a little more to learn, there may be some slight room for improvement, you'll have my critique, and any others you may have received, to look back on, sitting there in black and white, waiting for you to take that free advice and make your writing shine.

We (those of us in the publishing world who actually take the time and make that effort to sit down and share with you some of the things we've learned about writing) are few and far between and when you stop being offended, maybe you'll appreciate us a little more. Or maybe not. We'll probably never know either way. Unless you take it upon yourself to prove to us, once and for all, that we made the absolute best decision we ever could have made by turning you down.

Which brings me to the point of this blog: to share with you all some of the annoying, interesting, laughable, good, bad, and, most definitely, ugly things that happen around here on a daily, or nearly daily, basis. For starters, I'd like to present my favorite message (so far, at least) from a rejected writer. I'm including their follow up (way too soon!), my rejection email to him/her and then their response so everyone can get a clear perspective. Obviously, I'm eliminating any distinguishing characteristics so they may remain anonymous in this blog, as they assuredly shall in the literary world.

Enjoy!

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Dear Editor:

I sent you a few chapters of your  (my?) work earlier this week, and have not heard back from you. I was wondering if you have had a chance to read it?

Sincerely,

****

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Dear *****,

I did receive and read your submission, and I'm sorry I didn't have the time to respond sooner.  (Although, for your future reference, please be advised that most publishers and agents will take several weeks or longer to get back to you.  I know it's difficult to wait it out, but if you send a follow-up email too quickly, you do risk offending a very busy person who is taking the time to read your work).  The reason for the delay has been my desire to give you some heartfelt advice in the most helpful way possible.  I hope you will take it and put it to good use.

 Unfortunately we will not be able to publish *******, but I want to very specifically tell you why.  I know you have been working on your writing, and that you very much desire a career as an author, but the problem is this: although you're giving lots of information in your story about the characters, they just aren't coming to life.  I want to feel things with (the character), not just be told about them.  And I need to want to feel them.  I hope this makes sense to you.

Another very important aspect of writing a readable novel is the dialogue.  This cannot be overlooked.  If your characters aren't speaking their words like they're in a movie playing in your mind, if you find yourself writing what you think they should say instead of what they're saying on their own, then you need to keep working on finding a connection with each character until they truly become alive to you.  Until this happens, they will only be fabrications.

 As an exercise, it may help to re-read some works of any author that you find inspiring.  Look specifically at how they describe things and people, what information they are relaying to the reader, but more importantly, how they are relaying it.  Think about what makes you interested in their writing, how they grab you with  their words.  I might also suggest reading On Writing by Stephen King.  Whether you're a fan of his or not, it's one of the best books I've read that truly delves into the craft of writing from a writer's perspective.

My other advice, and please don't take this as an insult, would be that you consider writing in the Young Adult genre.  I feel your natural writing style would be a good fit in the YA market and you just might find a niche with your historical romances without the need for overly sexual content.  Just a suggestion.

 I do thank you for your submission and I'm sorry to have to say no.  I wish you all the best with your writing and sincerely hope you continue to grow as a writer.

 Most kind regards,

 Editor

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Dear Editor:

Thank you for your response and to respond to your critique, the characters are coming to life for me. I am really not sure why you felt the need to give me all the specific critiquing when I didn't ask for it. I have read a lot of other writer's books recently, for your information and I have no desire to copy any of them. I can't be anyone else other than myself.

Too bad u did not like my story, a few others did and I already got a contract in the length of time it took u to respond. Further more I can't see why u took so long, seeing as how u only have two titles with your company. You must really be receiving some junk writing.

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*Sigh*

Yeah, I guess that pile of "junk writing" just got the better of me.  How about "u"?

But that, dear readers, is a topic for our next discussion.

Sincerely,

Your Editor