The other day on Twitter, and it’s amazing how many conversations and blogs I can start with that phrase, I was chatting with some other authors that I deeply admire. We realized we were all in the same situation: we had a submission out there that we were waiting to hear the results from. Nail biting, nerve wrecking, waiting.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Submission Process--What do you do when you're waiting?
I am 33 years old and the mom of 3 little boys. I am published with Liquid Silver Books, Noble Romance, Silver Publishing, Decadent Publishing, and Ellora's Cave. Please contact me at rebecca@rebeccaroyce.com
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12 comments:
Each one is different for me - usually the worst when I'm trying something new. Like the one I'm waiting to hear back on right now. It's been nearly six weeks - Driving. Me. Insane. Think this one is worse than my first submission.
But usually I try to dig into writing a different book to take my mind off things. I'm actually writing two at the same time right now and gotta say, it's not helping much. LOL
I try to work on something else and forget it, too. Like Sara, I have something different out there, and it's making me more nervous.
I've got seven novels and novellas going, so no time to think about the submissions.
Plus, I'm up to my neck in getting ready for my son's wedding and reception at the house. If I didn't have that going, I'd be blogging or writing or working my day job. If I sat around and thought about the status of a submission, it would drive me crazy. :)
What's really crazy is when you have more than one out and they all come back at once. Yeah, learned my lesson there. One at a time, one at a time.
I do my best to forget by throwing myself into other work but it's half-assed because really I'm wondering about my submission. Life seems to slow when I wait. This has been the longest weekend I've had in awhile, which was kinda nice. LOL
There's nothing you can do. It's not in your control so why worry? Work on the next book. that's what I do. Waiting is just part of the business.
If the company allows me to submit only three chapters, then while I'm editing I submit those three. Then, while it is submission with them I finish up the edit (pray they don't contact me before to ask for the full, which they NEVER do). Usually, by the time I've finished up the edit - they have responded. So, the wait time is manageable.
If I have to send the full in, I get read into a new project trying to keep my mind off it, which never works!! EVER!!
It is a horrible process and yes, I too and glued to the computer checking my emails.
:)
I read so many posts where the authors say they put that ms aside and focus on another. I'm SO glad I'm not the only one obsessivly checking my email! I admit to having started on other stories, but what's a quick jaunt into email (which I'm usually already signed into anyway) every now and then?
Thanks!
I definitely put it out of my mind and move on to the next story... Right--I have a million dollars too *wink* I keep a hawk's eye on the email.
So glad I'm not alone in this you guys!
Just to show you had bad I am, my hubby called the cell phone company and put internet on my phone, because he was sick of me calling and asking him to check my e-mail. LOL!
OMG, Stacey, that is so funny! That is something my husband would do!!
While I'm waiting, I keep my email window open. Then click it several times every few minutes just to make sure I haven't missed anything.
I will tinker around with my next project while stalking my editor on Twitter. Then consider ways to bribe her involving her love of coconut M&M's and Jenson Ackles...
When that fails, I whine. A lot. And kick my feet a little.
I submitted my new novel today. I got my confirmation and was told the blurb definitely caught her attention. I'll find out if the novel did in six to eight weeks.
In the meantime, I still owe her a project. I guess I'll go work on that so I can start the process allll over again. ;)
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