Thursday, July 2, 2009

I should be cleaning, but... an update instead

We are having people over tomorrow for a fireworks party. Our nice little town has a spiffy 4th of July display, usually just before, or just after the 4th. We have the best seats in the house because the fireworks are shot off in the park right next door. The whole neighborhood is practically one big party on that night - which, this year, is tomorrow night.

So I should be tidying up, but, always looking for an excuse to take a break, I've decided to post an update on my manuscript.

Way back in February a literary agent requested to see the full manuscript of a work that I had submitted the first chapter of. I said back then that I would keep you updated.

Well, I think this manuscript may be cursed, because I never heard back. Even after politely emailing when the three month mark had passed (which is perfectly acceptable to do). The funny thing is, this is the second time this has happened.

This particular manuscript has been requested three times. One agent responded really rather quickly and passed on it. One thanked me for sending it and said that she would get to it right after Book Expo America (last year's BEA), and then I never heard from her again (even after a polite 3 month email, too). And then came this last request and... nothing.

So perhaps it's cursed.

I'm working on a couple of other projects, though, so I'm thinking this one will go into a drawer now.

It's very exciting for an agent to request your manuscript, but it's equally frustrating when you realized you've dumped it into a black hole and will never ever hear anything back.

Ah well, time to move ahead. And get back to cleaning ; )

4 comments:

Adrienne said...

We have fireworks across the street from us, too. You can't beat that!

I just got depressing news from an agent last night. :(
Not hearing anything is frustrating, too - you never know how long to hold out hope. I'm hoping it does NOT mean the project is cursed - but I know what you're feeling. Maybe the best thing is to work on the project you are most excited about right now.

ICQB said...

Hi adrienne!

Fireworks practically in your backyard can't be beat!

Sorry to hear about depressing agent news : ( But it's exciting to at least get that far.

I am about to plunge back into a project that I began just before we left for our trip. That should take my mind off of the black hole manuscript : )

Good luck with all of your endeavors - I honestly think its just a matter of time for you!

Catofstripes said...

I'm impressed you have a finished manuscript to offer. There are plenty of stories of famous authors who have wall papered their lavatory walls with rejection slips so don't give up yet!

ICQB said...

Thanks, Catofstripes! Encouragement is everything.