Is a no. I was invited to send proposals to editor’s at two publishing houses. After two weeks and one day I got my first answer. “I think your idea has merit, but your writing needs to be strengthened.” She then recommended some freelance editors who could help me shape up the manuscript. Okay, deep breath.
Gut reaction? This woman, who has decades of experience and thousands of sucess stories, obviously doesn’t know strong writing when she sees it (although she is able to recognize a good idea).
Reaction after gut reaction wears off. Crap, I obviously can’t write and I’m kidding myself when I think my book could actually be published. This brilliant woman is letting me down easy and she’s probably just being nice when she says my idea has merit.
Reaction after being hugged by my husband and getting a good night’s sleep. A professional in the Christian publishing field–who’s opinion is subjective–thinks my idea is good and my book is worth working on.
I replied to the editor thanking her for her time and advice and saying that I’ll explore the editor route. She replied with a “Good for you!” That was nice, actually.
Next step? Well, I may look into what it costs to hire an editor. But before I do anything further with my manuscript, I’ll WAIT to hear from editor number two. Opinions are subjective and what I’ve learned about the current publishing industry is that it’s getting harder by the day to get a book into print. There are more people writing and fewer people buying books. The industry is in flux right now with technology changing even the way we read books. Self-publishing is on the rise with ebooks, print on demand and vanity houses. Result? Even a good idea with strong writing is going to have a tough time making it.
Upshot? I’ve just had a little dose of reality, but I feel the optimist in me rising to the surface. Maybe I should beat her down a little, but I like being optimistic. And as a Christian I know how everything comes out in the end, so I’ll just sit back and enjoy the ride–the peaks and the valleys. Let the waiting continue.
Phillipians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”