My cyber-space friend Robin (of Disco Mermaid fame) made a comment that really got me thinking. She mentioned how some agents become more interested in you as a writer when they find out another editor is already interested in you--which she compared to the dating scene. I realized that this whole trying-to-get-published gig shares lots of similarities with beloved courtship rituals. Namely:*endless waiting around for the phone call from the editor/agent who may or may not be interested in you
*completely naked vulnerability--I mean, you've poured your bleeding heart and deepest, darkest secrets out there onto those pages
*wondering if you sounded like a complete rambling idiot in your pitch letter
*stressing about whether a follow-up call is ever appropriate--and did I really give that guy my phone number? I mean, did I remember to include my SASE?
*crushing blow of rejection . . . after rejection . . . after rejection . . .
*giddy excitement of that first request for a revision or a full manuscript (or actually selling your book--something I've not yet experienced but fantasized about more than I should admit)
*did I mention the waiting? and the fantasies?
And, isn't it kind of like hiring a sexy, young escort to take you to your twentieth high school reunion if you self-publish your book?
Aw man, I'm an old married woman. I thought I was through with this whole scene.
4 comments:
Oh SF! So True! And don't you know that when you or I finally get the call... we'll be just as tongue-tied and nervous as if the high school hottie were asking us out!
Holy Moly!
SF...Is that like when George Costanza was gettin' all the babes while showing a picture of Jerry's girlfriend?
Once those hotties knew he could score a "good-lookin chick," he was all of a sudden IN!
LA
You nailed it, SF! It's hard to believe that getting a personal rejection letter as opposed to a form letter or nothing is reason for rejoicing! Keep pluggin'.
Couldn't agree with you more!
I like the idea of hiring a young hottie to take me to my 20th high school reunion. I think I'll do that! (I have no shame.)
See you in 4 days!!
Eve
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