Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Dating Game

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:

Katie Anderson said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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

Jeannie said...

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'.

Disco Mermaids said...

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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