A Rejection... But a Good Thing

Most writers will tell you that the road to becoming published is long and filled with rejection. I'm no exception and get my fair share of rejection letters and or no response at all. In fact, I have my favorite rejection letter printed and taped to the wall behind my desk at work.

But that said, those rejection letters where the agent or editor has taken the time to make a personal note are worth their weight in gold. They give you valuable insight on how to improve your writing, what is working and not working within your query letter, and most importantly they give you the fuel to push on.

I sent out several query letters for "Mom's Mean French Toast & Other Terrifying Tales", a collection of 13 creepy tales for middle-grade readers. Amy Tipton from Signature Literary Agency wrote back within 24 hours! It was a rejection of course but two things about it are very encouraging. First, she took the time to respond and within such a short period of time, and second, she took the time to compliment...

"Thank you for your query, which I read with interest. Unfortunately, I
am not the right agent for your work. Do not despair as another agent
might feel quite differently.

Thank you for considering me. I wish you the best with your writing.

Best,
Amy Tipton

 

*This is good--you're a very good writer!"

Update Needed.... Desperately!!!

Hey gang,

Sorry that this blog has been void of anything new. I've been focusing on the horror writing and I'm honored to announce that the publishing contact with Blood Bound Books is officially signed and we're moving on to the next step. My novella "He Only Takes One" will be published alongside a great horror author named Kisten Dearborn who signed with BBB for a novella titled "Jackson House". If her story is anything like mine be prepared for a very Stephen King'ish feeling novel.

On the children's lit side of things Meegenius has published the Owen the Pirate series in all its glory and Jessika has done an amazing job as usual! Also, Meegenius has shown some interest in publishing a couple more stories, "If We Served Traffic Jam on Toast" and "Beaver Finds Home".

Very exciting times!!!

Here's a sneak peek at the concept drawings Jessika sent to the Meegenius for Traffic Jam :)