Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Susan's Book Talk: Groupies Galore
I got TWO rejections from agents Monday, and like the two before them, they said the same thing, if you read between the lines. It's either they hate that Trevor gets sick, or that they think they can't sell the book somehow.
I think the worst part is that these rejections I'm getting come in one of two varieties: the form letter that tells me they didn't read past the first word, or else the personal letter that's truly regretful and yet hopeful that I'll find the right one of their colleagues who'll take this on. One of the letters yesterday, from a VP at one of the biggie agencies, handwrote an additional "I am sorry" on the bottom of the letter. Like she'd wanted to take me on but someone stopped her.
Okay, enough of my frustrations. On to the good stuff.
I've been talking to Breeni about having a graphic made for when I talk up my groupies and when you guys blog about me. What do you think? You game? Do you want an official West of Mars Groupie graphic? What? (go on and say t-shirts; I'm on it)
Claire found this gem of an idea. We all know what I want for the world -- for everyone to have the chance to meet Trevor. What do you want?
Now, the real news: Camille at Littlebird blue sent me this link, to Green Man Review, where she's got a few reviews posted. Check them out.
And Karen and Janelle and I have been discussing this one via e-mail: The Bookseller is out with their (his? Her?) annual list of the oddest book titles. Be sure you vote.
Debut a Debut author Joshua Palmatier dropped into my inbox to tell me that his debut novel, The Skewed Throne, is one of the four finalists for the Baltimore Science Fiction Society's Compton Crook/Stephen Tall Memorial Award for best first novel of 2006. HUGE congratulations to Joshua!! May the best book be yours!
Lastly, a shameless plug that you go check out what's new at Front Street Reviews. Nothing from me (I'm too busy with the query letters), but plenty of other gems that you might want to consider for the summer reading contest... Stay tuned for that, as well as that graphic I'm thinking about. If you'd like it, give me a yay or nay in the comments.
I think the worst part is that these rejections I'm getting come in one of two varieties: the form letter that tells me they didn't read past the first word, or else the personal letter that's truly regretful and yet hopeful that I'll find the right one of their colleagues who'll take this on. One of the letters yesterday, from a VP at one of the biggie agencies, handwrote an additional "I am sorry" on the bottom of the letter. Like she'd wanted to take me on but someone stopped her.
Okay, enough of my frustrations. On to the good stuff.
I've been talking to Breeni about having a graphic made for when I talk up my groupies and when you guys blog about me. What do you think? You game? Do you want an official West of Mars Groupie graphic? What? (go on and say t-shirts; I'm on it)
Claire found this gem of an idea. We all know what I want for the world -- for everyone to have the chance to meet Trevor. What do you want?
Now, the real news: Camille at Littlebird blue sent me this link, to Green Man Review, where she's got a few reviews posted. Check them out.
And Karen and Janelle and I have been discussing this one via e-mail: The Bookseller is out with their (his? Her?) annual list of the oddest book titles. Be sure you vote.
Debut a Debut author Joshua Palmatier dropped into my inbox to tell me that his debut novel, The Skewed Throne, is one of the four finalists for the Baltimore Science Fiction Society's Compton Crook/Stephen Tall Memorial Award for best first novel of 2006. HUGE congratulations to Joshua!! May the best book be yours!
Lastly, a shameless plug that you go check out what's new at Front Street Reviews. Nothing from me (I'm too busy with the query letters), but plenty of other gems that you might want to consider for the summer reading contest... Stay tuned for that, as well as that graphic I'm thinking about. If you'd like it, give me a yay or nay in the comments.
Labels: agent hunting, book reviews, books, Front Street Reviews, Green Man Review, Joshua Palmatier, Trevor's Song, writing process
Comments:
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Ugh on the rejections, and mega hugs. The personal notes are great--and also disappointing, aren't they? You know the game, though. Every no takes you closer to the right yes!
Well, that's a bummer about the rejections, but we all know it's a numbers game, and persistence is everything. Since you're getting personalized rejections, I'm sure it's just a matter of time.
I want a groupie graphic... for sure! T-shirts would be fab too.
I'm intrigued by the Quipspot experiment. Is anyone planning on participating?
I'm intrigued by the Quipspot experiment. Is anyone planning on participating?
Hello, those publishers are
'wankers'
The experiment does sound good doesn't it, also found out about a peace one so will do a post about that.
I would be more than happy to put up a west of mars graphic button on my sidebar.
toodle pip
'wankers'
The experiment does sound good doesn't it, also found out about a peace one so will do a post about that.
I would be more than happy to put up a west of mars graphic button on my sidebar.
toodle pip
Bummer, big virtual chocolate and hugs.
You'll find a place, but I so understand the frustration.
Goodluck!!!!
You'll find a place, but I so understand the frustration.
Goodluck!!!!
Mmm, I SO hope you guys are right. I suspect you are, but it's been SUCH a long road and really, I was saying this to Karen earlier, I feel like a VERY square peg in a world of increasingly smaller round holes.
Which is part of my evil plan for world domination -- open up those holes, remember that different is good and there's a call for all of us, not just those who conform.
And don't give me that "publishing is a business" line. I'm totally with it, but ... how many people laughed at the business model of Google???? Ya know?
Which is part of my evil plan for world domination -- open up those holes, remember that different is good and there's a call for all of us, not just those who conform.
And don't give me that "publishing is a business" line. I'm totally with it, but ... how many people laughed at the business model of Google???? Ya know?
Sorry to hear about the rejections Susan :(
Sounds like there's some cool stuff in the queue though!
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Sounds like there's some cool stuff in the queue though!
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