tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714179515755064737.post7918020675472742060..comments2024-02-11T20:02:39.328-08:00Comments on Shaun of the Not-so-Dead.: Building a Book: The RejectionShaun Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447960569470530712noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714179515755064737.post-55117799171542133572015-01-21T00:00:46.084-08:002015-01-21T00:00:46.084-08:00I always endeavor to make this blog be one of thre...I always endeavor to make this blog be one of three things. Entertaining, Educational, and Helpful. It's good to know I'm succeeding. Thank YOU.Shaun Hortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04447960569470530712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714179515755064737.post-62717740860662394592015-01-20T23:08:42.671-08:002015-01-20T23:08:42.671-08:00Hitting a slump right now, so that Stephen King fa...Hitting a slump right now, so that Stephen King factoid is really, really helpful. Thanks, man. Callmesalticidaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13295676800846037056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2714179515755064737.post-54015818612997728632014-07-30T12:36:21.484-07:002014-07-30T12:36:21.484-07:00Sorry to hear it. As you know the chances of a sin...Sorry to hear it. As you know the chances of a single application are slim unless:<br />a) good cover letter with a great concept/hook/summary<br />b) unputdownable first few pages (chapter)<br />c) the rest is just as good<br />d) the person receiving it reads all those things, AND likes it.<br /><br />Concept and opening are key to getting a foot in the door, but the rest has to live up to it. Needless to say, the odds are against us, luck plays a big part, and economics squashes greatness.<br /><br />Good idea to have another pass, more feedback, polish all you can, try again. Multiple submissions unless they specify not to. And set a time limit e.g. 9 months from now you will self-publish if it isn't accepted. In the meantime you'll be a good way into a new work.<br /><br />I've been rewriting a novel in the background for years. It has been rejected a lot. Yet only now is some of it coming together in a way that feels better to me. I guess the point is not to feel bad, not to give up, not to stop. Every year that goes by we get better at the craft, and that stands us all in good stead. Good luck next time!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com