INSIDE: Query Update Did I win July CampNaNo? Alpha Readers Needed Project Mystery In case you missed it: #StorySnippetSaturday July Bookshelf |
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Hi friends! If you're struggling with doubt, I want you to know you're not alone. This month I’ve struggled more than ever with doubt and imposter syndrome. Remember to give yourself grace and time. Step away and refill your creative well by doing something that makes you happy or helps you relax. Also remember... "It's difficult to follow your dreams. It's a tragedy not to." - Ralph Marston |
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Query Update & MSWL Workshop I’ve been querying my YA Contemporary Fantasy Rhythm of the Stars since September 2019. We all know the publishing industry works slowly, and now with the pandemic, it’s moving even slower. Over the past several months, I’ve only gotten form rejections. So in July, I took a MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) workshop. During the workshop, I learned some tips on querying. I also received feedback on my query and first page. Just a few of the tips they shared are: |
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- The query and first page need each other. They rely on each other. If one of them lacks in any way, then an agent will pass.
- The query should be concise, clear, and humble.
- The first page should have… a fantastic first sentence, a sense of character, ground the readers so they have a sense of the setting, and rising tension. Yes, all on the first page.
During the workshop, I added to my agent list and felt more confident about my query and first page. So on a Sunday night, I queried some agents. On Monday morning (12 hours later), I received another form rejection. This response sent me into the “pit of despair” for a while. I’ve worked for years on this book, and to keep getting form rejections with no feedback is very frustrating. |
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I know agents are extremely busy, and they have to make decisions based on several factors, but it’s been very disheartening and frustrating. Either I’m querying the wrong agents, or it’s not right for the market right now and I may need to shelf it for a while and come back to it later. Once I hear from the last few queries that are still out there, I will decide if I’m going to shelf it or not. You may ask, why not self publish it? I’ve always wanted to do the traditional publishing route. Plus, I don’t have the time or money to dedicate to self publishing it. Most of the money we’re able to save is going toward college for two kids. I wish I could self publish it right now. Maybe one day I will if I don’t get it traditionally published. :) |
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July Camp NaNoWriMo I planned to work on revising Project Mages during Camp NaNo, but after receiving the rejection for Rhythm of the Stars this month, I was full of doubt. I couldn’t bring myself to sit down and write or revise for over a week. During that time, I read A LOT of books to escape. I knew I needed time before moving forward and gave it to myself. I had a good cry and some ice cream too. Then I started working on revisions for Project Snow Wolf instead because I want to share it with you all as soon as I can. So technically, I did not win CampNaNo, but I’m okay with it. I accomplished some revisions, which is progress. To find out more about any of my projects, check out my Books page on my website. |
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Alpha readers needed I'm working on revisions for Project Snow Wolf and hope to get it to my CP in August. I'm also looking for a few alpha readers. Not only will the alpha readers get a sneak peek, but they will also get to vote on the official title of this project. What is an alpha reader? An alpha reader reads over a rough draft unlike a beta reader who will read a polished manuscript. If you'd like to be an alpha reader, please let me know by replying to this Email or contacting me on Instagram. | | |
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Planning Stage Right now, I’m still in the planning stage, but I’m excited to start working on this mystery. It will have a diverse “Scooby Gang” cast and will be an #ownvoice novel. The MC has a rare eye condition, which makes her visually impaired like me. I want to represent the low vision community well and educate readers and writers about a rare eye condition that’s not well known. I especially want to show writers that black eyes don’t make a character "evil" since I'm seeing evil characters with black eyes more and more in books. | | |
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Instagram Challenge If you haven’t seen my Instagram, I’m excited to announce that we’re bringing #StorySnippetSaturday back! During August, we plan to do four prompts total. Our first prompt will be on Saturday August 8th! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for details and prompts. | | |
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July Bookshelf In July, I read several wonderful books! If you like mysteries, I highly recommend A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. If you like fantasy, check out A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, The Cursed Hunter, Cinderella is dead, or The Princess Will Save You. All of those are very good. And of course if you love Gilmore Girls, I highly recommend Lauren Graham's: Talking as fast as I can. <3 To see my other reads, follow me on Goodreads. |
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Until next time... Keep reading...writing... and dreaming. :) Always, J.J. |
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