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- Jun 3, 2015
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I started a progress thread on the inside about self publishing my books, however I simply can't afford to do it properly, in fact I can't even afford an INSIDERS subscription at the moment. So rather than wait an indefinite amount of time, I decided to try and get a book deal, which in a lot of ways is much better. The problem with self publishing is it's hard to tell if you're any good or not, sure, I think my writing is great, but will anyone else?
Well this is the perfect way to test it, send it off to a bunch of strangers and see what they say about it...
The great American novelist Stephen King, in his book; On Writing, describes how there are three types of rejection letter:
1. Thanks but no thanks.
2. Thanks but no thanks, however here's some feedback.
3. Thanks but no thanks, however here's some feedback and suggestions.
I have just got type number 2, which is great, because apparently next comes type number 3 and then comes a deal. However to get to that deal, you need plenty of number 2s, and 3s.
The biggest challenge is finding the right type of publisher/agent, I'm going to try and find at least another five today, I want to hit relevant publishers with books similar to mine, in order to give myself the highest chance of success.
Anyway, my first rejection letter was a number 2, got some great feedback, and it has given me a boost that somebody else actually thinks my writing is good. So whilst the best thing would have been for them to say yes, I'm still happy with the reply. Onward and upwards!
--
"Many thanks for your email telling me about your book. The idea is an appealing one and I found your writing entertaining and distinctive. However, I am sorry to say it doesn’t seem like a good fit for our list at present.
I wish you all the best with your work.
With kind wishes"
Well this is the perfect way to test it, send it off to a bunch of strangers and see what they say about it...
The great American novelist Stephen King, in his book; On Writing, describes how there are three types of rejection letter:
1. Thanks but no thanks.
2. Thanks but no thanks, however here's some feedback.
3. Thanks but no thanks, however here's some feedback and suggestions.
I have just got type number 2, which is great, because apparently next comes type number 3 and then comes a deal. However to get to that deal, you need plenty of number 2s, and 3s.
The biggest challenge is finding the right type of publisher/agent, I'm going to try and find at least another five today, I want to hit relevant publishers with books similar to mine, in order to give myself the highest chance of success.
Anyway, my first rejection letter was a number 2, got some great feedback, and it has given me a boost that somebody else actually thinks my writing is good. So whilst the best thing would have been for them to say yes, I'm still happy with the reply. Onward and upwards!
--
"Many thanks for your email telling me about your book. The idea is an appealing one and I found your writing entertaining and distinctive. However, I am sorry to say it doesn’t seem like a good fit for our list at present.
I wish you all the best with your work.
With kind wishes"
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