Possibilities

I've discovered the reason I like submitting manuscripts to publishers: the possibilities. When I have manuscripts out, there is a possibility that something amazing may happen. I might get a helpful rejection, an editor might say something nice about my work, an agent might consider representing me, dare I say, someone may want to publish my book. The more mauscripts out, the more chances of something amazing happening.

I had possibilites not too long ago. Requested manuscripts, slushpile subs. I got positive feedback and it was exciting. But now the excitement has worn off and I only have the aftertaste of disappointment left. It's there to remind me to get my stuff back out there. And it's starting to grate on me. Get to work! Publishing heavies liked your manuscripts. Get them back out there!

Too bad the submission process is so agonizingly slow. Find a publisher/agent who likes the type of work you do. Study them intensly. Make sure your title could be a fit for them(this is quite subjective). Find comparative titles. Write a hook, a peronalized pitch, a bio that doesn't sound braggy, print out the manuscript making sure it is in pristine condition, get the mailing label on straight. Be extremely cautious not to bungle up email subs. Blah blah blah. It's exhausting just thinking about it. But that's the problem. I can't stop thinking about it. I want some more possibilities. Then I can start checking my mail obsessively again.