
A week after receiving my query letter, an agent responded, asking for a one-page synopsis. Fortunately, I had one ready to go and sent it, trying hard to not get my hopes up.
The response came just under an hour later, including this:
“Sorry to say it doesn’t promise a unique storyline with surprises that would appeal to the young audience.”
Okay…
Not sure I would necessarily agree with most of that, but then again, I’m slightly biased.
What could have made them say this? Was my synopsis bad? Did the gist of the story not come across? Is this just another way of saying “Thanks, but not what we’re looking for?”
Hard to say. Oh well. Nothing else I can do about it.
So with my hopes temporarily dashed on the rocks below, onward I continue. (Don’t worry. My hopes are pretty resilient, and should be back on their feet relatively soon.)
Probably like a lot of writers, there’s always going to be that dreaded feeling of second-guessing myself. Did I do enough? Is this right?
I could (and do) ask myself these questions, but the more time I spend worrying about them, the less productive I am.
It all comes down to doing the best I can, putting it out there and seeing what happens. Hopefully, it’ll yield positive results. If not, I’ve got no choice but to fix the problem where I can and see if that works.
They don’t call it a never-ending process for nothing, you know.
I’ve been working at this for quite a while, getting a little closer to success each time. The goal is obtainable, and I can do this. This long, drawn-out part can be pretty frustrating, but I’ve made it this far. A little longer won’t be that bad.
-Movie of the Moment: CABIN IN THE WOODS (2011) I don’t really care for horror, but this was fun. If Joss Whedon is involved, you know it’s going to be written smart. I’d heard there was a unique twist to it, and there was (no spoilers here).
What was most impressive was how they took a lot of horror movie tropes and made them integral parts of the plot, including the all-important setting up and paying off.
Good attitude. Just what a writer needs.
Thanks! Sometimes it’s all we’ve got…
Congrats on getting a response to your queries! That’s AWESOME! The key to being a great writer is learning from the valid criticism while ignoring the rest.
Thanks! All part of the process. Here’s hoping for more positive responses the next time around…