First Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for another IWSG post!
So, I've been querying. For a few weeks now. And it's been going well. Which is great. I'd obviously much rather it be going well than not.
But also, just because it's going well, doesn't mean it's still not hard. Even if you haven't gotten any rejections (and trust me on this one) it is still stressful. There is hand wringing, and worrying and so much what iffing it can make a person crazy.
Ugh I can't even tell you how many times I've gone on agent stalking binges. Which is just ridiculous, too, because I've done my research on the agents, so I've read the interviews and forum posts and what have you. But when I'm in that mood, I go read them all again, because I feel like I need to do something.
The solution of course--wait. Let me back up. There are two solutions actually. The first is time. You just can't sustain that type of crazy for too long without getting exhausted. And once you reach that point, the obsessing starts to dry up some.
The second solution is starting something new. This, I think, is the most important. Because let's say the querying goes the best it can go and you get an offer. It's a lot better to go into that conversation with something else on your plate, so when the agent asks "what else you got" you can say "actually, I've been working on this" and roll off your one sentence pitch (you do have a one sentence pitch, right? Even for your WIP? (if you don't, I highly recommend crafting one))
So, yeah. Obviously this isn't my first time (or even second) around the query tree, and while I still enjoy querying (yes, yes, it's true) I do think some of the novelty has worn off this time around.
How about you? Querying or submitting or dealing with anything else that makes you a little cray cray?
So, I've been querying. For a few weeks now. And it's been going well. Which is great. I'd obviously much rather it be going well than not.
But also, just because it's going well, doesn't mean it's still not hard. Even if you haven't gotten any rejections (and trust me on this one) it is still stressful. There is hand wringing, and worrying and so much what iffing it can make a person crazy.
Ugh I can't even tell you how many times I've gone on agent stalking binges. Which is just ridiculous, too, because I've done my research on the agents, so I've read the interviews and forum posts and what have you. But when I'm in that mood, I go read them all again, because I feel like I need to do something.
The solution of course--wait. Let me back up. There are two solutions actually. The first is time. You just can't sustain that type of crazy for too long without getting exhausted. And once you reach that point, the obsessing starts to dry up some.
The second solution is starting something new. This, I think, is the most important. Because let's say the querying goes the best it can go and you get an offer. It's a lot better to go into that conversation with something else on your plate, so when the agent asks "what else you got" you can say "actually, I've been working on this" and roll off your one sentence pitch (you do have a one sentence pitch, right? Even for your WIP? (if you don't, I highly recommend crafting one))
So, yeah. Obviously this isn't my first time (or even second) around the query tree, and while I still enjoy querying (yes, yes, it's true) I do think some of the novelty has worn off this time around.
How about you? Querying or submitting or dealing with anything else that makes you a little cray cray?
10 comments:
Smart to go into it with another project in the works. Besides, keeps you busy so you don't go crazy!
I swear, anyone who is published but didn't have to go through YEARS of rejection and querying, is simply not my tribe. I mean props to them and everything, but there's no way they'll ever get it.
When querying, I found the best thing is the keep busy and start another writing project. The waiting is traumatic. You're doing the right thing, keep it up.
Well if it gets to be too much, we have Arrow on tonight! How awesome would it be to get a hug from a bare-chested Oliver Queen? I bet it'd drive those query blues away in a jiffy.
The querying cycle can get a little annoying, particularly since I don't always write the most commercial stuff. The hardest part is recognising that once it's gone out, you genuinely can't control what happens next.
I'm not anywhere close to querying, but I'm certainly looking forward to it. You know, in a terrified sort of way. I love your point about having another book in the works--sounds like the smart thing to do and it can distract you from worrying so much about the queries.
What's making me cray cray right now? The kidlet crying in his crib as I type this- I've been trying to get him to go to sleep for two hours now! I guess it's back to rocking in the recliner... Sorry about the rant, but you asked, lol! Wishing you so much luck, I've got a good feeling for you that we'll be hearing happy news from you b4 we know it. Cheers!
I'm glad the querying process is going well for you! I've actually never experienced that.
But I sure don't miss the process. It's one I hope to never return to. "Enjoy querying" seems as much of an oxymoron as can exist!
What's driving me crayfish is dwelling on the numbers on my Kickstarter... the ones I can't change.
Huh, query tree? Mine's more of a bonsai. As for the crazies? I just have them. I have no hope of not having them, and so my main goal is to survive them. Having a long term "What happens if this doesn't get picked up by an agent?" plan has really helped though.
And I totally get why querying can be sort of fun. There is so much potential in all of it. What if, what if, what if?
"You just can't sustain that type of crazy for too long without getting exhausted. And once you reach that point, the obsessing starts to dry up some." - hehe, this amused me.
I totally agree that the best option is to start something else/work on something else!
Your 1 sentence pitch thing made me think maybe I should create those for my 12 drafts. haha.
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