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Today I sent out my first query for a project I'm working on. I've sent out queries before, but I forgot how agonizing the process can be. I know I'll convince myself to send another query (even after getting a rejection--I can take it) but the waiting is the worst! I'm heading to bed and I know I'll lay there for at least an hour picking the query apart and filling my head with self doubt. I'm one of those classic "your own worst enemy" writers. Thankfully it doesn't kick in until submission time or I'd never finish anything.
Anyone have tips on how to battle the attack of nerves after hitting the send button on a query? Do you keep editing your work? Try to start a new project? Read something? I'm at a loss.
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You can always use F&F to have other people pick your query apart for you before you hit the send button.
I usually hit send right before I'm going to do something--walk the dogs, do the grocery shopping. Anything to get me away from the computer for a little while. In fact, I need to send a couple more queries tomorrow.
Then, try to occupy yourself with your new project.
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Thanks Meredith. I'll try to send queries when I'm getting ready to do someting instead of waiting until I have put the kids to bed. That's a great idea. And good luck sending your queries!
Posts: 184 | Registered: Jun 2009
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Since you were kind enough to critique my first 13, I would be happy to review your query. I remember that Scott Card once wrote (regarding Ender's Game) that you can go nuts rewriting everything, but once you've polished your work, let it lie (or is it lay?). Words to that effect.
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(With a hat tip to literary writing guru Noah Lukeman):
What's said to work well is to go to the Amazon page for PUSHCART'S COMPLETE ROTTEN REVIEWS & REJECTIONS: A HISTORY OF INSULT, A SOLACE TO WRITERS and click the "Suprise me!" button on the "Look inside" feature.
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I just tell myself that it will be rejected but I'm giving it a shot anyways but they'll probably hate it. It sounds wierd but it helps me not get nervous when sending out stories. While I'm writing and polishing stories though, they are wonderful and great but as soon as I send them somewhere they're junk (at least that's what I tell myself).
Ha, I just realized I play mind games with myself.
[This message has been edited by satate (edited April 02, 2010).]
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Wum, thank you for the offer. I'll probably post the query on the forum soon. I'm one of those people that doesn't like to be "done" with anything. Yesterday I finally kicked myself and sent off a couple of queries, knowing they weren't to my standar, but if I kept tinkering with them, they'd never be finished. So when I post, feel free to crit my letter.
WraithOfBlake, thank you so much for that link. It is hilarious! I can't believe some of the things people said about books and writers we consider classics today. Priceless.
satate, I'm the same. I like what I write until I have to mail it out. Then everything I've ever put on paper sucks. I guess I play mind games, too. I get nervous anyway. I know I'll be rejected. I guess I'm scared the rejection will be something like "This is the worst crap I've ever read." You know, that sort of thing. (Even though every rejection I've ever received has been nothing but polite.) But I've only sent out about 12 queries in my entire writing "career" so I'm still getting used to the process.
Thanks everyone for the advice. A lot of it has helped! I'm working on a short story now and reading Christopher Moore, which always cheers me up. So again, thank you!
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