Imagine a teenager stuffing his hands in jean pockets, head-down and mumbling a begrudging thank you. That's how I feel. My critique group has been prodding me to submit a query - short of literally using an electric cattle prod. They have been encouraging and patient.
Well, I did it. I sent it off after obsessively rechecking my spelling, reviewing grammar and rereading guidelines fifteen times. Thanks to my fellow blogger C. for her article, "A Day in The Life of a Querier." (write-brained.com) She enlighted me with humor and helped me realize that a query will never be PERFECT. You hit the send button and know you have committed a faux pas at some point in the query. It takes nerves of steel and a realization that a publisher will not be knocking on my front door. (Although, it is a pretty door...I have a direct view from my computer. There have been occasional day-dreams of an agent showing up with a toothpaste-ad smile and a list of publishing houses awaiting my manuscript. Sigh.)
Back to reality!
Putting aside my anxiety, I realize that I possess something I didn't twenty minutes ago. Hope.
Good for you! An agent query then? Which writing sample did you submit? Your analogy to a sullen teenager is spot-on, you reluctant promoter.
ReplyDeleteYEAH Laura!!! Darn, I didn't see this before critique group else I would have drilled you about it! ;--)
ReplyDelete