Lynne Stringer – Author & Editor

Instagram

That sinking feeling

A year or so ago I completed a manuscript for the Christian market. It’s a contemporary romance and I’m now looking for a publisher for it.

That thought terrifies me every time I think about it.

While I was waiting for the Verindon trilogy to be published, I didn’t consider that there might be a time when I would, once again, have to send a manuscript off to different publishers for consideration. But publishers can be specific about what they publish, and for this manuscript, a different one is required.

So now I am, once more, looking over lists of publisher and seeking out those few who accept unsolicited manuscripts (for those of you who don’t know, an unsolicited manuscript is one that the publisher has not specifically requested from someone). Again, I am experiencing that nervous wait, that sinking feeling in my stomach every time I hit ‘send’ and add another publisher to my submissions list.

I never thought that being a published author meant that I would never feel this way again. I’m not arrogant enough to think that any success I have with the first three guarantees success anywhere else. I’m also unsure if my book will be acceptable to these others, even if I do already have three available. After all, the Verindon trilogy, although well received by those who’ve heard of it, remains foreign to many people out there because of the difficulty in connecting with people when you don’t have the benefit of a huge publisher with a massive publicity machine. I do what I can, but will another publisher consider that to be enough? I don’t know.

So I wait with bated breath to see if anything will come of this latest endeavour. Maybe I will succeed, maybe I won’t. But I know I can’t let this define me, whether it results in success or failure. I am an author, and although I may not be world class, I have a product that has proved it can entertain and inspire a readership, and I must keep in mind that that is an achievement in itself.

 

Facebook Comments

10 Responses

  1. Hi Lynne
    Though I haven’t been published yet (so I can’t be 100% sure) but I think that the period between finishing the manuscript and finding a publisher willing to take it on is one of the hardest slogs in the writing journey. Writing it takes time, effort and has it’s ups and downs, but it is also a lot of fun. And I know the editing and promoting phases have their angst too but must surely be compensated by the pleasure of seeing one’s book in print. Praying that you will find the right publisher for your book – and wishing you all success in your continuing writing journey 🙂

    1. I think you’re right, Jeanette. It’s definitely not easy. Although neither is getting bookstores to let you come in for a signing!

  2. Hi Lynne,
    I share your sinking feeling just reading this. I hope you can find your way through the maze we know is out there and find a home for the new book.

  3. Like Paula, I was feeling nervous in sympathy for you. BUT you have a proven track record now. I’m sure you’ll be fine (and if not, there’s always me). 🙂

  4. Dear Lynne, I know this feeling too and there are never guarantees as you say. I pray your book will be accepted on its merit alone; that they would like it even if it were your first. Xrosanne

  5. Hi Lynne, Jeanette is quite right – the hard work starts after you have a manuscript in your hand. It can be quite difficult but persistence pays so keep submitting – believe that the right publisher is out there.

    Praying that you will find that publisher very soon and for the success of your book.