I'm officially done querying Immaterial for the time being. I got a nice rejection on my last outstanding manuscript and decided to be done with it. Overall I sent out 40 queries, got 10 requests and way too many "dystopian is a tough sell right now" type comments. Maybe I shouldn't be done, but I'm not really giving up, just switching tactics. I've decided to give my contemporary fantasy a try. So I'm editing and then diving back into the query pool. I have to admit querying was a little more of a roller coaster than I expected, but it was exhilarating enough that I'm willing to hop back on. I hope I can still say that after my next 40 queries.
Speaking of hopping (or jumping in this case), my son has been sick all week, and being the great mom I am, I decided yesterday (since his fever was gone) to take him outside to enjoy the nice weather we've been having. He wanted to jump on the trampoline, and I let him. I even jumped with him. Mind you he's been sick with a fever and a hacking cough, not the flu. But somehow he managed to throw up anyway after about ten minutes of jumping with me. It was everywhere. It was disgusting. He was sitting in the middle letting me bounce him when it happened, and I didn't even realize until I had bounced it all over him and the trampoline. When I did realize, I stopped bouncing and fought against my own gag reflex. He just looked up at me and said in a completely calm voice, "I guess that dinner wasn't such a good idea after all." Oh my gosh, I love that kid!
Oh your poor guy! Throw-up on the trampoline! And poor you because I guess you had to clean it up. Funny kid, though...even while covered in throw up he still has a sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure 40 rejections can be discouraging but you did get 10 requests, which means 25% of agents are still looking to sell dystopian. (See, I'm so smart. I got an A in math.) Anyway, if you are putting it aside, I'm glad you have plans for another book. So even though you were covered in proverbial vomit, you still can say in a calm voice, "I guess querying another book is a good idea right now."
Yes, I know. See me drawing analogies on not-my-own post. Brilliant. I need to go pick something up now.
I should definitely learn a lesson from my son. I often do. By the way, Miriam Pope just mentioned you two are friends/related by cousins. Or something like that. Small world.
DeleteUgh, the query coaster. It sucks. Almost as bad as jumping in puke. What a week! I'm so sorry. But hey, if you need anyone to vent to who TOTALLY understands... you know. I'm here.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sara. Yes, I think there is a query/puke correlation. :)
DeleteGood luck with your fantasy, Candice, but don't give up hope on your dystopian. :-)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the things kids say!! :-)
Thanks Shannon. I don't know if I'm giving up on it totally, just trying to do what's best for the market. I guess we'll see if it works.
DeleteOh, I loved Immaterial! :( If you need a beta for your new book let me know. :) I put Inbetween away, since paranormal is such a hard sell right now as well. We'll see when I rejoin the query wars. :P
ReplyDeleteI hope your little guy feels better! Throwing up on the trampoline would be the worst!!
You're so sweet Chantele. If only I could get an agent to love it!! I will definitely take you up on your offer soon!
DeleteEw. Yuck. Gross. I don't know how you controlled your gag reflex. I think I would've lost it. And I love that kid, too. So cute.
ReplyDeleteI sense the next round of querying is going to be epic. Good epic. Not bad epic. :)
I like good Epic. Let's go with that. The whole gag reflex thing makes me think of your sis-in-law. I can only imagine her reaction. LOL!
DeleteSorry about the vomit...and the rejections. I think you're smart to switch tactics to keep your spirits up, but if I can suggest one thing...continue to query your other novel on the side.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started querying a new novel, I still sent out five submissions on the old each month, and much to my surprise--one those queries on the old novel landed me an agent, long after I'd given up on it. You never know what can happen. So much is about being in the right place at the right time. Good luck!
You're probably right. I've had a few people suggest keeping the queries going. I just have a hard time focusing on more than one thing. Thanks for the encouragement!
DeleteYou always make me laugh Candice. I don't think Dystopians are dead yet. At least I hope not since I hope to be querying my dystopian this year. Don't give up on it. I still remember that superhero one you let us read a little bit of. Is that one not query worthy. I think it sounded really good. Anyway good luck.
ReplyDeleteMary,
DeleteI don't think any genre dead if you have an awesome book! So maybe I'm just doubting my book... The superhero one needs some major edits, but I might try that one after the fantasy.
Oh dear...that sounds horrible and somehow he still comes out looking darn cute. :) Love the drawing, by the way, I missed these!
ReplyDeleteI am not giving up on Immaterial, but I can't wait to read the one you're working on. So excited!
10 requests out of 40 sounds really good to me!!! But interesting to hear that dystopia has hit a wall. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete