I’ve decided that I’m going to concentrate my career as a writer with the e-market. It seems that my voice is better for that market than the big houses. And that’s fine by me. I still have a couple of agent submissions out there but I’m going to go ahead and submit to e-pubs the two stories I thought were my best chance at a New York house.
The funny thing is, I have been a bit successful with both short stories under my real name and 2 novels sold to e-pubs but when I get the rejection that seems to be unkind, it hurts like hell. Got one from a NY editor today and she said that she liked the setting and was intrigued by the heroine’s emotional journey but she wasn’t engaged by my writing style. That was fine- I could live with that as we all know writing is subjective.
BUT then she added that the plot was a bit cliche. WHAT?? How many of you have read a book with a surfer girl as the heroine? One where she is taken into custody and accused of a serious crime in a foreign country? AND No, this was in no way like Bridget Jones Part II- I can’t figure out the cliche- At a loss, but I have this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach that I’ll never measure up to NY standards.
I’m over it. NY, that is.
Jillian Chantal 
I still want to see my work in print but I think that the print publishers are looking for something that they don’t even know they’re searching for. Does that make sense? It’s hard to take rejection. I had one this week where the agent(major agent I would LOVE to have) really enjoyed my story, loved my characters but just didn’t think it was right for her right now. What does that mean? At this time? I emailed her and thanked her for being so nice and she emailed back saying to send her more of my work when I was ready. It’s just such a crazy world out there!
I’ve never read a surfer girl story so I don’t think it’s a cliche at all!
By: Sayde Grace on November 2, 2010
at 1:06 pm
Thanks Sayde- I appreciate your confidence in me and your friendship. I have to agree that I’d love to see print but you’re right about the industry right now. It’s crazy. Keep on trucking, my friend.
By: sfcatty on November 2, 2010
at 2:10 pm
I’ve been reading the romance genre for years, and I have NEVER read a story with a surfer heroine. Never. And I’ve never read a story with the plot twists and the journey that Surfer Bride tells. Cliche? Me thinks not. I’m sorry for the rejection, my dear friend. I think Surfer Bride is superb and you WILL find a deserving home for your book. Hang in there and know I’m sending positive vibes and lots of hugs.
By: napewriter on November 3, 2010
at 7:27 am
Thanks Margo- I appreciate it. I was befuddled about the cliche part- I can totally dig if she didn’t like my voice but to say it was cliche makes me wonder- and really- aren’t all romance novels cliche in some way? Take, for example. the happily ever after, the first meeting rules, conflict to keep them apart, etc.
By: sfcatty on November 3, 2010
at 8:36 am