Monday, December 13, 2010

Taking a Pass on SYTYCW

I have a shiny new synopsis for my Presents story but writing a sparkling first chapter is not going to happen by Wednesday so I won't be entering the SYTYCW contest. I could have a rough first draft ready but why send something that's less than my best?

Which reminds of the first time an editor ever read something of mine. We had an editor from the Sil/Har office in New York visit our chapter maybe 6 years ago? She was critiquing a 1 pg synopsis and the first pg of a MS for each person in the chapter who submitted to her. I dashed off my pages the night before, thinking it was good. Well, the comment on the top of the page was "this reads like a first draft."

LOL. Lesson Learned.

I'll write the first three chapters and send it in as a regular submission when I have it polished and sparkling. The London office takes email subs so it's easy and convenient.

So, with a big sigh of relief, I looked around my house and thought, hmm, maybe time to think about Christmas.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Boy, after a few rejections have I ever learned that lesson. "Better to be late(and polished) than never (get published)" actually applies. Good thing you learned it when you did.

Hope you do get a chance to relax and enjoy the holidays!

Janet said...

Definitely send in your best (yikes on getting called on the 'first draft'). It sounds like you're in a good place, Anne - your decision was a good one.

Good luck getting that first chapter spit and polished - and sent off. And Happy Decorating/Baking :)

Unknown said...

Yeah, it sure doesn't pay to give it less than your best. Good luck on getting the partial ready for London.

Unknown said...

Thanks Michelle. I hate to burn my bridges and send something that I don't feel will garner a request.

Unknown said...

Thanks Janet. Live and Learn. I must dig out the first "critique" I received from an editor. It hurt at the time but I really needed to hear what she said.

Unknown said...

Cat, thankfully I learned my lesson early in this game. I have to feel it's the best I can do "at that moment" before sending it to an editor. I used to try for perfect but then I never sent anything. LOL.

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