I made my first submission before xmas and it was rejected soon after. It wasn't surprising and didn't bother me much but I had hoped getting over the first submission and rejection would encourage me to go on. That hasn't been the case. More and more I find myself wanting to go it alone. Submitting my book to publishers actually feels wrong. And the only time my gut has ever been wrong is when it's said yes to an oversized chocolate fudge cake!
I just keep thinking this series has a different destiny. This particular book isn't meant to join the same race everyone else and if anything the wording of my rejection said the same... although perhaps I'm seeing what I want to see.
Comments anyone?
If your instinct is telling you to self publish then maybe listen to it. Is this only your first rejection? I would put a time frame on how long you are willing to go the traditional route with it and then if no joy, then consider self publishing. I self published my 1st collection of short stories, A Bakers Dozen, which was well received locally but I am no good whats so ever at marketing and so I havn't given it the platform it deserved. I am just too busy to be able to go calling to shop after shop with it. So marketing it yourself is very very important. I wish you well for the future with it.
Victoria, I'm glad you (and everybody else :) ) found that useful.
Athena - I really dislike exclusives, especially for initial submissions. They are not in authors' best interests. I appreciate why agents ask for them, but I'd prefer to keep my options open. The phrasing used on one agency website is downright offensive to me.
Victoria,
I have been reading comments that you've left other people. You come across to me as a very switched on woman... Wondering if you'd just had a bad day.
I've only sent out three submissions Just to receive one reply so far. One thing I've never stopped doing and that's believing in my book, Jacob Jones and the order of seven. If I don't love it why should anybody else..
Wishing you luck whatever the path you choose to walk.
Dor has made me think twice... Nice one Dor