Here is an example of the submission sheet I keep for each story idea I write up. I label it with the name I think of the book by–in this case, it was Thunder Key. Eventually, this book was published as Her Man to Remember, so I scratched out Thunder Key and wrote that in later. Across the top, I put “house” “editor” “submit date” “response date” so I can remember what I did with it and what happened during my search for some lovin’ for my book. I submitted Her Man to Remember to six houses that never even wrote me back. Another six houses or lines rejected it. (Scurvy bastards!!) It ended up selling to Silhouette Intimate Moments, was published in October 2004, and is a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards. Do with that information what you will. :yes: Another post about writing! I must be stopped! I promise to talk about Barbies or some other such fluff tomorrow!
Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
Jun
5
5
Jorie says:
Well, I’m enjoying your writing posts!
I think I need to market more aggressively.
On June 5, 2005 at 8:48 am
Cheryl S. says:
Actually, very interesting to us readers, Suzanne. And I see you’re getting the hang of that scanner you got for your birthday! All the naked Barbies (I’m sure they came with clothes) in our house look forward to your fluff post tomorrow. :rotfl:
On June 5, 2005 at 8:50 am
Suzanne says:
Jorie, if you want aggressive marketing tips, here’s the place to come, LOL. I’m just about the most aggressive marketer and submitter out there. I’m scary. 😈
Cheryl, really? I so appreciate the readers who come to my blog because I love to hear what you have to say :heart: and I don’t want to run you all off with boring writer doo-dah!
On June 5, 2005 at 8:55 am
Suzanne says:
And yes, I am playing with my scanner, LOL! It’s so fun! New toy!!
On June 5, 2005 at 8:57 am
Mary says:
You are so organized. And honest. That’s why you’re my idol.
On June 5, 2005 at 10:15 am
mary beth says:
I’ve enjoyed the writing posts too.
What a great idea! That’s a lot better than just writing on a calendar and waiting. 🙂
On June 5, 2005 at 10:20 am
Trace says:
I have so much respect for writers of Silhouette/Harlequin. It is such a hard market to break into, even though you don’t need an agent to submit.
I’m actually considering dropping a highschool friend because she completely looks down at and mocks Sil/Hqn. I told her about my submission to Bombshell and she basically laughed at me. I hate to break a friendship but I can’t stand her looking down on me and being so narrow-minded. If I ever got published by Sil/Hqn, which I’m hoping for, what would she do? Make fun of my career?
*Shaking head*
I think you rock, Suzanne!
On June 5, 2005 at 11:23 am
Carol says:
I always enjoy reading your posts! Congrats on Her Man to Remember being a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards! :bananadance:
On June 5, 2005 at 11:25 am
Kelly says:
I think you already know I enjoy these types of posts as much as your daily life ones. :thumbsup:
I love that you kept submitting and submitting until you found the right home!
On June 5, 2005 at 11:36 am
Jill says:
I loved the look at your notes!
On June 5, 2005 at 11:41 am
Mary Stella says:
Selling well is the best revenge. Congrats on the Readers Choice. I like all your blog topics — writing life and non-writing alike.
On June 5, 2005 at 12:25 pm
Amy K. says:
Thanks for the peek into how Suzanne works! And as for those editors who didn’t even respond…I’m a little stunned. Yes, I know it happens all the time, but I’d say you have quite a track record for them to at least ANSWER. Grrrr. :thumbsdown:
On June 5, 2005 at 1:13 pm
Crystal* says:
There seems to be a plethora of scurvy bastards out there. I’m keeping my eyes peeled and my blade sharp. heh
I love the insights to your process and such. Of course, I find the glimpses of personal life entertaining, too.
Do with that information what you will. :yes: LMAO
Grins*
On June 5, 2005 at 1:20 pm
Tori says:
I love all your posts, Suzanne! 🙂
Trace, IMO, your so-called friend isn’t. If she was really your friend she’d be supportive not laughing at you.
On June 5, 2005 at 1:39 pm
Michelle says:
Suzanne–a woman after my own heart. Whaddaya bet some of those houses will contact you later? Or did you withdraw it once it sold?
On June 5, 2005 at 3:15 pm
Jaq says:
I love your writing posts Suzanne, here and the ones you posted on the SW thread in the past. :bananadance:
On June 5, 2005 at 3:46 pm
Trace says:
Thanks, Tori! I think you’re right.
On June 5, 2005 at 4:14 pm
Steph T. says:
See – I really love hearing this stuff because it give me such hope! Thanks for sharing 😉
On June 5, 2005 at 7:59 pm
Sasha says:
You know I love to read your writing posts. Mind you, I love the family ones too! 🙂
I After reading your For Writers section I staretd to keep Index cards with all the ifo fro each ms on it. :thumbsup:
On June 6, 2005 at 1:41 am
Suzanne says:
Amy, I still get rejected and/or ignored as much as the next guy! It never ends!!! :hissyfit:
On June 6, 2005 at 8:25 am
Lindsay says:
Thanks for sharing! I no longer feel so all alone. ; ) And the Barbie post was fun stuff! Am off to buy & read THE BEAST WITHIN.
On June 6, 2005 at 7:59 pm