In Which I Re-enter the Fray

I begin querying my second manuscript today: Running from Ruby Ridge. Most of you have read the query. It's changed a bit since then, but fundamentally it's pretty much the same.

I've been at this (attempt at) publishing thing for nearly four years now. When I thought about that last summer, it kind of depressed me, but jumping into the query waters once again, in what is honestly only my second real try, kind of puts things in perspective. I have friends who wrote eleven books before they got an agent. That's actually not all that many, compared to some.

I had a lot of success with my very first manuscript. No book deal, no representation from a literary agent, even, but I did get several full requests, and when you think about it, a publishing professional spending a good deal of their very valuable time to give honest and hard thought consideration to your work, your very first work, is a pretty big deal.

Of course I also spent three years writing and revising that manuscript, but this one only took me one year, so hopefully my attempts at submission will go that much better too.

I'm taking it seriously this time (not that I didn't before) with a saved project at QueryTracker.net, and paying extra attention to Publisher's Marketplace. Though I've been familiar with them for some time, I've never officially used these resources before (an Excel spreadsheet carried me through my last round) so I'll be sure to keep you all up to date on how they work out for me.

That's it, I guess. Wish me luck!

Two Announcements

First, quickly, my daughter Madison is being interviewed by Natalie at Literary Rambles today. But first, if you have a moment, please stop by Middle Grade Madi, and say hi!

Second, today Sheri Larsen is celebrating signing with Literary Agent Paula Munier of Talcott Notch Literary! And she's holding an epic giveaway celebration:

Here are the details:

Giveaway #1:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway #2:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grand Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck to all who enter!