The Second Is Different Than The First
(I was trying to find a graphic and I couldn't pass this up. Check it out: Bittersweet.) LOL!
Well, not sure if I mentioned specifically anywhere else but I’m DONE with the first draft of my current manuscript!
*Squeeeeee!!*
Almost 85K at the finish line.
It was different this time, honestly. After my first manuscript, I rode the wave of elation for like a week. Maybe longer. I talked about finishing it at least that long and then wandered around with a stupid grin on my face for another week. Something like that. Mostly, I just felt great about it. Relieved. Accomplished. Whatever. A goal realized.
This time is… different. Still exciting, but just different. I’m relieved, but the feeling of elation isn’t quite the same. I think I almost doubted I’d finish the first one and so when I did, it was a surprise and a relief and an excitement. I knew I could finish this time. But now there's no euphoria to take the edge off the post first-draft stuff in front of me.
Since I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with post-finishing tasks, I thought I’d hash it out with you. You know, spread my panic. (You’re welcome, guys. Any time.)
Revisions: I already have a long list of things that need to be adjusted on this story, particularly the first half. Then after I do that, I’ll have a wave of readers. Then another wave of revisions, and then another wave of readers. (I hope). So, there’s still a lot of work to do, I guess.
Query letter: Ugh. Just ugh. I do have a tentative query letter but I know it needs some help.
Synopsis: Again, I have a draft. I need to adjust it, though.
Pitch: I’m going to NJ RWA so I would love to be ready to pitch by end of Oct. But that means a pitch. Ugh. (I know, a lot of ughs.) Condensing 300 pages to 3 lines is well, a painful process.
Agent Research: I did start a list of agents who might be interested in this manuscript, but I need to revisit it closer to querying to make sure that they’re still interested in what I write.
Editor Research: I’m not sure I’m interested in just sending to publishing houses without an agent, but I suppose maybe I’d visit that again at a later date if necessary. We’ll see how the next months play out.
This whole, “sell yourself” phase is painful, I think. And wrought with the possibility of massive rejection. So, without the euphoria, it's different this time.
Any help with marketing, folks? Any good websites to help with any of the above tasks you’d like to share? Anyone else feel different about finishing their second manuscript versus their first? Anything I’m missing in my list above? (Dear God, I hope not…) LOL!
PS: A Giant SQUUUEEEEE to Haleigh for finishing her current MS this week too! :) Hooray!!
Books by the Crew
44 comments:
I hate you both.
Nah, jus' me jealous side causin' me ta sink ta such depths...
Now, fer the pitch, the synopsis...get thee ta Julie Rowe's site and see if she's teachin' any classes on the subject. Helped me immensely! 'member when she visied the ship? She can do the three line pitch like it's butterin' bread.
I certainly agree wit' ya, that finishin' the first is so different that the rest. It's like how first time parents 'ave book after book a' pictures a' the baby...by kid number four? Not so much.
It still be cool, but the excitement be tempered by all the work still ahead? Bein' kidless I can't say it totally be like that. But I knew how it were wit' me first dog. Never occured ta me how much work it were goin' ta be! Second dog? I knew. Love 'er jus' as much, but still more aware a' the tasks still ta be done ta keep her civilized.
Make sense?
Marn and Hal, super congratulations!!!!!!!!!!
Marn, sounds like you have a plan. Good luck with it. Fresh eyes are always a good thing. And remember if you finished your manuscript you can do anything, even write that query. Or the dreaded synopsis. And the pitch, no worries we'll be cheering you on.
Bitterweet. LMAO!!
Thanks for the sqeeeee! I'm at the same point. I was riding on the euphoria yesterday for about three hours. Then I thought about that long list of things to do and started bashing my head against a query letter.
Personally, I found this list helpful when starting to research agents, though I don't think it's fully complete: http://www.passionatepen.com/agentlist.htm I'm also a big fan of Querytracker.net -- they have a good database you can use to keep track of who you're submitting to and what the result was. Nice way to keep everything organized.
Chance - thanks for the suggestion! I'll hit up Julie Rowe's spaces. :)
And I think parents are like that because they're so busy with the first three! LOL! But I know what you mean. It's excitement, but different kind of excitement. :)
Renee - Thanks!! And I think having all you folks cheering me on definitely makes everything easier. :)
Hal - that cracked me up too. :) LOL!!
Thanks for the passionate pen link! That is a good one. And I was thinking about checking out querytracker. I looked at it, but I haven't dug in there. Thanks!
And I think that's how long my wave of excitement was on Monday. 3 hours. Mmmm.... LOL!
I think the hardest change now is that up until this point, I've just been able to dismiss problems with the MS as "Oh, this is just the first draft. I'm just getting it down on paper."
But now, I can't use that excuse anymore. I actually have to fix all this crap *g*. Grr!
Hal - I love FM. I think there isn't as much to fix as you probably feel like there is. But I feel your pain. :)
Thanks *g*. It's just daunting, you know? Looking at this *whole thing* that needs to be dealt with. You know, you're there too!
Congrats, Marnee, and Haleigh too! My only advice would be to start something else immediately and then get back to the ms after a little distancing time. I never get too excited when I finish something because I know I have to start something else right away, LOL. If you pay for Publishers Marketplace, they are a wealth of info.
Congrats Marn!! *squee*
Congrats Hal!! *squee*
You two are awesome.
Everyone who has commented has completed MSs. I feel an intense desire to jump overboard. *sigh*
So, I'd be happy to help with the short stuff, query and pitch. That's my forte. The rest, not sure how much help I can be. LOL! Though I think Maggie is right. You need to start something else and forget this one for a while. You don't have to have it 100% revised before you pitch it. You just have to have it done. And you do so there you go.
Congrats to Hal too. NOT that she had the time to come here and tell us. Nope, had time to go on Facebook. But not the ship. *crosses arms* Fine.
BTW - This blog title made me think of marriages and I'm thinking if I ever have a second one (DOUBTFUL!), that graphic would fit the situation. The first being the beaten tooth, of course. LOL!
Maggie - I forgot about Publisher's Marketplace (not sure how, but there it is.) I was considering that, honestly.... Things to think on.
And I was thinking about starting something else immediately but I'm about braindead. LOL! I am going to the shore next week and I figure I'll take a notebook and stowaway the laptop (though I don't think we have internet) and if something happens in my head, then I'm prepared. :) I have the tentative idea for the next story so it's more just hashing it out. ;)
Hal - girlie, you're preaching to the choir over here. LOL!!
Sin - thanks!! And hold that awesomeness thought.... You haven't read it yet. LOL!
Ter - I will take you up on the pitch and query help. And ugh, pitching. Last year at NJ RWA, Tiff, JK, and I sat up late the first night and worked out our pitches. I was totally stressed going in there (though Tiff and JK are a WEALTH of info and assistance). I hope that I can get my pitch together before I go this time and maybe that'll alleviate some stress. (No? I'm in denial, you say? *sticks fingers in ears* la la la!! I can't hear you!!)
And LOL about the second marriage parallel on this pic. As long as you get to be the chocolate.....
That's what I could be for Halloween, a giant, club-wielding Hershey Bar.
Remember, with the pitching and even with the querying, you are the interviewer, not the interviewee. You are looking for someone to work for you and your work who will believe in both and be a great representative. Even if it's an editor, without the work you write, he/she doesn't have a job.
Never forget that.
I don't know. I've finished 2 manuscripts--I remember being FAR more excited about the first than the 2nd. And I even knew the 2nd manuscript was better than the first, but I guess I knew the "fun" part was over. Now it was all revision (which was fine) and rejection (which would have been fine if there had ever been a non-rejection).
I'm not sure how I'll feel about finishing this book. *LOL* Decidedly underwhelmed? What?
But I agree about making the list. *LOL* Lists always make me feel better, like the aspects of getting it polished and finished and accepted are actually within my control. (Aspects of it are, yes, the polishing and revising--but in the end we all know we're going to keep a little luck for the last little push.)
I agree with Maggie about putting aside for a little bit because I believe that looking at it without the distance, you tend to polish things that were actually good and fresh--and you end up buffing out your voice, your allure, the very reason why an agent would snap you up. YOU have read that same passage about a hundred times, so yes, it sounds TIRED and DULL to you, but that's not necessarily true to someone else. I think time away--like time away from an old flame--suddenly makes you remember why you fell in love in the first place and remember the good things.
I'm not saying you shouldn't kill your darlings. I just think you should be judicious in the darlings you do kill.
Ter, good point! They work for us. No need for us to be nervous - they should be the ones sweating it *g*
Really, when you think about it, there's a good chance that your personality won't mesh with this person even if he/she LOVES your work. You're not in this to take just anyone you can get, you want the right person.
It's all in the mind, honey-pies. LOL! Trust your Aunty Bo'sun.
Congrats to Marn & Hellie! I've finished three MSs, and after the third one, I felt positively disconcerted. Isn't that weird? Hoping that won't happen this time around!
Oh, this is what I used to develop a log line pitch: http://edittorrent.blogspot.com/2009/04/log-line-pitches-or-how-to-tweet-your.html . They've got a bunch of posts on how to create these: http://edittorrent.blogspot.com/search/label/log%20lines (mine is the first one they critiqued). Fabulous resource!
Congrats both Marnee and Hal! Wow, you both must have been flying through the home stretch. :)
Yes, the second is definitely different from the first. It might be better, but it can't match the emotional investment of the first. The first is so much a "can I do it?" It's a life goal realized. It's your baby, you're first born. It's your book of the heart. It's...oh, you get the idea. :)
I think with the first, we dream bigger or further into the future, if that makes sense. In the back of my mind was one thought, "This book is going to change my life." Period.
That investment is probably what makes the rejection so hard. I hate the marketing side of things. I detest it. But I realize my battle wounds from that first foray into marketing my work came from feeling too close to what I was trying to sell. It's hard to market "your baby."
Marketing the second might be easier, at least emotionally. I love what Terri says, that with pitching, you are the interviewer. And, with a second, you now have a body of work. That's so amazing and should give you a lot of confidence. :)
Nothing compares with the first, but what I like to hold onto now is that if the second gets published first, it might have a shot at matching the euphoria of just finishing the first.
Actually, I should say I've finished four MSs, if you count the novella I first wrote. (Hey, come to think of it, I started that two years ago Sunday. Cool.) The first one I finished it was amazing, since, like you said, I didn't know if I could do it. I'd never really finished a complete work of independent, novel-length fiction.
I think on the last one I finished, it didn't help that the ending meandered through an unnecessary epilogue. I also felt like it wasn't as exciting as my previous MS (but now I'm getting that previous MS through my crit partners, and I keep feeling like they're not very excited by it. Sigh. Stupid tension.).
YAY MARNEE! Haleigh, too! It's still an accomplishment finishing any ms.
Take a breather, then hunker back down to work. It's the way it's gotta be---UGH! LOL
You'll be ready for the conference, I'm sure of it. And pitching will go great!
Pub market is a wealth of info, if you pay. You could get a bunch of friends together to do that. I totally didn't recommend it though, even if it is recorded in the logs of internetlandia! LOL Forever.
WTG, Marn and Hal!
Don't let concerns about all that lies ahead diminish your sense of accomplishment. Enjoy the moment. A toast to you both!
I can always lend ya me button...What Would Jane Do?
Helped me be braver than I knew I could be at RT wit' pitchin'... I think it be important ta remember that they need you more than ya need them. And it's OK ta be a little silly. I said, "Bwah ha ha!" ta Heather Osborn of Tor. ... And lived ta tell the tale!
Believe in yer story, look 'em in the eye. Sit up straight...
And sometimes ya might meet a real powere hungry monster who will be mean...throw 'em ta the Kraken!
Hellie - Decidedly underwhelmed? I hope not.
I love lists too. I need to feel like I'm accomplishing something when I cross stuff off. And I think stepping away would be a good idea. Not too long, but a few weeks. :)
Judicious in the darlings I kill. Very well put. :)
Hal and Ter - Maybe I'm attention starved. Because any attention from an agent/editor is probably going to make me swoon. A lot.
:)
Jordan! Thanks for the congrats and thanks for the links. PS, get ready, you know I'm going to be bombarding you here in the next few weeks.
(*me, running to the side rails* Did she just jump overboard? *cupping my hands in megaphone fashion* Jordan, come back! I promise I'll spread it out a little. I swear!)
Melissa - Thanks for the congrats! I can completely understand the whole marketing your baby being too painful thing. I think especially because I know all too well where that first baby fell short. Hopefully it won't be as bad this time around. :)
Jordan - I love your writing. I know what you mean about being tense and stressed about stuff too. It's hard to step away from that, "does this stink?" mentality.
Tiff - Thanks! You're right; a break and then hunker down again. It is the way its got to be. :) And that's good in its way. Keeps us moving forward.
Janga - thanks for the toast. I'm sure Hal agrees; we could both use a drink. LOL!!
Chance - That's funny about the Tor editor. :) But I think it's important to remember that they're people too, just trying to do the best job they can as well.
Congratulations on finishing another book, Marnee!! So many decisions await ye, but never fear. Trust yer instincts. :)
Heya Kathy! Long time no *see*! How have you been?
Thanks Kathy! :) I'll do my best!
I've been good, just knee deep in life. LOL!! My oldest daughter got married last month. We cruised to Cozumel for her beach wedding, my first EVER cruise. 'Twould seem ridiculous since I love pirating so much, but high time for such an adventure.
My youngest daughter went off to college, at about the same time as the wedding. Imagine my panic! She had to miss the cruise and wedding because of school. We've a son in college too.
We've had lots of family visiting. And this all happening within 3 weeks of my return from DC.
Now, I'm working feverishly on editing my book and finishing the one I got requests for in DC. Whew!
Never a dull moment... :)
Congrats Marn and Hal - You're my new heros!
Omigosh Kathy!!
KAAAAAAATHHHHHHY!
Congrats on your daughter's wedding, dear!
Ooooh and the requests too!
KATHY!!! Where have you been!? Besides cruising! Without us! Did you find any treasure? Besides the son-in-law...
Okay, I suppose I should read ALL of Kathy's comment, but I was so excited she commented I had to comment first and then read...
Yeah, on the feverish edits and manuscript requests! HUZZAH!!!
So...Terrio...ya really gonna dress up as a giant club holding Hershey bar fer Halloween? ;)
I bet Hellion could 'elp ya wit' that costume!
Kathy! You were in DC?! Gah! We missed each other. I swear that week FLEW by. I blinked and it was over and all I know is I was EXHAUSTED.
Congrats on the wedding and the kiddo off to college (bummer she had to miss the fun) and the requests. Oh, and I took a cruise like 20 years ago and SO want to go again. I still say we need to plan a pirate cruise.
Chance - IF I dressed up, it would be an intersting idea. Though I'd probably make the costume out of a giant box and just use Kiddo's bat. LOL! Wonder if I could find someone to dress as a tooth and I could super impose a particular someone's picture on it. Hmmmm......
I will be home in time to partake in the Pirate Invasion of the Northern California Renaissance Faire! I will share pictures!
Hee, hee. Ya need a dentist ta be chasin' ya all night. Or hoards of children? Hoards of premenstral women?
Pirate cruise off a' Jamaica. Sigh.
Though me DH and I be plannin' a short Mexican Riveria cruise in December, week a' me 50th birthday. We deserve it!
I have a birthday in December. I wanna go! I can disappear as soon as we're aboard. You won't even know I'm there.
Woo hoo!!! Congratulations to you both!
I smiled when you said it was different. It's true that now you know how much work is still to come. You're never really "finished" :)
Speaking of which, I've got a WIP to get working on so I can have it finished by it's Christmas deadline!
I refuse to go back to Jamaica.
Anywhere else, but NOT Jamaica.
I'm still wanted there.
Congrats Marnee and Hal!
Sorry I'm late, but I'm still lifting a tankard in your honor.
Di
Post a Comment