I Came, I Saw, I... Failed

I finally heard back on the results from the HOW contest. I tried not to get my hopes up, but, its hard when you've put a lot of work into it. At least I got some feedback that I can work with in all the upcoming revisions  I will no doubt start ASAP. Which, by the way, I've already revised the beginning of Draven's book. Most of it is completely different from what I submitted, and his had the better score (Hmmm...)

So, this is what I got.

On Draven's book (the 1st in the Immortal Guardians series), my scores were. Each judge could give a max of 135:
129
124
57


On Raider's book (the 2nd in the Immortal Guardians series), I got:
124
100
53

I could tell the same three people judged both. Oh well, back to the drawing board.

I'm going mad... Mad I tells ya!

Okay.... I just have to blog about it because all this pent up tension is just going to explode.

I entered the Heart of the West Writers Contest which I was supposed to hear if I did well/sucked by August 20th. Due to unforeseen issues with a few judges they weren't able to tell us who the finalists were. I've been in super lip- and nail-biting mode ever since.

So today, I got an email (because I'm in the URWA) and someone mentioned that they weren't a finalist.... How did they find out???!?!?! Also, my friend, who also entered the contest, got an email stating that she isn't either (which is crazy because her book is amazing)... Why don't I have any details on how I did or who the finalists are?

I'm going mad!

I went for it

I decided that I would go for it. I spent a little time yesterday researching editors and found on that I decided was worth a shot. I sent my first five pages to her so that I can see a sample of her work. Of course, sending this to her immediately made my stomach flip-flip and I'm feeling nervous and excited about it.

For anyone who knows me, they know I'm a worry wart. What if she thinks my writing sucks? What if the storyline is boring to her (which I don't have to worry about yet since its just the first five pages--which I have to like quite a bit)? What if (if we decide to have her do the whole novel) her quote is too high and I can't afford to have her edit it? On the flip side, what if she really likes my work? What if we turn out to be an amazing team? What if she likes it so much that she wants to see Raider's book?

I already have an incredible critique group, and their feedback has been invaluable... which reminds me, I need to send them my 2nd book... But I still can't get over the nervousness that sending a piece of my work off has created.

That coupled with the fact that I'm still waiting to hear back on the writer's contest has got me (literally) biting my nails and my lips.

I'm going crazy, and feeling sick while doing it.

Considering E-Pubbing

As a member of the RWA, I frequently receive emails on different trainings, conferences, and even just regular chit-chat.

I got an email today, and it surprisingly went along with something I've been considering doing for a while. An author listed out her successes with E-publishing, listing the amount of E-Books she's sold since she uploaded them few months. Now, I know not everyone has the same experiences, but I was seriously shocked at how well her book was selling. So, I think I'll start researching freelance editors who would be interested in editing my 1st (and possibly 2nd) book. I figure that if I can't get my foot in the door with agents or publishers, then at least I can go down this road and get myself out there.

We'll see what happens. Like I said, I have a lot of research ahead of me, but hopefully you'll see my books on the shelves (er, virtual ones) soon!

Hating the Game

I just received another rejection from an agent. Seriously, I don't know if the concept of my books suck (sorry, boys), or if I just suck at writing the query letter. At least this agent replied with some feedback that I can work with. She said that she just didn't feel compelled to want to know more. So, I guess I'll revise my query letter yet again in hopes that I can capture the right agent's interest.

On a side note, I've been editing Raider's book (whenever I find time) and have even written some more scenes in one of my YA novels. I'm trying to work on my books as often as I can; I really don't want to lose motivation, and rejections really put a dampering on the writing mood.

2 Down, a million to go

I've completed Raider's book, so that marks my 2nd completed book in the Immortal Guardians series. I am so excited about his book. I think it turned out really well. Of course, I need to go back and edit, but I'm seriously excited that I've finished his book!!