The Three Most Important Things NOT To Do While Waiting to Get “The Call”
by Raquel Byrnes (Edge of Your Seat Romance)
We’ve all been there. We check and re-check our email jumping at every ring of our phone. Waiting for a call or an email acceptance of our query or proposal can be nerve wracking. You second guess yourself. You worry you should have gone with the other tagline. You drive yourself nuts.
It’s important to stay busy, a fellow writer once told me. Send off the queries and then get back to work. I think that is the best advice out there. Why? Because worried writers often make mistakes in their frustration that can hurt them in the long run.
Here are three important things not to do while waiting to hear back on your submissions.
• Complain publicly. I’ve seen this on countless blogs and websites. Writers at their wits-end bashing agents or editors for the wait time. They post or Tweet or comment about how inconsiderate they think people in the industry are or how the “gate-keepers” have no idea what the public wants. This is both unprofessional and a detriment to your career. Who would want to work with a rampant complainer? Do yourself a favor and complain to a friend or journal it. But please, for your sake, keep it off the internet.
• Stop Writing. You’ve polished your manuscript to brilliant perfection. You’ve written a query that wows. Your proposal will be used as an example of marketing genius throughout the writing community. Great job. Now get back to work. One of the worst things you can do is not produce. Publishers often look at new writers with a bit of trepidation. Is one novel you spent four years on all you have in you or can you continue to produce good work in a timely manner? Block out another story, have it in the wings in case you do get “The Call.”
• Be Impatient. I know that you want to see your words in print. I know that you have the heart to reach others with your dreams. Don’t let waiting spur you into something you might regret. Don’t stalk the agent or the editor. Don’t send the equivalent of “Are We There Yet?” emails. Sure its fine to check back after their posted lead time. Some agents even encourage a follow up after a month or two. The problem is when you damage a possible relationship by being difficult. Be patient, Grasshopper, your time will come.
Some things to definitely do? Stay visible. Network online and build the following you’ll surely need when you do get published. Go to conferences and avail yourself of the great workshops they offer. Even published, successful authors continue to hone their skills. Also read. I can’t stress this enough. Writers are avid readers especially in their own genre. Know your stuff. Learn from styles different than yours. Reading feeds your imagination and that, after all, is a writer’s best friend.
Raquel Byrnes is a writer and blogger. Visit her at her blog and website to learn more.
Additional Writing Resources:
Additional resources on novel writing:
- Book in a Month: The Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days
- You Can Write A Novel
- This Year You Write Your Novel
Hi, Raquel! These are excellent tips. I’m not anywhere near this stage, but I’m tucking it away for future reminders.
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Great advice. I would imagine the worst thing about waiting is, well, waiting. Watched pots never boil and all that. Just as Raquel said, continue to grow as a writer. Work on that next project. You’re a writer, so write.
Great post.
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All excellent pieces of advice. Thanks, Raquel!
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Great advice. The waiting is the worst!
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Very nice posting, Raquel, but I notice you did not tell about your upcoming books. Care to enlighten us?
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Raquel Byrnes Reply:
February 4th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
In my novel, Purple Knot, we meet Reyna Cruz, a spunky private detective, who teams up with her ex fiancé to solve her best friend’s murder.
A romantic suspense, it’ll get your heart thumping in more ways than one.
White Rose Publishing will be releasing it later this year.
Edge of Your Seat Romance
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Complaining publicly is bad for any career, but I’m always shocked at how many people do it. Complaining on the internet is even worse!
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Good tips Raquel. This is most informative. I’m going to check out the freelance writing sites.
This is a fantastic site, I’m so glad you pointed me this direction.
………dhole
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Excellent post! I heard that you have a series coming out, that’s great! Can’t wait to read it, keep up the good work.
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Great advice, Raquel! I’ve learned to just keep moving forward regardless…. keep writing and learning.
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