Hi Luke,

I did not mean to imply that you were weak or insecure as a writer. That was just my point. Your credentials sound impressive. The whole letter sounds impressive, that’s why the ‘might possibly’ thing sort of struck me. Maybe it’s a good etiquette sort of thing though that we on this side of the pond don’t have.

I see your point that it is a minor detail.

I think the letter is beautiful in its succinctness yet you pack in a lot of important stuff. You let them know important people in the business think it is good, you give them an idea of your writing style, you let them know the book fits in with what they publish, and you tell them something about your qualifications as a writer; all in 150 words, impressive.

Once again, I’m sorry if I offended you. That was not my intention.

Best of luck with it,

Brian.

Hi I'm new.
I don't get this at all:
If your story did well in a competition that featured such literary luminaries as Val Mcthingymejig then howcome it's not been picked up?
I'd have thought that publishers would have A+R men watching competions like the one you entered: I mean people who come third in Pop Idol get record deals surely?!
Funny old game.

new member so I know nothing! Enjoyed your reply it made me smile. At least you've sent it in, mine is gathering dust.
Kat

Luke,
What great references, I'm sure you'll have success soon. Must be galling to get so far in the competition and still be looking for a deal - like the others say I'd have thought you'd be snapped up. Ali Gunn has a great reputation - I once had a letter from her asking for my full ms and I'm STILL writing it (that was two years ago), so an opportunity missed I'm afraid. Anyway, this is not about me, it's about you - do let us know what responses you get and GOOD LUCK.

Kat,
Why is yours gathering dust? Is it ready for submission? Put some up in Fiction II won't you?

Myrtle

Hi Kat,

I can understand your fear of taking the next step of 'publishing' on the Writewords forum. I was very nervous about posting anything but decided in the end I had nothing to lose. I found the responses I got to be excellent even if not overwhelmingly positive about everything! I did think that the criticisms were accurate and enabled me to make some changes both to the chapter and to my writing style generally ( I hope!) but the best thing was that I realised that it's not the end of the world if someone doesn't like everything I've written. It doesn't mean I'm a bad person because my writing 'skills' are still in their infancy - we have to learn to be very thick skinned and perhaps imagine that some alter ego wrote the stuff and not us!

Jane

it's not the end of the world if someone doesn't like everything I've written. It doesn't mean I'm a bad person

Nor does it mean you’re a bad writer. It only means that one individual doesn’t like something you’ve written.

Dee

Jane
I apologise for the delay in replying. You are right, I uploaded a portion of Chapter 1 of my novel 'A Good Thing' and received helpful and generous advice. I don't suppose it is any easier second time around showing work is a very personal thing.
I take it that this thick skin developes over a long,long time?
kat

Hi Kat

I'm glad you got useful feedback after the terrifying ordeal of clicking the 'upload' button ! I would have tried to help too but I think I must have missed your chapter or maybe it was only for group members. I've noticed that happening a few times but I've never worked out if it's deliberate or not

Anyway, good luck and keep writing!

Jane

Jane
I see you are from Fiction 111 so yes to above. I've decided to take the plunge and sign up.Thanks for your reply.
kat

Kat,

I've decided to take the plunge and sign up.

Good for you! I hope you’ll make your work visible to all WW members so that you can receive more widespread feedback.

Dee