The Undiscovered Country

Sweating Blood

Not really, but I just finished doing what I didn't want to do.

I wrote a proposal letter and back cover copy for "Traitors" to submit to Enclave Publishing.

Doing so was difficult, but only because I had it in my head that everything would turn out terrible. How does one break down a 95k manuscript into three short paragraphs, let alone one sentence, and make it sound like the best book ever without saying, "It's the best book EVER!"

I'll admit as I started writing my prayers sounded a like a drowning person begging for a life preserver. I'm sure God was shaking his head at me and saying, "Calm down. It's not that big a deal. Sheesh."

Turns out, it wasn't so horrible. It didn't even take me very long -- less than an hour. Do I think I did a good job? Not yet. I want to give it a few days and look at everything with a fresh eye. If I still think everything looks and sounds okay, I'll send everything off -- along with another "I must be drowning" prayer.

I'm trying not to get too excited. My manuscript has been rejected before, so there's really no reason for it to not be rejected again. I could be one sucky writer, and am the only person in the world who doesn't "know" it yet, but for which the editor or said publisher will be gleefully happy to tell me just how sucky I really am.

Okay. I'm exaggerating a tish. But only a tish. The inevitable rejection won't sound gleeful at all.

I know, I know. The book may not be rejected. I just don't want to get my hopes up, and end up crushed when it's all said and done.

Been there, done that. Don't like it one bit.