What would you do in my shoes

Subject: Re: What would you do in my shoes Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:02 pm

Great news Jenny! Fingers and eyes and toes are crossed for you!

_________________
Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com

Subject: Re: What would you do in my shoes Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:25 am

I heard back from Helen Breitweiser today... this was her response:

Thank for for sending the three chapters and the synopsis to your romantic suspense novel CHASING THE SANDPIPER. While the writing is strong and I liked the characters, I felt the first chapter started abruptly, and then the next two chapters moved too leisurely. The uneven pacing kept me from entering into the world of the story.

This is such a subjective business, I'm sure another agent will have a different opinion, as the writing is quite good and the setting is fascinating.

This contradicts what MarySeymour said, so now I'm confused. Do I go back to the drawing board and re-write the first chapter yet again, or do I hang in theire and keep on submitting? As Ms Breitweiser said, this is only her opinion and another agent might think differently.
_________________
Jenny
Writing as Victoria Howard

www.victoriahoward.co.uk

Admin Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 2068 Location : UK

Jenny,

I don't know how far along you are with The Power of Persuasion, but I guess you have read enough to get a feel for my writing and will be able to judge whether or not the story would be strong enough to interest an agent.

I was in the same situation as you last summer. I sent my manuscript to Leanne Burroughs at Highland Press and she kept the manuscript for close to four months and then turned it down. I knew it wouldn't fit her list and I said as much when I sent the synopsis. She requested the full manuscript and I sent it (not my mail but by email).

After she said she was going to pass on TPoP, (and that's all she said, "I think I'll pass on The Power of Persuasion") I didn't know what to do.

By accident (me googling as usual!) I stumbled upon youwriteon.com. I joined the site and added just over 6,000 words from the book. I didn't want to enter into the competitive side of the site but I did want blind, honest reviews. The responses I received suggested that there are readers out there, who would enjoy reading the book, so I decided to self-publish.

You could do the same thing. Within a month, you will receive all the feedback you need about the opening chapters. Here's a link to the site:

http://youwriteon.com/

You could contact Leanne too. She would interested in anything set in Scotland:

http://www.highlandpress.org/

You can mention me. It won't help you, but it won't hinder you either! LOL!

~Shelagh
_________________
Shelagh Watkins
http://shelaghwatkins.co.uk/

Subject: Re: What would you do in my shoes Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:47 am

Hi Shelagh,

I've taken your advice and emailed a query to Leanne at Highland Press.
_________________
Jenny
Writing as Victoria Howard

www.victoriahoward.co.uk

Admin Joined : 11 Jan 2008 Posts : 2068 Location : UK

Excellent! I hope you have more success than me!

In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to put the opening chapters on youwriteon. The standard there is very high and the members are extremely helpful. All the reviews are blind and you will receive honest feedback. Some of the reviewers post their email so you can contact them for further advice.
_________________
Shelagh Watkins
http://shelaghwatkins.co.uk/