Now if you are a writer, you are used to those form rejection letters because you receive them a lot. Yes, the form ones even come in the age of e-mail submissions as well. So when you get one that actually has the human touch, it can be cause for a little celebration if you will.
Secrets, Lies, and Trash has been searching for a home for a while. Last week, I submitted it to a publisher who was interested in cozies. Surprisingly, I received a prompt response from the editor. Usually, it takes months and then you still sometimes do not get an answer.
The response was not what I was hoping for. Apparently, my mystery wasn't cozy enough. My protagonist gets himself into too many perilous situations. Who knew?
However, the editor remarked about how much she had enjoyed the manuscript and my garbage guy hero, Russell Waverly. Unfortunately, it just didn't fit into the category of books they publish.
It was without a doubt the nicest and most hopeful rejection that I have received in my somewhat lengthy journey to mainstream publication. Her parting words were that if I had another softer mystery featuring Russell that she would love to read it.
While it was a no, it was a no with hope for the future. Perhaps there is a home out there somewhere for Secrets after all. An actual book publisher read it, enjoyed it and told me I shouldn't have any trouble finding a place for it. Okay, so that hasn't happened yet, but I appreciated her pep talk.
It also gives me some incentive to get to work on the sequel. I am about half way through Russell's Cape May adventure and this one just may be the cozy she was looking for!
A rejection is a rejection, but this one came with a much needed silver lining.
