As a publisher, I get queries even though I say I don't accept queries. Truth be told...if you have the balls to write me through my website and ask about publication, I listen. I read those submissions. Because my warnings ward off the non-serious. I have answered every query given to me and I've asked for submissions too. The amount of writers that drop off communication after I say, "please send me a sample" confounds me. It's like all I have to say is "yes" and then writers scamper everywhere, fleeing the first step to success. Can someone please tell me why? If you ask, you shall be answered. But if the goal is to write and then grumble about how publishers don't read email or how publishers just don't get your writing, then don't come here. I do read email and I do publish works I believe in. You have doubts, I get it. You doubt you're good enough to send your work. You're afraid I'm going to read your work and then red-line it. I know, you're a insecure lot. Sometimes, your manuscript needs work and as much as my encouragement goes unnoticed, you'll probably never hear me say "No". You'll hear me say, "This needs work before publication". But everyone sees that as a no. Or maybe it's the fact that I advocate self-publishing. I often turn people to it--but I have yet to receive a letter pertaining to a "Thank you Stephanie, I went self-pub and love it! You were right! Self-pub is the way!!" If I had, I wouldn't be wondering why I don't get a response from writers who have the bravado to contact me, but sputter at sending me their work so we can get started in a working relationship. However, I am a good test to your fortitude. You'll find out a lot about yourself when the agent or publisher says "yes". It's a bit scary but only the brave continue forward. That's a good thing for the rest of the writers who are willing to put themselves out there. Like my warning of not taking queries, it weeds out the less determined. ACTION ITEM: Take a breath, summon your courage, send me an email and follow the **** up. Send me your MS--you have my email. Use me as a test run to build your courage--because I'm here for you--even if you're not on my author payroll.
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Dear Reader,
My efforts are to make this a learning blog where writers can see the flip side of publishing. If you have comments that will improve your experience or have a certain topic you'd like discussed, please contact me through email - HERE. ~ Sincerley, Your Editor Stephanie McKibben Head Troll Troll River Publications Books on Kindle
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