Rejection and a question, rejection and a question

[Liz]

Finally got my rejection after more than 8(!) months and my Plan B was to re-tool the ms to suit another line. But I chanced across an exchange online that implied that this is a no-no, as Harlequin keeps a database of every submission and they cross-check. Does anyone know if this is the case? I know that re-submitting a re-write to the same line shouldn't be done, but this would involve adding a large amount of material and considerably altering the story.

Liz

[JewelTones]

This is a tough one. I think it depends on what the rejection said and the feedback it offers. If the rejection letter said something like, I like this, you have a unique voice, but it doesn't suit this line and we have X, Y, Z issues with the story... And you fix those issues and you resubmit to a line you feel IS appropriate for the story? I don't see a problem with that. In fact, I've done that very thing and the story got a very warm reception from that editor. So.... eh.

Now about this supposed database these editors cross-check. I've heard of it but do I believe it? Eh. I know they log manuscripts in for tracking (they have to otherwise they'd never know if a writer calls to check on the progress/status).

But the real questions on my mind are:

1. What did the rejection letter say? Some people will take non-rejection letters as rejection letters. So that's the first thing to be clear about.

2. When you say you want to re-tool the story to submit to another line... how much re-tooling are we talking about? What line did you originally pitch to and which one are you now aiming for? How are you deciding which line your story is best suited for? They are each very different and very specific in their requirements/needs so what works for, say, Blaze, isn't going to work for, say, Silhouette Intimate Moments.


Now depending on what you submitted (3 chapters, full manuscript, etc), 8 months? Not a bad wait time at all. LOL. I know it seems like forever, but even a proposal/partial (3 chapters and synopsis) averages 6 months on the short side. Full manuscripts usually take a year. Heck, I had one that took 3 years from start to finish before finally being rejected. It's not a quick process by any stretch, unfortunately.

Not any of the answers you were looking for yet, I'm afraid, but more info is needed, I think, in order to be helpful.

JT

[Liz]

Thanks Jewels.

It was definitely a rejection and just a form one at that. It wasn't from anyone in particular and simply said the story and characters weren't developed enough (though I'd only submitted a brief synopsis & 3 chapters). Then they offered tips on submitting in the future - nothing I didn't already know, such as stating which line I'm targeting. I was very clear about that in the submission.

I'd submitted it to the simplest, most traditional line but see no problem with revising, expanding, spicing up the bones of the plot to suit one of the more complex lines, such as Super romance (which would require nearly doubling the word count). I haven't quite decided on this yet - just wanted to know if it's possible. Don't want to burn any bridges!

In retrospect 8 months doesn't seem that long but they did say the normal reply time is 12-16 weeks...guess I won't fall for that again...

Liz

[JewelTones]

If you're going to revise to that extent, it basically becomes a brand new book, so if you decide to do that? I don't see a problem with it.

But if it's your first book (meaning the first one you've completed and submitted) sometimes it's... I don't want to say "better" or "easier" but maybe more reflective of current skill to begin the next book. It all depends on how you feel about the project. If you really have a lot of faith in it and think its strong enough, then pursue it. If not... you might consider moving on to a new one and making that shine with all the awesome stuff you've learned from finishing the first.

The "developed" comment might relate to conflict and/or motivation. So if you decide to reread that submission, you might keep that in the back of your brain.

JT

[Liz]

Thanks again. And yep, you echo my sentiments exactly: revising it to that extent is probably more trouble than it's worth. I have, in fact, started something brand new which, frankly, has me more fired up and brings me to my next question:

When the New York office (of Harlequin) states re submissions from Canada "add $11.00" to cover return postage - does that mean stamps or a check? They don't take on-line submissions - yet.

Liz

[JewelTones]

Since you're sending from 1 country to another, it'll probably be an international reply coupon or IRC. You can (normally) get them from your post office. I know we have another Canadian romance writer here who did the whole international shipping thing and ran into issues with return postage.... Bliss? Hon, you around? I bet she can fill in those blanks.

You can also, and imo it's easier, just not bother with return postage for the manuscript. It gets really expensive and more than half the time you won't want to or be able to re-use the manuscript. It could have coffee stains on it. Be all crinkled. Look like hell courtesy of the USPS. LOL. I've seen it all. So all you'd really need to include is a self-addressed stamped envelope for their response letter & postage for that.

JT

[Bliss]

Yep, I'm around.

I never asked a publisher to return a manuscript to me.
However, after an agent kindly pointed out that Canadian stamps could not be used from the US, I did purchase US stamps on my SASE for them to send their rejection letters.

Not that you can buy foreign stamps at a Canadian post office. Thank goodness I work close to a stamp collector office, and purchased my US stamps from them.

Hope this helps.

[Liz]

Thanks both.

I wouldn't normally care about getting the ms. returned but I was concerned about that line "Cdn. submitters add $11.00". I suppose I could always stipulate that the ms. need not be returned in the submission itself? I've never tried to buy American stamps from a Cdn. post office but had the impression that it was possible these days...if not I'll bribe the next person I know to pick some up for me the next time they travel south.

I'll try to find the link but I think I saw something about including a check (after all Harlequin is a Canadian company so presumably they accept them).

Liz

[JewelTones]

Liz, you can totally state in the cover letter something like...

Please note the enclosed material is disposable, but have included a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Harlequin (and any other publisher) would never required you to take the manuscript back. So don't feel you have to shell out 11 bucks for that.

If you want to be *super* cautious about it, feel free to email them or call the office and ask. Trust me, they won't spazz about it. The rule of thumb is just business-like, polite, and respectful. They're a business like any other.

JT

[Liz]

Thanks - makes perfect sense.

I guess the "returned" ms. harkens back to the old days when you'd submit a type-written copy which would be costly and a pain to reproduce. I remember those days...Still, it did mean you took good care to make it perfect.

Liz

[JewelTones]

Liz, I can't agree with you or stress enough how important it is to turn in a professional looking manuscript. ITA, ITA, ITA. LOL. It's so hard to even try to imagine doing it on a typewriter these days, is it?

JT