The Sand Sifters update

Well, I've sent the novel off to Tor and to a literary agent. It has been one of the most nerve-wracking processes. Much harder for me than writing the novel was. To sum up a 450 page novel in two paragraphs for the query letter and make an agent want it from only that? Crazy. There were so many submission rules, and ways it needed to be formatted and don't forget the SASE or they won't respond at all(I addressed the darn thing, but forgot to stamp it - luckily I realized before I sent it out and corrected my mistake). I sent it to the two places that wanted not just a query letter, but a synopsis and a few chapters. I feel I have a better chance that way. I know I don't have a fantastic chance either way - it takes an average of 8 years to get a first novel published, 20-50 submissions. But I can't help but feel hopeful after all the work I've put into it. I'm ready for rejection - and will research where I want to send it next and finish up my next novel (which is a stand-alone rather than part of a series).

I'm proud that with all my insecurities, I managed to find some courage inside to face those fears and decide "well, it sure ain't getting published sitting in a drawer. Might as well send it!" Huge step for me and my writing career.