Yesterday I finished the seventh draft of my manuscript. Today I sent it to the Ampersand Project (Hardie Grant Australia.), cutting it close with the submission window open for only two more days. I also had to send the dreaded one page synopsis. It’s hard to condense a 118,000 word manuscript down to a one page synopsis, but hopefully I did a good enough job.
I also had to summarise it in two sentences! I did manage it, hopefully well enough.
This is the second publisher I have sent it to. I sent it to Harper Collins when they opened their submissions for their new e-imprint. I’m actually a little embarrassed they saw it. Even though it was my sixth draft there were little mistakes that I missed in a rush to send it out. Hopefully I’ve picked them all up this time.
It’s also been rejected by one agent. Two rejections doesn’t sound like a lot but it feels like a lot.
Anyway, the Ampersand Project is specifically designed for debut YA writers so that gives my manuscript a better chance.
Now there’s a lot of waiting so I’m going to continue the first draft of the second book (mine’s a trilogy.). No idling around for me.
Congratulations! I bet that felt great sending it off. I’m thinking of rewriting my synopsis so your tips will definitely come in handy! 🙂
It does feel good to have it out there, but also it’s a long nervous wait – about two months – before i hear anything. Good luck rewriting your synopsis, I hate writing those. I think It’s easier writing a novel!
Good luck. Hopefully you’ll hear back soon 🙂
Thanks 🙂