What to do next?

SassyGirl_1

Hi,

Just wondering if I could get some insight or advice. I've completed the first draft of my manuscript and I emailed a few Irish publishers last week, just with the synopses and a selection of the ten entries (its a diary style book and is based on a blog I've been writing for the last two years or so).

All of the publishers who were taking email submission said it would be about two to three months to get back with a reply, which is grand - but one replied on the afternoon I sent out the email (which surprised me no end) Basically she said (I hope she doesn't mind me quoting her)

"I've had a read over it and I think it has a lot of potential. You have an amazing story, but even better you are perfectly frank about it. I think it could make a very honest, open, funny and positive book, and one that should be written. "

Which is cool, but she thought the form I was going for wasn't right for it and that some of the writing was very casual and conversational, which admittedly it is. Maybe I too close to it, but for me I think that's part of the charm, to draw the reader in, to read a story that is a bit "Whoah" and maybe learn something, in a humours none lecture way. Plus any other book about the subject which mine is in usually falls in to the "Oh pity me" memoir and I want to stay away from that, cause they just die a death.

Anyway she declined making an offer on the book as it stood, but if I wanted to discuss it further to give her a call and she gave me her number.

So to the point of my, slightly bragging, message, do I call? What do I say? I know these people are in the publishing business and they know what sells, but the thing is I can't ring up and say "Ohh you're wrong, you just don't understand my concept" can I?

Thanks,

Ck.

smcgiff

Congrats CK,

One thing a publisher likes to see is if a new author is willing to take direction and make changes if advised. If not, they'll most likely not go any further.

Why not go along with the style they suggest and see if you like it.

If it doesn't work out you can always go back to subbing to other publishers

Good luck!

SassyGirl_1

Thanks.

Just a little update, I rang the person in question at the publishing house and had a little chat. She suggested getting an agent and gave me a few names. I emailed them, one replied, pretty much straight away - she was apparently blow away with my submission and she wanted to see the full MC asap.

I've just posted it to her, so she should get it in the next fews days.

Does anyone know how long it normally takes for an agent to come back and say Ya/Na/Feck-off?

Thanks,

Ck.