Should You Revise After A Rejection

 This is something I think a lot of authors contemplate with submissions and their writing. We always have this belief that we can "make things better" so when we get a rejection letter and an editor or agent tells us what they didn't like, we immediately dive into revision mode. 

"I can fix that!" And off the author goes to revise it. They will then think it would be a great idea and show initiative to send it back to the editor and agent and say "I took your advice and see, I can do it!"

BUT SHOULD YOU?

My answer is no.

But I do have a reason for this.

First, this will be an endless cycle and it will eventually get you no where and get you there fast. Your story will become a jumbled mess and you just do not want that. 

Secondly, that ONE editor or ONE agent is just ONE person. Let me tell you want I tell most authors when I pass on their project. If it doesn't work for me, there is no reason it might not work for someone else. And frankly, in this industry, that statement is so true.

But let me give you something else to consider. Is that one comment a "one off" or is it a pattern. Here is what you should really do. 

Send out 5 submissions. If you get 3 out of 5 that say the same thing, you have a pattern. For example, I had an author who was determined to be published as a single title author. When I signed her, I told her she really had a "category/series" voice but she was determined to prove me wrong. OK, so, she's the boss. We sent out her submissions and after the first few submissions, we got comments such as "Love you writing but you really have a category voice and this is not what we are looking for." Hmmmmmm? Pattern? I think so. 

This is a time to change. This is a time to revise.

Let's say you get several comments that say you have a weak conflict or no conflict. Do you keep sending it out or do you stop and revise. 

You stop and revise.

Get the idea?

Now, should you send it back to the same editor or agent. This is where I say DO NOT DO IT! My recommendation is to take that knowledge and when you write a new story, send the new one to the agent/editor you really wanted and who made that comment. In the query make sure you note the original project you sent, their direct comment and how you learned from it. THEN, tell them how you learned from it and HOW you made sure you addressed those issues in this new project. Be Specific!

This shows you have grown.

Hope this helps!

New Spotify Podcast - When To Stop!

I just dropped my latest Spotify podcast. If you haven't checked it out, make sure to do so!

LINK TO EPISODE

Which Conferences Does Scott Go To? What do you get if I am there?? A LOT!

 I was once asked how I pick which conferences I go to. The answer was really simple and it shocked the author. 

I go to the conferences when someone asks me to come.

She said, "You mean that was it?" 

Yep! All it takes it to ask me to show up and I will be there. I have always taken that approach and here is my rationale. I could "invite" myself to your conference by sending out all of this promo material and really hyping myself up but here is the thing. If you REALLY wanted me there, you would have asked me to be there. 

I really have no desire to show up to a conference where I am going to show up and the conference coordinators "feel obligated" to have me there, or where participants really don't care about what I have to say, or even have something I don't acquire. For example, for me, going to a conference that only promotes graphic novels would get me nothing. Sure, I have a lot of workshops that would be great for them, my presence would mean nothing. 

OK, so let's talk about what happens IF I show up.

First of all, unlike a few of the agents (and editors) out there, I DO NOT nor will I ever charge speaking fees. I am sorry, but I feel this is part of the job and it is a service. In fact, there are a lot of times that I have had conferences give me an honorarium and I have given it back to them because I know the chapter needs it more (some have refused despite my attempts, but I did try!). 

If conferences are local or in locations where I have access in ways that work for me, I will cover transportation and lodging. Otherwise, I only ask for "assistance." Even then, I have always found ways to get the best deals for any conference to save people money.

At the conference, I am not someone who comes in, listens to pitches and then disappears. If you bring me in, I will be there THE ENTIRE time. I listen to pitches, I will present and if you want multiple sessions, then just ask. I will be there for panel discussions, I will do critiques, and most importantly, I will always be found in the hallways available to talk to authors. 

But Scott, our chapter is small and we can't afford this, how can we do it? Here is what a couple of chapters did several years ago. They combined forces. One chapter had a great location to meet and they pooled their resources and the workshop was for three chapters and not just one. Split the cost three ways and "badda bing, badda boom" you have a presenter.

Look, the key is JUST ASK! If you are with a writing organization (a conference coordinator, a member who has some influence or are on the board) and you are interested, or maybe you would love to have me come but are not sure how to go about this, just email me. We can talk it through. 

We just have to start a dialogue.

I am free a lot! And honestly, with All About The Memories Travel, this becomes a heck of a lot easier to get these workshops and conference connections becoming a reality!

Writing Takes Practicing... And A Lot Of It!

 

Please share with your writing colleagues!