So, this whole waiting thing is the WORST, right?

[maybegenius]

I just started querying for the very first time. This isn't my first project, but it's definitely the first one I've ever felt comfortable querying. And now I'm here. And I'm terrified/nervous/fidgety/etc.

I don't really want to post my stats, since 1) I just started and don't have much to report yet, and 2) I'm kind of private that way, but I still wanted a place for us to fidget and pace and wonder when we're going to hear back.

IN SOLIDARITY FOR WAITING, MY WRITER FRIENDS.

[taylormillgirl]

Preach it, sister. Waiting while on sub is godawful, too. It's hard working on new material when you're checking your inbox every five minutes, isn't it?

Good luck to you!

[cheekychook]

Waiting is THE WORST.

It sucks.

It sucks in a way that somehow manages to outsuck all other sucky aspects of this process.

And, not to be the voice of doom, but it (as far as I can tell) NEVER ENDS.

I spent 9 long months waiting for query responses, replies regarding requested partials and fulls, word from editors/publishers, etc before I signed my first contract....then I had to wait for the contracts...then wait for editor assignment...then wait for edits...then wait for second edits...wait for a cover...wait for a release date. Now my first release date is approaching (Friday, and I'm terrified) because guess what I'll be doing then? WAITING for reviews, for comments, for sales figures. Not to mention that I'm waiting on other projects, other editors, and soon I"ll be waiting on answers regarding a new project I'll be subbing within a month.

Sure, some of that waiting is more taxing than others, but it is all still waiting, and when you've been waiting on things for so long it's just maddening.There is A LOT of waiting and we can't control any of it. As I mentioned, it sucks. It's given me more headaches and bouts of indigestion than I can count. Just know that all writers go through this. And I can honestly say that the only thing that got me through it all was writing new stuff (and commiserating with other writing friends), so push yourself to keep writing and keep in close contact with other writers. (And just accept the fact that you're likely to wear out the refresh key while checking on emails, because it happens.) Best of luck to you. Feel free to whine/vent/panic here---so many of us have been where you are now---we "get it" in a way other people don't.

[HillaryJ]

Whaaaa? Waiting is awesome, almost as awesome as writing a synopsis. :/

Yeah, it stinks. And it never really ends in this business. You query, you wait to partner with an agent. You land an agent and go on submission, you wait for an editor to partner with. You sell a book, you wait for edits and cover art and ARCs to go out, and reviews and blurbs and ... *esplodes*

Write when you can, until the writing habit outweighs the twitter stalking and email hounding.

[Nathan Bransford]

It really, really is.

[maybegenius]

I've officially moved into the OH GOD OTHER PEOPLE WHO QUERIED AROUND THE SAME TIME AS ME ARE HEARING BACK BUT I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK WHY HAVEN'T I HEARD BACK YET OH GOD stage.

[cheekychook]

BREATHE.

Have some chocolate. Or a cookie. Or a shot of vodka.

Breathe some more.

Try not to stare at your computer like this: (Blink at least once in a while.)

There will be times when you hear back before other people and times where you NEVER hear back from agents who supposedly usually reply or seem to have already replied to everyone except you. Sad, but true.

The trick is to let it bother you as little as humanly possible and keep moving forward. Send out a few more queries. Research some more agents. Work on another project. Polish your synopsis. Step away from the computer. There's no way to get around the compulsive need to refresh your inbox, so just accept that it's gonna happen and that you're not alone. There are countless people who sympathize and also wish you well. Stay busy and focus on the things that keep you sane. And, most importantly, during those times when insanity/hysteria/paranoia win out, ride them out, calm down, and remind yourself that it's all just part of the process and is perfectly normal. Not fun. Not glamorous. But normal.

[maybegenius]

Thanks cheeky

[airball]

No, it's not the worst.

The worst (so far) comes after you find an agent, and you book is with acquisitions editors, especially if one of of them is huge. Dollar signs with lots of zeroes dance before you, you'll shop for islands in the Caribbean, you'll stare at email until your eyes actually bleed.

So right now you're waiting to find out if you will have the opportunity to wait more.

The huge agent said, no because marketing couldn't decide if the book was a mystery or women's fiction. [Screed deleted.]

Sam

[Rachel Ventura]

While you're waiting, though, know that there's someone else who feels the same way you do. Have a listen; hope it makes you smile.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - "The Waiting"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbo2ryPq8OU

And no doubt this kind of thing is on the minds of a lot of paperback writers. Just don't, you know, "go postal" with excitement whenever the letter carrier's in the neighborhood.

The Beatles - "Mr. Postman"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c29QP2DN4Cs

[Mira]

Oh, wow, it is the WORST!!

But hang in there, Steph. And congratulations on your courage in putting yourself out there. That's awesome and deserves applause! Yay!

[maybegenius]

Thanks Mira

I am definitely still on the roller coaster. Now I'm torn between the wanting to know and NOT wanting to know phase.

[Mira]

Thanks Mira

I am definitely still on the roller coaster. Now I'm torn between the wanting to know and NOT wanting to know phase.

Totally hear you! Just remember, if one door closes, there are hundreds of other doors to walk though. One of those doors is the PERFECT door for you!