Just Keep Querying

*Update: I got my first full manuscript request a couple of days after writing this post!*

If you’ve read any of my recent posts, you’d know that I’m in the process of querying my new adult witch LGBTQ+ fantasy novel/series. This is the 2nd manuscript I’ve ever written and attempted to query.

It’s apparently common for writers to go through several rounds of querying numerous manuscripts before achieving publication. It would’ve been nice to know this before I started querying my 1st manuscript (YA dystopian novel); I might have not even attempted to query it.

It’s not that I think my first manuscript isn’t any good, but it would’ve saved me a lot of grief if I had started my querying journey with more realistic expectations.

I’m now 50 queries and 26 rejections deep with my latest manuscript (around where I stopped with the 1st) and more motivated than ever.

I’m not sure if it’s because I’m more confident in my story/writing or because I have a better understanding of the process this time around. Either way, I’m determined to not let those rejections keep me from keeping on.

I’m aiming for 100 queries sent this year and am hopeful for a nibble or two of interest. Though my heart is set on traditional publishing, I’ll reevaluate my plans at the end of the year and possibly start querying more independent publishers.

Happy Querying!

C. R. Pigg

P.S. I’m waiting to share specific details about my novel until I have a publishing deal or at least an agent, but you can check out the playlist and Pinterest mood board if you’re interested.