Drowning my sorrows in chocolate…
I’ve consumed approximately 1/4 pound of chocolate caramels. 
Why, you ask? Because I’ve received the third letter from a publisher (no, not the M&B book–we’re still waiting on that) saying that they like my writing but for whatever reason (historical market, a synopsis that makes no sense, full list for the year, werewolves howling at the moon), they don’t want to see the complete manuscript. 
Now see, this doesn’t make sense to me. If you truly like the writing, wouldn’t you want to read more? Okay, so maybe I have a hard time writing a synopsis of a book. Taking 400 pages and condensing it down to a 5 page summary is someone’s sick idea of a past time. And it isn’t as though readers are buying that (Thank God!).
I’ve translated this recent rejection: 
Dear Michelle,
I loved the chapters you sent me. They were a real kick in the pants. But as soon as I read your synopsis, it was clear to me that you were smoking drugs when you wrote this garbage. It makes no sense, and does not in any way resemble a publishable book.
Sincerely,
The Editor
:loser: So, to console myself, I’ve baked 7 fruitcakes (mini-loaves), eaten one of them, and inhaled more of my chocolate caramels. It’s not only about the rejection, though. This is going to be the week from H-E-double-hockey-sticks. I have to chaperone a band concert Wednesday night :kneel:, enjoy a dentist appointment on Thursday (my son is accompanying me since he’s freaked out during the last two dental visits and I’m going to make him watch my appointment), and then Friday is the big CHRISTMAS extravaganza. I think I’m supposed to bake cookies. Maybe I’ll send fruitcake. 
Last year, my son was dressed in black and white and was supposed to sing “I’m a Little Penguin.” He stood on stage, stared at the lights, and burst into tears when he saw me. 
I foresee great happenings on Friday. 
Poor baby.
Saturday night is our office/school Christmas party. There may be some 
going on….:woot:
Michelle posted in Writing @ 9:35 pm | Viewed 1004 times
jaq Says:
Hang in there, Michelle. Querying is a tough go for everyone. On the bright side you are getting some good personal comments rather than those vaguish statements one usually gets in the regular form letters. Still got my fingers crossed for you with the M&B sub.
Cindy Says:
Hugs on the pass on the complete. I have my fingers crossed for you too with the M&B submission.
Megan Says:
Michelle:
Yeah, like Jaq says…if you’re getting some personal comments, you’re a lot closer than most people. But fruitcake?!? Fruitcake is evil incarnate, isn’t it? Chocolate caramels, I love. Good luck on your other submissions.
Mary Says:
Oh, I’m so sorry. Writing is hard with all the rejection, and we’ve all faced it. Hang in there. Hey, I love fruit cake. It get’s a bad rep. My aunt sends me a fruit cake every year.
Leslie Says:
Bummer on that rejection. Hate that!! And now I’m nervous as you-know-what, because my synopsis sucks big time! It’s just not fair they can judge our books by that incoherent dribble we have to write! UGH! HUGS!
Steph T. Says:
{{{HUGS}}} on the rejection! But, look at it this way - you’re building a backlist with every book you write. It only takes one to kick down the door and then suddenly, everyone’s willing to look at everything else you’ve got waiting.
I’ve got everything crossed for your M&B revisions!!!
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
(((Michelle)))
Robyn Says:
You need a hug smiley. Until then, {{{Michelle}}}
Amy K. Says:
Sorry to hear about the rejection, Michelle. Sounds like you need more fruitcake to get through the week!
Alyssa Says:
I’m sorry to hear this. Hope the next one works out for you!
Michelle Styles Says:
((Michelle))
If synopsis writing is difficult why not start from the 100 word blurb and work up?
Gina Says:
Sorry about the letter, but don’t give up. You’ll do it!
Michelle Says:
Jaq–thanks.
Cindy–it was just a partial, not a complete, so not too terribly bad.
Megan–this one was more like orange-pecan-date-cherry bread.
I love homemade stuff.
Leslie–I still think we should go on synopsis strike and just not send them.
Steph T.–oh, me too! I really hope that book will sell. It’s a favorite of mine.
Alyssa, Amy, Robin, Bonnie, Mary and Gina–thanks for the hugs. I appreciate them.
Michelle S.–I think you have a good suggestion there. Blurb plus ending. Fewer reasons to reject.
Kelly Says:
Oh poor Michelle! I’m so sorry they didn’t want to see more, although your version of the editor’s letter made me laugh out loud in my cubicle - see how talented you are!! Hang in there, just think of it as one of those character building exercises.
Peggy Says:
So sorry about the rejection, Michelle! Yeah, it doesn’t seem fair. I bet a lot of talented writers get overlooked because of that dreaded synopsis. I actually prefer writing a short synopsis. As long as the editor gets the idea of the story and how it is resolved, I figure if that can trigger there interest, than they may ask for the longer synopsis along with the full.
Keeping my fingers crossed for your HM&B!
Melissa Marsh Says:
Darn it, Michelle!
Well, that just means that you definitely do not want them to be your editor. The right one will come along soon!
I hear ya on the chocolate inhalation - I’ve done way too much of that lately.
Tori Lennox Says:
Hugs, Michelle!!! Both on the stupid rejection and all the things you have to do this week.
Le Ellis Says:
Michelle! I’m so sorry about the rejection. Suffered another myself recently. I know it hurts. Hang in there. I wonder what is the best chocolate to drown a hurt? I’ve tried a lot.
Emma Sinclair Says:
Sorry about the rejection but at least you’re on the right track with the chocolate. Good luck with all you have to do this week.
Teresa Says:
So sorry to hear about the R.
Chocolate is a good soother though. And so is baking. And parties. Hang in there.
Rene Says:
Sorry about the rejection. I hate those. What I hate worse is when an agent asked me for a partial, held on to it for 5 mos., said she liked it and asked for the full, held onto it for 8 mos. then wrote me a rejection telling me how terible it was. YO!!! If she didn’t like it, couldn’t she have figured that out from the partial?
Chocolate is a good cure. Tell me, are you sure you don’t have to do 20 ears of corn?:confused2:
Christine Keach Says:
Ouch! Add my condolences to the list, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Right??? And, just think about that M & B and how wonderful they’ve been to you (so far). I’ll keep things crossed too, but not my eyes. I, like you, have a school “winter program” on Friday and it wouldn’t be good for the director of the 7th grade play to be cross-eyed through the performance!
Danica Says:
Big hugs! Go have some more chocolate!
Missie Says:
Michelle,
You are such a talented writer, I just know that one day, I will be in Borders or Waldenbooks asking the gum-smacking, Proactiv-needing, over-moussed, low-rider-wearin’-but-shouldn’t-be sales clerk to find the latest Michelle Whateverlastnameyou’reusing then yelling, “What? Whaddya mean you sold out? I am her blogfriend! Get me a dang book now!” 
To borrow a word from my at-the-time 3 yo nephew, that editor is a “bonkyhead”.
Until then…:chocolate:
Stephanie Says:
Big hugs…and don’t forget, editors don’t know everything. Poo on her.
Bosey
Michelle Says:
Rene–you made me laugh out loud at the corn. Too funny!
Missie–a bonky head? I like that one. And you’re sweet about the book buying. Amazon, baby.
Bosey, Tori, Teresa, Emma, kelly, Melissa, and Danica, thanks for the sympathy!
Christine–yep, I’m holding out my hopes for HMB, God bless them.
Peggy–yes! Short and vague synopses are the way to go, I’m sure. That, or no synopsis. Strike!
Le–I’m not sure what the best chocolate is. I think more sampling is in order.
Gina Black Says:
I like Missie’s nephew’s word for them: bonkyhead. I think you should chant that while sampling chocolates from various exotic locales (or maybe in exotic locales?–well, one can dream…)
MaryF Says:
{{{{{MICHELLE}}}}}
Larissa Says:
((((hugs)))) Michelle! Sorry I’m so late with this, but I’m SUPER sorry about the rejection. That just sucks.
I still have my fingers crossed on the M&B sub, though!