Sunday, June 6, 2010

Sunday Update

Good news and bad

So I didn't win the Dear Agent Contest. You can click here to see who did.


But that's okay. This week I had two requests for partials!!!

Here's my query status on Paradise 21:

Queries sent out: 35
Partials requested: 2
Rejections: 5

Not bad!

I'm up to 6,368 words in my new WIP: Colonization. Thank you for all of your comments and advice. I've decided to make it a stand alone novel, so it doesn't need the first one to make sense. That way, if Paradise 21 doesn't do well, I can still shop this one around. And then, if this one does do well, I can publish Paradise 21 later as a prequel. What do you think?

32 comments:

The Words Crafter said...

That sounds like a great idea. You really inspire me with your hopeful, positive attitude. My local B & N wanted to order one of your books for me, but I'm a "want what I want when I want it" kind of person (when it comes to something I really want) so I was going to purchase an ebook...recommendation...?

Unknown said...

I recommend Nebula's Music, or Messenger in the Mist when it comes out in July. They are my latest finished projects and my writing gets better with each one. Thanks for asking!

Shelley Sly said...

Congrats on both your partials!! I like the your ideas about making it a stand alone novel, and possibly publishing Paradise 21 as a prequel. Good thinking!

Beth Caudill said...

Congrats on the partial requests. Selling it as a prequel sounds good. Or if they take the second you can tell them, there is another story ready and you can have back to back releases.

Talli Roland said...

Congrats on the two partials! That's fantastic - and a great ratio so far based on your rejections and send-outs!

CMZ Art/ Rustic Goth said...

I love following what is 'happening' with your writing.
It just fascinates me.

Southpaw said...

That's a great idea! Very smart.

Melissa said...

What a great idea! That's a really, really smart way of doing it I think. I'm impressed with your forethought.

sarahjayne smythe said...

Congrats on the partials. You inspire me. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the partials! That's really, really awesome. I'm crossing my fingers for you!

Anonymous said...

Sounds great to me Aubrie. Congrats on the partials and on the progress with your WIP.

Jessie Oliveros said...

Well, I didn't get to comment BEFORE you made a decision, but I would have mentioned Alyson Noel. She has a spin-off on her Evermore series involving the younger sister, Riley. These books will market to tweens while Evermore markets to teens. So there, it can work. However, I'm all about stand alone novels. I have so little time to read, that I rarely read more than the first in a series. And I don't think I'm a series writer, either, because by the time I'm done with this book (192 years remember?), I might be tired of it.

Stephanie Thornton said...

Congrats on the two partials- that's totally awesome!

And I think a stand-alone is a good idea. It's always good to hedge your bets in this business!

Theresa Milstein said...

I am so excited for you! You have a strong beginning and premise, so I'm sure you'll receive even more requests.

Why don't you see where this query process goes, along with where this new piece goes before deciding. I'd love to know what happens next on that planet!

Christine Danek said...

Not bad, lady. Thanks for all your encouraging words and you are an inspiration.
Good luck!

Creepy Query Girl said...

Congrats on the partial requests- that's a great leap ahead and I hope you get good news back!

Tara said...

Woot! Congrats on those partial requests, girl :)

Carol Kilgore said...

Two requests for partials trump not winning the agent contest any day. Congrats!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great idea!!! Wow look at you go in all your glory, a shame you didn't win the contest but it still looks like things are going well!

Nicole Zoltack said...

I think that's a really good idea. Publishers like standalone novels with series potentials. And congrats on the partial requests!

Angie said...

Congrats on the partial requests! And good luck on your WIP. Sounds like a good plan to me.

Patti said...

I recently did that as well. Made my book more stand alone. I think it's a wise move. Sounds like things are moving along. After seeing your query number you've inspired me to send more out.

Anonymous said...

You have tons of comments already, but I thought I'd chip in too. I agree that making each book a stand alone is the best way. Even though you have a preferred order you'd like to see them published, you don't want any story so dependent of the other that a reader might decide to forgo it because they can't buy the two (phew! that was a long sentence)

sarahjayne smythe said...

I think you are brilliant about this whole business of writing. Congrats on the partials and I'll be looking for Nebula's Music and Messenger in the Mist.

Stina said...

Woo hoo on your requests! Those contests mean nothing. The requests from a query are a bigger deal . . . at least I keep telling myself that. :)

Lisa Rusczyk said...

Congrats! Congrats! Sorry I haven't visited in a while. Been so crazy-busy lately.

Sounds like a good idea to make it a stand-alone.

Unknown said...

Great idea! Plus, having a prequel is just cool, isn't it? Best of luck with the partial requests. That's great!

Racquel Henry said...

Sounds like a good plan and congrats on the new partial requests :)

Susan Fields said...

Congrats on your partial requests - that's great news! 2 partials and only 5 rejections - that's awesome!

MTeacress said...

I've never queried anything yet, so it's fun to see your process. I'm excited to give it a go - almost there.
Have a great night. :)

Olive said...

Congratulations on the two partials, that's fantastic. Hopefully there will be many more such requests winging their way to you!

Sheila Deeth said...

Cool, and so nice to read how it's going. Congratulations!