So You Think You Can Write Update: Submission Responses Being Sent Out

40 Responses to So You Think You Can Write Update: Submission Responses Being Sent Out

1. Margie

   February 2, 2011

   LMAO! Of course after posting this I found it http://www.eharlequin.com/store.html?cid=598 for anyone else that had troubles finding it.

   Reply
2. Christine

   February 2, 2011

   While I very much enjoyed the SYTYCW week, and the opportunity to submit a first chapter and synopsis, I was quite disappointed by the submission response.

   Glancing over some of the comments, I see others had some of the same feelings I did.
   When I sent in my submission, I did so believing that accepted or denied, it would be a win-win situation. I guess I was under the impression everyone would be getting feedback, more than just a blank “not strong enough”.
   Originally I found that statement frustrating, wondering “WHAT wasn’t strong enough?” But now that I see several others have received that same comment, I’m figuring it was more intended to be a variation on “No”, and perhaps not an accurate reflection on the work.

   I do hope there is another event next year, and if there is I will participate again. I guess I would just hope that should you have another call for submissions, you make it perfectly clear that not everyone will receive real, honest and helpful feedback.

   Reply
3. ioanna

   February 2, 2011

   I have to admit that the expression “your story was not strong enough” was like a nail in the heart.(I think that all of us have a tender one, for reading – and writing – those lovely books…)

   I had studied carefully writing guidelines about the category I was writing for and I followed them. As long as I know my idea was original (maybe too original, outside of norms).

   I suppose that even an orthografic or syntax error in the chapter or in synopsis would be fatal and lead us to catastrophy (words strong enough!!!
   Should we try again, revieing, rewriting, polishing our story throuhg the usual procedure of admition or we have to put our idea and our plot into the bin (for good) ? I had writen almost the half of the book (not just a chapter or the classical 3 chapters and synopsis) for a line that recently publish more books every month. Hope dies last, but could you give us a sign what to do with our “not strong enough” child of our soul?

   Reply
4. Melinda Menzies

   February 2, 2011

   Hi,

   I also got the form rejection. I wasn’t surprised as although I thought my chapter has potential, my synopsis was awful.

   Ionaana, my 2c is that if you believe in your work, then keep working on it. I intend to write on and get my crit group to help me with my synopsis and to enter some of the RWAustralia comps where you get comprehensive feedback from 3 judges. Your local writers org should have something similar.

   On the blog the eds said that the standard “Your story isn’t strong enough” indicated that it needs much work. I think that’s fair comment for me and I’ll get back to work.

   Each rejection is actually a step on the path to success. Every writer I know (and I know a few bestsellers) has had multiple rejections-so think of this as a badge of honour on the way to publication.

   Reply
5. ioanna

   February 3, 2011

   To Mr Melinda Menzies

   First of all, thank you for support and your advice as a co-writer.

   Unfortunatelly, in my country there is not a local writer organisation for romantic novels. There is lack of such a culture. Popular – english language – litterature is known only from “H” translated series. Someone can find them only in central newspaper qiosks or hiden in little neibourhood stores. I don’t know any other person who write (in English) romantic novels in my city (or even in the whole country).
   (By the way what is 2c??)

   I have the same opinion with you: I believe in my story and I love my heroes – a lovely couple and a very supporting family for them – and I will revive them after a week for them “sleeping” in my hard disc.
   I don’t have objection with a feedback of critic or even critisism to my work. On the contrary I want it in detail to understand fully the gaps and the missing of my story.I don’t have the opportunity to have a personilised feedback and SYTYCW was a good opportunity.

   The only objection to that group message was the choice of words. This would be acceptable from a food or car industry, but not from an organisation that words (and reverie) are its product.
   I am a working “girl” for more than 10 years now and I can understand the difficult position of “H” editors in front of a pile of works that want an answer NOW (or YESTERDAY)! I have also to send massive emails for my work and I can be in their position, so no hard feelings!
   It was just a little complain…

   Kisses to Australia and be careful with the hard weather! (I have adored your country by Emma Darcy’s books and Sallivans!)

   Ioanna

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6. ioanna

   February 3, 2011

   TO MRS Melinda Menzies

   oops! I did it again…

   Reply
7. Rita

   February 3, 2011

   Just wanted to chime in with a ‘thank you’ to all those at Harlequin who pulled together the SYTYCW challenge. Reading and responding to a high volume of entries in a short window of time takes a great deal of dedication.

   Congratulations and good luck to those who received requests to see more!

   Reply
8. anita soenderup

   February 4, 2011

   Hi.
   Boy, I would wish, I could have participated in this contest.
   Unfortunately it´s only for recidents in Us and Canada. I live in Denmark. Harlequin in Sweden only translates books, and it is diffucult just to get a translationform.
   If you are considering to let others particpate at any time. Please let me know!

   Reply
9. Angela Guillaume

   February 4, 2011

   Anita,
   This contest was open to everyone, regardless of residency or citizenship.
   Angela

   Reply
10. ioanna

    February 4, 2011

    Anita,
    Angela is correct. I presume all the 3 of us we are from Europe countries!!

    You can participate to SYTYCW2!

    Reply