I got a wake-up call the other day from a major editor. The first three pages of my new novel made it into the Romance Writers Report, a magazine with international distribution to the Romance Writers of America’s 10,000 plus members.
And my pages were given a pass by Alex Logan, editor at Grand Central Publishing. No partial requested. The manuscript had major problems… in the first three pages!
Rejection sucks.
Rejection in front of 10,000 of yours peers? That sucks even more.
After a short stint of railing against the universe, I read the comments again. Ms. Logan had compliments (“There was some very nice, clever description and fine writing”) as well as criticism (“…hard concept to sell”). The compliment was affirming – it’s a long way from last year’s rejection from another well-known editor who dismissed my work with a simple and brutal, “Your execution and characterizations don’t work.”
That one still smarts, though that first book in my matchmaker series, Prince Charming, Inc. ,was picked up and has garnered splendid reviews from readers and romance review sites.
But back to the rejection at hand. My heroine, it seems, is not all that likeable. It’s an interesting comment and one I need to take to heart. There is some confusion as to whether my heroine, Larissa, is a madam or a matchmaker. I see her as the latter. The marriages she brokers come with a price: $1,000,000.
And sex.
Which plays into the greater issue of concept.
This made me think long and hard about what I’ve written. All along, I’ve considered myself a contemporary romance author first and foremost. Reading Ms. Logan’s critique of my pages came with somewhat of an epiphany.
Maybe I’m not writing in that genre after all.
Sure, there are elements of contemporary romance. The love story that unfolds between my matchmaker and her billionaire client nails the touchstones of a contemporary romance. But the core of the novel is not the romance. It seesaws between past and present, weaving the heroine’s distrust of men and a paternal legacy of heartbreak with her quest for self-preservation at all costs. Plus there’s a subplot about illegal immigration and migrant workers whose families are torn apart by circumstances beyond their control.
Wait! I can’t think of a single contemporary romance I’ve read that tackled illegal immigration.
And I pause again. WTF have I written?
So while this latest rejection sucks, it is also a wake up call. I’m grateful for Alex Logan’s in-depth feedback. But more than that, I’m grateful for her advice:
“If this book is about a madam who finds love with one of her johns – no matter how charming both of them are it may be a hard concept to sell. But if it’s about a different love match, why are you giving this impression and turning readers off?”
Ms. Logan is one sharp cookie.
Posted by Kny on June 7, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Don’t most people assume any story written by a woman is a romance? Great feedback – make it work for you. 50 shades of grey has main characters that aren’t likable – it seems to be working for that author. Just becuz the concept isn’t traditional romance… I know you write better sex scenes than 50 shades. If you like, I’d be curious to read the first three pages. Karin
Posted by Jamie Brazil on June 7, 2012 at 10:12 pm
I’m working on it right now. Thanks for the vote of confidence. i will take you up on your offer, too! Original or revised draft?
Posted by Vanessa on June 8, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Send me both. There are so many good writers out there and it all boils down to right place at the right time…looking forward to reading your pages…k
Posted by Jamie Brazil on June 11, 2012 at 1:17 pm
I will! And BTW, I really appreciate your offer to read. Your comments and notes have always been spot on.
Posted by jannashay on June 7, 2012 at 11:29 pm
Great post. Trust your feelings. Not everyone is going to agree and like what you write. Just because one editor passed it up doesn’t mean another one will.
William Faulkner, George Orwell, J.K. Rowling, and Stephen King, just to name a few, received many rejections before their manuscripts were published. So consider your rejection a blessing – you’re among the greats.
Posted by terripatrick on June 8, 2012 at 12:54 am
I haven’t read Prince Charming yet but I’d say you write Women’s fiction with romantic elements. If this is a reject on the first 3 pages of Prince Charming, wow. You can’t ask for more publicity that that! A thousand readers are going to pick up your book just to see if they agree…
Posted by Jamie Brazil on June 11, 2012 at 1:18 pm
You are absolutely right. I’ve had the weekend to mull over my direction.
Posted by J.D. on June 9, 2012 at 2:19 pm
Oh, man, Jamie! I saw that. That sucks. But you know? I agree with the others. Keep sending it out. There’s an audience out there for everyone, I believe. And like Terri says, it’s great publicity.
Posted by Jamie Brazil on June 11, 2012 at 1:16 pm
Thanks, J.D.! It gets another rewrite — then goes out.
Posted by Melia Alexander on June 12, 2012 at 4:57 am
I’ve got to add my $.02 — FANTASTIC PUBLICITY, and yes, keep sending it out!! Good luck, Jamie.
Posted by Jamie Brazil on June 12, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Thanks! I will. I am. Fingers crossed, right?
Posted by Melia Alexander on June 16, 2012 at 11:51 pm
Absolutely!!