How exciting is that? I just submitted my very first query to a publisher, this in relation to the manuscript of ‘A West Cork Mystery’. I know, I can hear you chuckling from here. I’ve heard all the stories about multiple rejections, about how each rejection ought to make you more determined. I even read somewhere of the writer who proudly decorates his office with rejection slips while he continues to slave over his PC.
I’m going into this process with an open mind – optimism tinged with realism. I know what I’ve written is good and that it is readable and marketable. I’ve done enough reading of my own – including a good slug of book reviews – to know that my writing is starting to compare favourably with others out there. Also I think I’ve improved and learnt a lot since my ‘Barry’ days. If an agent or publisher thinks likewise then happy days. If not, well, too bad – I’ll be no worse off.
There’s no doubt that the blogging community has helped a great deal. I am always happy to seek out advice and this is always freely given. Whereas once I thought I could just write with blinkers on without taking advice on board have gone. So thank you to all out there that share their advice and experience.
So, we’ll see. I’ve got the choice of Irish, UK and even North American agents and publishers. I’m sure that there’s a market for well-written Irish stories outside the shores of that country – you’ll find Irish emigrants and their descendants in every corner of the world.
And if it all comes to nought then I’ll bang it up on Amazon myself and plough on regardless.
diannegray said:
Congratulations and the best of luck, Roy! I have a lot of faith in you and your writing 😀
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Dianne for your advice and support.
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diannegray said:
I hope I was of some help. I’m so excited about this story 😉
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ihatemoneylaundering said:
I’m sitting here with everything crossed for you, Roy – which makes typing a bit tricky! But yes, it’s worth trying, and at least, as you say, we modern authors now have alternative ways to publish. Big congratulations – do keep us posted!
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Susan, appreciated.
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Jill Weatherholt said:
THis is very exciting news, Roy…thanks for sharing! Wishing you the very best. Keep us posted.
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thanks Jill. Whether it will be quite so exciting 200 rejections later is debatable 🙂
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socialbridge said:
Thrilled to bits to read your big news, Roy. Really hope it goes well for you ~ you deserve it!
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Jean 🙂
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Janna G. Noelle said:
Congrats, Roy! I wish you all the best, and no matter what happens, I know it will be a great experience for you. 🙂
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you for your support Janna.
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Naomi Baltuck said:
Dear Roy,
This is great news! As you say, you’ve nothing to lose and much to gain. I have my fingers and toes and eyes crossed for good luck!
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Naomi. It’s nice to know that I have something worth submitting and which I know is pretty good. It remains to be seen what others think.
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Britt Skrabanek said:
Yay, Roy! So excited for you and naturally, I wish you all the best of luck. Sounds like your heart and mind are in the right place for the adventure.
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Britt – always good to hear from my Portland friend. Yes, nice to have nothing to lose and no regrets.
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Terry McCarthy said:
I hope you copyrighted it or whatever you do, so that nobody rips if off as theirs.
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Roy McCarthy said:
I wish! I’d make more money by running a legal action than selling the book 🙂
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arranbhansal said:
No chuckling at all, you have a great attitude towards submission. Never forget you have talent 🙂
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Arran, that’s kind of you and appreciat6ed 🙂
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Aileen Hunt said:
Congratulations, Roy and best of luck to you.
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Aileen! Missing your splendid Dublin blogs 😦
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Aileen Hunt said:
Ah Roy, still meandering around Dublin (and the rest of the country) and writing and taking photos. New blog up and running at aileen-hunt.com. Be thrilled to see you there!
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Roy McCarthy said:
Woo I’m there already – I didn’t know about your writing. Thanks for letting me know!
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Aileen Hunt said:
Thanks Roy, glad to have you back!
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Laura Read said:
Congrats Roy and good luck with your submission 🙂
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Laura! And it looks like congratulations are due to you as well on your change of name 🙂 All the best to you both.
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the Jotter's Joint said:
Congrats! I wish you the best of luck. May your bravery be rewarded. ~Gail
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Gail. I don’t feel so brave though but it’s time I put myself to the test.
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joanfrankham said:
Best of luck Roy, hope it all goes well!
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thanks so much Joan, I appreciate your support.
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jennypellett said:
I love your attitude Roy, you are an inspiration to us all . I really do wish you all the luck in the world- you truly deserve it!
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Jenny, appreciated.
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Letizia said:
How exciting! I’m a big believer that when you open yourself to an opportunity in one form it invites opportunities in other forms into your life. So who knows where this will lead 🙂
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Roy McCarthy said:
How true Letizia! Just taking up this writing malarkey a few years ago has brought many positives into my life. This is just an extension of that adventure with no downsides as far as I can tell.
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Andrea Stephenson said:
Well done for getting it out there. Wishing you lots of luck and no rejections!
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you for your support and optimism Andrea 🙂
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roughwighting said:
Wonderful! I like your attitude. Finding a good agent now who will actually READ a manuscript, much less respond to the author, is a challenge, but one you are up to.
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Pam – whatever, I’ll learn plenty about the whole process.
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arranqhenderson said:
Roy,- congratulations. on on finishing the MS as a fully resolved work and for polishing and fine tuning it to your own exacting satisfaction. Maybe that’s the hardest part perhaps – because lets’ face it, we all agonize and can be loath to let go.
I also think your whole philosophy about the entire work and endeavor is bang on, rightly confident about the quality, cautiously optimistic, yet rightly serene about the roulette wheel & vicissitudes of publication. I’d love to see this in print.
Obviously a bit of professional discretion will be required over the next few months or so, but, in time, let us know how it all plays out, and if and when we can read you. Personally, I’m looking forward to it.
Congratulations Roy, and very best wishes.
-Arran.
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Roy McCarthy said:
Thank you Arran – in a nutshell. Happily I’m not one of those whose ambition is to be a published author. For them it is a long and often unrewarding and dispiriting journey. I’m able to take a more detached view but nonetheless I’d be delighted if someone out there thought it worthy of consideration.
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A.M.B. said:
“you’ll find Irish emigrants and their descendants in every corner of the world.” No kidding. I’m one of them (even if I happen to look a little more like my South Asian side!).
Anyway, Congratulations! Good luck!
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Roy McCarthy said:
Hey, no kidding! Which county? I expect you to lead the stampede for ‘A West Cork Mystery’ 🙂
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Browsing the Atlas said:
This is so exciting! Keep us posted. I can’t wait to hear of your undoubted success. 🙂
I, on the other hand, just got a rejection letter today. I’ve had enough to wallpaper an entire house over the years, so it doesn’t even faze me anymore. Luckily the successes elicit more emotion from me. As they should.
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Roy McCarthy said:
How dare they Juliann! I, on the other hand, have this all to come. Thank you for your encouragement!
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