Greetings;
You’ve created a good story. During the first phase, it was written from beginning to end without worrying about spelling or grammar, with the understanding that showing emotion and including conflict, dialogue, and believability are important initial jobs.
Second phase: Correct spelling, grammar, and out-of-sequence scenes. Then, place the story in a drawer for a week or two to become more objective about how good it is or isn’t. Read it aloud again, and “fix” what’s wrong.
Next phase: Have the “final” manuscript critiqued by your writing group (do hope you’re in one) and make necessary changes.
Now it’s time to query an editor or four–a tedious phase. Within the first sentence of a query, one must awaken an editor’s curiosity to read further. The one-page, (single-spaced.) must include a hook, (why your story will attract readers.) its marketability, (who will want to read it) and one paragraph (yes, only one) of writing qualifications. Children’s story editors are only interested in skills you possess to write for children.
A query letter can take as long to write as the story, because if editors don’t see something unique in the query, the story will never be considered. (editors are always hoping to lessen their job by rejecting another boring query.) Have your query critiqued! And, if you’re submitting to more than one editor, include wording such as: This is a simultaneous submission, I will inform you if it is accepted elsewhere, and, I’ve included a SASE.(self-addressed, stamped envelope) “Thank you for your consideration,” is an appropriate ending. An editor doesn’t think better of a writer, who includes statements like, “I eagerly await your decision.” Please don’t ask for comments or relate how your grandchildren love the story. Hate to say how often that useless statement is included.
Now, where and when to send a completed query. To maintain order, I work toward sending out a query or manuscript on the first Monday of each month making a note in my “query folder” of the manuscript’s name, date sent, and to whom with complete address and editor’s full name. On the last Monday, I check to see how long the query’s been out. Waiting time for queries has extended from a week or two to even two months because publishers have reduced editors. After three months without an answer, query other publishers. Some editors receive as many as twelve-hundred queries a week, so don’t be discouraged, and DON”T give up. If it’s good, someone will eventually connect with you. Rejections hurt; especially form letters with no comments. Perhaps, it was never read, and simply returned, because no editor was available at the time to read it. It happens. One would-be writer noted, “I don’t send my stories out because I couldn’t bear to have them rejected.” What? They won’t be rejected, but they will never be published.
If you want to see your story in print, or dream of having your published book on sale at a prestigious bookstore, keep sending out those queries. I can relate from personal experience, your efforts will be worth the work. When a stranger holds one of your books and asks, “Will you autograph my book?” exhilaration abounds.
Until next time, keep your dreams alive.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Be well. Linda