Writer’s Block vs. Submission Block

We came. We pitched. Did we send?

After pitching their beloved projects to editors and agents at a writers conference (such as the Guild’s annual Writing for the Soul), many writers leave meetings thrilled to have been told, “Send that to me. I’d like to take a look at it.” But editors report they often never see the projects they invite writers to send.

Critique Service

Give your manuscript the edge and submit up to 15 pages to our Critique Service before submitting it to an editor.

There are writers who submit their work for sale and those that don’t. The difference between pros and pretenders is determined by who takes the next step.

Opportunities missed

While some claim writer’s block, professionals are adamant that such a thing doesn’t really exist.

“A professional writer doesn’t wait for inspiration any more than a professional plumber does,” says John Erickson, author of over 60 Hank the Cowdog books. “A professional plumber knows you don’t lay a pipe uphill or in frozen ground, but he lays that pipe. Professional writers write. I write four hours a day seven days a week because I’m fanatical. It’s what I do.”

Batter up

Are your projects stuffed in a drawer or stored in a computer? Submission Block is like a batter who refuses to swing. Opportunities zip past.

What are you afraid of? Rejection? Success? Both?

Even a rejection proves you are in the game. A “no, thank you,” is not calling your baby ugly. It is a step closer to connecting with the agent or publisher who shares your passion for the project. It is valuable feedback. Behind a “no” are generally three plays:

• The piece does not fit the purpose of the publisher. For instance, you’ve mistakenly tried to sell your novel to a publisher of non-fiction books. That’s on you.
• The publisher has similar projects already in store. That’s just a timing issue.
• Your writing needs improvement. That’s also on you.

Get in the game

If Submission Block is keeping you out of the game:

• Tell a friend you will submit on or before a specific date, then follow through. No excuses.
• Submit only your best work after carefully studying the publisher’s guidelines.
• Express eagerness to be a team player. Be coachable, willing to revise.
• Like athletes, writers improve with practice. Every time you submit, you take a swing at the ball.

If you receive a “send it to me” from an editor, don’t sit on it. Submit it as soon as you can. Don’t let the opportunity zip by.

PeggySue Wells is a Craftsman student, a speaker, and the author of a dozen books including Rediscovering Your Happily Ever After (Kregel). Contact her at www.PeggySueWells.com