As everyone’s gearing up for NaNoWriMo next month I thought I’d give you an update as to where I’m at with my own writing.
Around this time last year I signed with the wonderful Juliet Mushens of the CaskieMushens literary agency. Juliet liked the concept behind my novel and could see how it needed re-writing to give the story a much better flow. She had some great ideas and, together, we greatly improved the manuscript through three rounds of editing.
In July of this year the book went out on submission to publishers. There were positive comments about the writing but unfortunately it didn’t find a buyer. Obviously, after all the work, this was disappointing but I’m not the only author to get so far down the line and then come away with nothing. I knew it could happen, which was the reason I didn’t shout about signing with Juliet at the time.
Juliet suggested putting that manuscript to one side and getting stuck into the next novel. So that’s what I’m doing. I have a head full of doubts about my ability to actually create another full-length manuscript which will be of interest to anyone except me and my mum. However, having come this far and with Juliet willing to at least read whatever I come up with, I feel have to give it another shot.
I won’t be doing NaNo because I’m not at the right stage of the book for that but I am aiming to work on the new novel every single day in November and beyond.
By the way, if you’re wondering about the illustration on this post, it’s something which features in that unsold manuscript.
Good Luck to all of you aiming for 1700 words per day next month!
Sally Jenkins 
#1 by lynnforthauthor on October 17, 2019 - 11:18 am
What a shame to have to put it to one side after all that work, Sally. I’m impressed by how philosophical you are about it….but fingers crossed that you eventually find a home for it. Trends come and go but it just shows how tough the business is. Good luck with the next one.
#2 by Sally Jenkins on October 17, 2019 - 11:27 am
Thanks, Lynn. I have to be philosophical about it – otherwise I’d never write again!
#3 by Sharon boothroyd on October 17, 2019 - 11:42 am
What a disappointment Sally, but I’m sure you’ll eventually crack it, as you’ve had plenty of enviable success in the past with major awards and wins. I would love to read your next novel. Keep going!
#4 by Sally Jenkins on October 17, 2019 - 12:47 pm
Thanks very much for the vote of confidence, Sharon!