I thought IÂ’d tipped my hand in the previous post when I said that things were rather pointedly not going on on the publishing front, but I guess not. So hereÂ’s the thing.
Drowning Practice is most likely going into the drawer. It will, most likely, never be published. It is a good book (if I do say so myself), represented by an excellent agent, Gail Hochman (a far more high-powered agent than I had any right to even hope for fresh out of grad school and unpublished), and it will probably never see light of day.
There have been 17+ submissions to publishers over the past two years. Twelve submissions on the initial round—all rejections—and then a series of revisions to the manuscript—and then 5+ (I’ve now lost track) submissions and rejections on the second round. The first round went out entirely to the bigger houses. In the second round, three of the submissions were to smaller, independent houses. The editors at the larger houses who did say they liked the book also said they weren’t sure how to market it, or were afraid it was too dark, and so passed. The thinking in the second round was that the independent houses might be more willing to take a risk on a less-commercial debut novel. (Independent presses generally pay lower advances and have smaller print runs, so they have to sell fewer copies to turn a profit.) Alas… last week, Wednesday, the final rejection came in from the final house, an independent publisher. The manuscript is not in the hands of anyone right now. Gail is taking a look at where we’ve already gone out to, and is trying to come up with some ideas, but we’ve agreed that it might just be the end of the line with this one.
I worked in book publishing—in the big houses—for twelve years. I know how high the stacks of submitted manuscripts climb in editors’ offices. I know how few of those manuscripts get published. (And I also know how very bad some of the ones that do get published are, and how very good some of the ones that get rejected are, but that’s a gripe for another day, and probably not a public gripe.) So going into this process, I felt prepared. Since I’d already been on the other side of the fence I thought I knew what I was getting into. I felt my chances were pretty good.
WellÂ…thereÂ’s something I didnÂ’t realize. Or didnÂ’t want to realize.
Most books don’t get published. Not some books. Not many books. MOST books. See that writer in the corner of the café, wrestling with his laptop? Yeah. He has a book in the drawer. See that published novelist, reading from her second novel at your local bookstore? That second novel is actually her fifth. She has three in the drawer.
Gail has given me permission to share one of her emails with you:
“The problem is that many good things are not selling. All the agents have batches of great first novels–or novels by well-published midlist authors–which we just cannot sell. I know you hear this and don’t think it will happen to you–but frankly it happens to most of our clients, that the market is drying up. The problem is that these publishers did not see [Drowning Practice] as commercial and I did not get from their reactions anything that tells me what kind of publisher this WOULD be good for. If we have to move onward, we have to move onward… You are in large silent company, alas.”
I set out to write this post thinking that there was this terrible open secret in the writing world. That we arenÂ’t being told in our MFA programs and workshops and conferences that most of us will not get our books published. But now, as I write it, IÂ’m thinking thatÂ’s not true. IÂ’m thinking I heard evidence of it, but I didnÂ’t think it would happen to me. I didnÂ’t truly believe it happened to good books, written by authors who worked really hard. I graduated from the MFA program at Brooklyn College, armed with my big MFA ego. While a fellow at a prestigious artist colony, I was accepted by my first-choice agent. Once I had an agent, I thought I was set.
Yeah.
The good news is that big MFA ego has been tempered a good deal.
Drowning Practice is a good book. It is represented by an excellent agent. (IÂ’m repeating myself here, yet canÂ’t bring myself to delete it. Feeling kind of defensive? Yeah.) I am, indeed, one of those writers who works very very hard at the craft. And we canÂ’t find a publisher to say yes to this book. It seems to be happening to me.
But now that itÂ’s happening to me, I find myself in excellent company. Michael Cunningham, director of my MFA fiction program and a wonderful teacher and mentor, for example. A while ago, when it was first beginning to look truly hopeless, I sent Michael what can only be described as an angsty email of despair. And in response he told me (and then granted me permission to tell you) about his own unpublished novels. Michael Cunningham, one of my literary heroes long before he was my teacher, has two novels in the drawer. (In fact, Gail, our shared agent, has them in a file cabinet under lock and key. They are literally in a drawer.) After those two novels failed to find a publisher, he went on, as you know, to publish some rather brilliant books (two of them on my all-time favorite list) and to win the Pulitzer Prize. So if that doesnÂ’t give me hope, IÂ’m just looking for reasons to feel sorry for myself.
What does one do when it comes time to give up on four yearsÂ’ worth of work?
Well, if youÂ’re me, first you go on a major book binge at my favorite used book store:
You know you live in a great reading town when this is the quality of book you find at the Goodwill
And then you sit your ass down in front of the computer and get back to work on the next novel. One of many useful things that Michael taught us at Brooklyn College was this: When a book goes out into the world, it is important that you already be well under way with the next project. That way, whatever happens to the book in the world, itÂ’s only something you did in the past. You will by that point care more about whatever it is youÂ’re working on in the present.
And itÂ’s true. It seems almost too simple, doesnÂ’t it? But itÂ’s true. IÂ’m sad for the book that wonÂ’t get read, but I care so very much more about the book IÂ’m writing right now.
And so, as Michael and Gail encouraged me, Onward.
Discover more from Cari Luna
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Yes, onward. I’m sad I won’t get to read Drowning Practice, but I look forward to reading your next one. And the one after that…etc. You work so hard, and even from the very little I have read I can tell that your writing is good, good, good. It will happen!
Posted by: megan
sorry that we wont get to read this one, but anticipation for reading the next one. Cause I know I will get to read a book of yours, and I will be happy to do so 🙂 On the subway… hehe!
Posted by: stinkerbell
onward, indeed! I’m disappointed I won’t get to read Drowning Practice, but I’m looking forward to the day when I CAN read one of your books.
Posted by: Minneapolismama
Fuck. I know, I should be positive and think ahead to the next book. However, i still feel the need to acknowledge this one, and the best way to say how i feel is simply “fuck!”
Posted by: regina
I’m hoping the Kindle device catches on like gangbusters. Books simply cost too much.If electric downloads enable an author to find an audience, bring it on.
Posted by: Dorie
Yes, onward. I’m sad I won’t get to read Drowning Practice, but I look forward to reading your next one. And the one after that…etc. You work so hard, and even from the very little I have read I can tell that your writing is good, good, good. It will happen!
Posted by: megan
sorry that we wont get to read this one, but anticipation for reading the next one. Cause I know I will get to read a book of yours, and I will be happy to do so 🙂 On the subway… hehe!
Posted by: stinkerbell
onward, indeed! I’m disappointed I won’t get to read Drowning Practice, but I’m looking forward to the day when I CAN read one of your books.
Posted by: Minneapolismama
Fuck. I know, I should be positive and think ahead to the next book. However, i still feel the need to acknowledge this one, and the best way to say how i feel is simply “fuck!”
Posted by: regina
I’m hoping the Kindle device catches on like gangbusters. Books simply cost too much.If electric downloads enable an author to find an audience, bring it on.
Posted by: Dorie
I recently got my MFA from SAIC and found that the professors there were so very realistic about the whole process…encouraging us to think small press publication instead of big…almost to a fault. It got to be that I could hardly sit down and work on my own novel without, momentarily, wondering what the point of it was if the chances were so bleak. I guess to get it done for the sake of it, for the love of it. Learning experiences etc.
Summerland is a great little book, a nice little distraction more than any thing else. And Love Invents Us was okay.
Summerland is a rather entertaining
Posted by: Caroline
I’m sorry. But, somehow I know that there is a book signing that we’ll all be happily knitting at sometime in the future. May not be now, but it will happen. In the meantime, that’s a pretty restrained binge IMHO — and no chocolate?!?
Posted by: Kathy
I don’t really know much about writing, but this makes me wonder why I’ve read so many bad books? Like…really crap books. Poorly written & edited…how do those guys get published when excellent writers such as yourself don’t? Oh well, like everyone one else, I’m looking forward to the one that does get published, whenever that may be.
Posted by: Bertha
maybe right now isn’t the time for that particular book. don’t give up on it, and keep plugging forward.
Posted by: marti
Sorry about your disappointment… but you seem to be handling it. Looking forward to the next book, though.
Posted by: Sarah
I recently got my MFA from SAIC and found that the professors there were so very realistic about the whole process…encouraging us to think small press publication instead of big…almost to a fault. It got to be that I could hardly sit down and work on my own novel without, momentarily, wondering what the point of it was if the chances were so bleak. I guess to get it done for the sake of it, for the love of it. Learning experiences etc.
Summerland is a great little book, a nice little distraction more than any thing else. And Love Invents Us was okay.
Summerland is a rather entertaining
Posted by: Caroline
I’m sorry. But, somehow I know that there is a book signing that we’ll all be happily knitting at sometime in the future. May not be now, but it will happen. In the meantime, that’s a pretty restrained binge IMHO — and no chocolate?!?
Posted by: Kathy
I don’t really know much about writing, but this makes me wonder why I’ve read so many bad books? Like…really crap books. Poorly written & edited…how do those guys get published when excellent writers such as yourself don’t? Oh well, like everyone one else, I’m looking forward to the one that does get published, whenever that may be.
Posted by: Bertha
maybe right now isn’t the time for that particular book. don’t give up on it, and keep plugging forward.
Posted by: marti
Sorry about your disappointment… but you seem to be handling it. Looking forward to the next book, though.
Posted by: Sarah
I still have hope, for both Drowning Practice and MC’s books in the drawer, that someday they will be read and appreciated. By me, in particular. But I’m glad you’re moving onward. Me, I’m starting a screenplay because it’s a challenge. Only I started yesterday and today I have the flu, so I’m not doing anything but feeling sorry for myself. Wish you were a little farther south and me a little farther north and we could have tea. I’d wear a mask and everything.
Alice Munro is my all-time favorite writer. After Andre Dubus, that is.
Posted by: Rachael
I think it will be like madeleine l’engle (sp?)
and someday will be it’s time.
sorry…typing with a puppy on one’s lap
is uh, challenging.
Onward, indeed
Posted by: greta
Okay, when are we meeting for coffee, dammit! Or, um, chocolate. Cheese. All three. Hell, let’s get a posse together! Point is – you are speaking my language.
Beautiful, sad, and in the end (for me, a fellow rejectee), uplifting post. BTW – feel as defensive as you need to. It sounds legit and well-deserved, and frankly, it doesn’t seem defensive, just disappointed. Completely normal and rational way to feel.
Fraking publishing.
And yet, as always, onward. (And COFFEE!)
Posted by: Tina
Yes, darlin’, ONWARD. (or onwards, I believe the British would say)
And you’ve had a recent epiphany, and one day this drawered book will see the light of day. I am sure of it. XOXO
Posted by: Norma
i think that when you do get published (and i know you will!) you should take “drowning practice” and self-publish it. you’ll have a base of readers then to make it worth a small run… or do the on-demand printing thing like on lulu. people will buy it! i would 🙂 need some encouragement? check out wil wheaton’s latest book. he self-published it and it did rather well (and it was a good read to boot.)
Posted by: gleek
I still have hope, for both Drowning Practice and MC’s books in the drawer, that someday they will be read and appreciated. By me, in particular. But I’m glad you’re moving onward. Me, I’m starting a screenplay because it’s a challenge. Only I started yesterday and today I have the flu, so I’m not doing anything but feeling sorry for myself. Wish you were a little farther south and me a little farther north and we could have tea. I’d wear a mask and everything.
Alice Munro is my all-time favorite writer. After Andre Dubus, that is.
Posted by: Rachael
I think it will be like madeleine l’engle (sp?)
and someday will be it’s time.
sorry…typing with a puppy on one’s lap
is uh, challenging.
Onward, indeed
Posted by: greta
Okay, when are we meeting for coffee, dammit! Or, um, chocolate. Cheese. All three. Hell, let’s get a posse together! Point is – you are speaking my language.
Beautiful, sad, and in the end (for me, a fellow rejectee), uplifting post. BTW – feel as defensive as you need to. It sounds legit and well-deserved, and frankly, it doesn’t seem defensive, just disappointed. Completely normal and rational way to feel.
Fraking publishing.
And yet, as always, onward. (And COFFEE!)
Posted by: Tina
Yes, darlin’, ONWARD. (or onwards, I believe the British would say)
And you’ve had a recent epiphany, and one day this drawered book will see the light of day. I am sure of it. XOXO
Posted by: Norma
i think that when you do get published (and i know you will!) you should take “drowning practice” and self-publish it. you’ll have a base of readers then to make it worth a small run… or do the on-demand printing thing like on lulu. people will buy it! i would 🙂 need some encouragement? check out wil wheaton’s latest book. he self-published it and it did rather well (and it was a good read to boot.)
Posted by: gleek
I’m sorry to hear that. For some reason, it makes me think of James Herriot’s advice: after losing a pet, immediately get another one. Don’t wait, don’t dwell. I think the philosophy is that as wonderful as the one you lost was, if you are open to love you will find wonder and joy again. But dwell too much in darkness, sorrow, and grief and it makes it harder to love again.
Extraneous advice though, since you’ve already got another book you are working on. And “dead” (drawered) books are not cats. Not even dogs.
Your next book’ll be a huge hit and they’ll pull Drowning Practice outta the dark and into the light. I believe! 🙂
Posted by: Wendy
well, shit.
on a more articulate note – it’s true that this is a strange (sick? sad?) world in which utter garbage has been known to flourish and art sometimes flounders, but your cup runneth over with talent and i have no doubt that you’ll see your work published, even if drowning practice isn’t that book.
but still? poop.
Posted by: heather
That’s right! Onward! I have have a feeling you have a great many, GREAT, novels in you! Chin up, kiddo.
Posted by: Ande
– and furthermore, sometimes, an author whose first book couldn’t find a publisher, and whose second (or third) book does, gets asked by the publisher of her second book if she’s got anything in a drawer…
I *am* sad to hear it all, though. Sad for all that good work you did that isn’t seeing the light of day.
Posted by: Lizbon
Is it that people are not reading any more or just not spending money buying books? I know for myself I can read two books a week but I get them from the library. Somehow spending 30+ bucks on a book is a bit too rich for me, which is really too bad for someone like you. Have you considered self publishing on line? Good luck on the new one…ciao
Posted by: rositta
Well, that sucks. But maybe they’ll publish it someday after they publish something else you write. It’s hard to figure why some things make it and others don’t.
Posted by: Riin
I’m sorry to hear that. For some reason, it makes me think of James Herriot’s advice: after losing a pet, immediately get another one. Don’t wait, don’t dwell. I think the philosophy is that as wonderful as the one you lost was, if you are open to love you will find wonder and joy again. But dwell too much in darkness, sorrow, and grief and it makes it harder to love again.
Extraneous advice though, since you’ve already got another book you are working on. And “dead” (drawered) books are not cats. Not even dogs.
Your next book’ll be a huge hit and they’ll pull Drowning Practice outta the dark and into the light. I believe! 🙂
Posted by: Wendy
well, shit.
on a more articulate note – it’s true that this is a strange (sick? sad?) world in which utter garbage has been known to flourish and art sometimes flounders, but your cup runneth over with talent and i have no doubt that you’ll see your work published, even if drowning practice isn’t that book.
but still? poop.
Posted by: heather
That’s right! Onward! I have have a feeling you have a great many, GREAT, novels in you! Chin up, kiddo.
Posted by: Ande
– and furthermore, sometimes, an author whose first book couldn’t find a publisher, and whose second (or third) book does, gets asked by the publisher of her second book if she’s got anything in a drawer…
I *am* sad to hear it all, though. Sad for all that good work you did that isn’t seeing the light of day.
Posted by: Lizbon
Is it that people are not reading any more or just not spending money buying books? I know for myself I can read two books a week but I get them from the library. Somehow spending 30+ bucks on a book is a bit too rich for me, which is really too bad for someone like you. Have you considered self publishing on line? Good luck on the new one…ciao
Posted by: rositta
Well, that sucks. But maybe they’ll publish it someday after they publish something else you write. It’s hard to figure why some things make it and others don’t.
Posted by: Riin
Yes, go onward. Thanks for the education – I didn’t think of the many things that don’t get published – and makes me really want to go off the beaten path and read some things that are less commercial
Remember that Michael Jordan was cut from his high school baseketball team!
Posted by: Jenny
Oh, Cari — I’m so sorry. I was looking forward to reading it. However, I know what you say is true — I live in a city full of MFAs and know that there are lots of great unpublished books out there. I think there’s so much serendipity — right time, right book, right publisher — involved that it’s just sheer luck anything gets published!
Posted by: janna
ok, maybe a dumb idea, but i’m gonna throw it out there.
what about finding a local actor (and i understand there are many many in the portland area) and put it out in serial form as a “book on tape” podcast type thing? I know it’s not the same as a “paper” book, but and i don’t know the legal ramifications – but why can’t we take our art into our own hands?
maybe give away the first few chapters and then charge for the rest?
hey, Dave Matthews Band started by letting folks tape and pass around there concerts and recording themselves instead of waiting for some label to tell them they could play their music.
I’m sure many of us would love to be able to hear your work –
ok – well – that’s my 2 cents
Posted by: michellenyc
tape THEIR concerts
i’m not really a moron – it’s just late and i’m tired and didn’t proofread
DOH!
Posted by: michellenyc
So sorry we won’t get a chance to read Drowning Practice I was looking forward to it but I definatly look forward to reading the book you are working on. I know you are a great writer just from reading your fragments.
Posted by: Keatyn
Yes, go onward. Thanks for the education – I didn’t think of the many things that don’t get published – and makes me really want to go off the beaten path and read some things that are less commercial
Remember that Michael Jordan was cut from his high school baseketball team!
Posted by: Jenny
Oh, Cari — I’m so sorry. I was looking forward to reading it. However, I know what you say is true — I live in a city full of MFAs and know that there are lots of great unpublished books out there. I think there’s so much serendipity — right time, right book, right publisher — involved that it’s just sheer luck anything gets published!
Posted by: janna
ok, maybe a dumb idea, but i’m gonna throw it out there.
what about finding a local actor (and i understand there are many many in the portland area) and put it out in serial form as a “book on tape” podcast type thing? I know it’s not the same as a “paper” book, but and i don’t know the legal ramifications – but why can’t we take our art into our own hands?
maybe give away the first few chapters and then charge for the rest?
hey, Dave Matthews Band started by letting folks tape and pass around there concerts and recording themselves instead of waiting for some label to tell them they could play their music.
I’m sure many of us would love to be able to hear your work –
ok – well – that’s my 2 cents
Posted by: michellenyc
tape THEIR concerts
i’m not really a moron – it’s just late and i’m tired and didn’t proofread
DOH!
Posted by: michellenyc
So sorry we won’t get a chance to read Drowning Practice I was looking forward to it but I definatly look forward to reading the book you are working on. I know you are a great writer just from reading your fragments.
Posted by: Keatyn
I’m so very sorry.
Posted by: Heather
*hugs*
It’s a shame it won’t be published. But you have plenty more in you to share with us. Keep writing, hold your head high and we’ll all wait till you do have something published and we can read.
Posted by: Kai
Oh… nuts. Nutsnutsnuts. I’m sorry (and FWIW, I agree: you don’t sound defensive, just disappointed).
I also agree that perhaps Drowning Practice will have its day after another novel is published. And perhaps the act of placing it lovingly in The Drawer (for now) will help free up space and breathing room for you to work on this novel, and maybe the next as well.
Meanwhile, hugs and chocolate and whatever else soothes your soul.
Posted by: Jill Smith
Michael Chabon and Amy Bloom are two of my favorite contemporary writers!
Your attitude is incredibly positive despite the new you’re giving us! I don’t know that I would be as strong.
Posted by: rebecca
I’m so very sorry.
Posted by: Heather
*hugs*
It’s a shame it won’t be published. But you have plenty more in you to share with us. Keep writing, hold your head high and we’ll all wait till you do have something published and we can read.
Posted by: Kai
Oh… nuts. Nutsnutsnuts. I’m sorry (and FWIW, I agree: you don’t sound defensive, just disappointed).
I also agree that perhaps Drowning Practice will have its day after another novel is published. And perhaps the act of placing it lovingly in The Drawer (for now) will help free up space and breathing room for you to work on this novel, and maybe the next as well.
Meanwhile, hugs and chocolate and whatever else soothes your soul.
Posted by: Jill Smith
Michael Chabon and Amy Bloom are two of my favorite contemporary writers!
Your attitude is incredibly positive despite the new you’re giving us! I don’t know that I would be as strong.
Posted by: rebecca
My name is Lela; I’m from the southwest area. I really enjoyed your little bits of fiction and would have like to have read a larger work of fiction by you. But you’re right, onward and upward! Where you live is a great reading area; I used to visit my gmother in the summer and my favorite thing to do up there was to curl up on her couch with a blanket and read the hours away. I miss the Pacific Northwest!
Posted by: Lela Ellison
I’m so sorry. I was so looking forward to a post about the book being published so I could read it.
I don’t know if this will be any help, but I attended a writer’s conference this past weekend in D.C. and one of the writers, Michael Kimball, said he was rejected 119 times before his first book was published. Now he says his agent shops stuff to publishers in the U.K., and he said that they’re eager to publish American writers.
Posted by: Anna
Danm, I was so looking forward to read your novel. I’m still sure I will one day, maybe not just this one.
Posted by: rippedoffknitter
You have chosen a difficult path. Or, that path has chosen you. I certainly hope you find the fame/fortune sort of success. But I think the success of getting up every day knowing you are doing something beautiful and important and you love it for the doing of it — you have that, and that is huge.
Posted by: claudia
Forgive my naiveté (I know absolutely nothing about the business of writing and publishing books), but how about self-publishing?
Posted by: Roz
My name is Lela; I’m from the southwest area. I really enjoyed your little bits of fiction and would have like to have read a larger work of fiction by you. But you’re right, onward and upward! Where you live is a great reading area; I used to visit my gmother in the summer and my favorite thing to do up there was to curl up on her couch with a blanket and read the hours away. I miss the Pacific Northwest!
Posted by: Lela Ellison
I’m so sorry. I was so looking forward to a post about the book being published so I could read it.
I don’t know if this will be any help, but I attended a writer’s conference this past weekend in D.C. and one of the writers, Michael Kimball, said he was rejected 119 times before his first book was published. Now he says his agent shops stuff to publishers in the U.K., and he said that they’re eager to publish American writers.
Posted by: Anna
Danm, I was so looking forward to read your novel. I’m still sure I will one day, maybe not just this one.
Posted by: rippedoffknitter
You have chosen a difficult path. Or, that path has chosen you. I certainly hope you find the fame/fortune sort of success. But I think the success of getting up every day knowing you are doing something beautiful and important and you love it for the doing of it — you have that, and that is huge.
Posted by: claudia
Forgive my naiveté (I know absolutely nothing about the business of writing and publishing books), but how about self-publishing?
Posted by: Roz
I know that you said you tried independent presses, but what about university presses and self-publishing. As Anna mentioned, at the D.C. writer’s conference, a number of authors had rejections in the 100s and some suggested going directly to publishers without an agent, especially for those that have previously worked in the industry because you are the most passionate representative for your work because you are intimately knowledgeable about it. Also, some writers indicated that they researched publishing houses themselves to determine which publisher would publish the work most readily given their publishing history. Maybe you need a more hands-on approach.
U.K. publishers is another avenue…while readers in the U.K. would get first bite, the book could eventually make it here to the U.S.
I wish you luck in your next project, and who knows maybe the market is just not ready for this first book, but it could be later on.
Posted by: serena
Oh, crappers. So I have a question: let’s say your second (or, as you’ve indicated, third or fourth) novel does get published. Does that open the door for earlier works, even slightly? Do you wait a while for a change in the market to happen and then try again? Which, I know, could take ten years…
On another note, Sula is one of my all-time favorite novels. Makes me cry every damn time.
Posted by: Michelle
OH! I am so sorry. I know I cannot add to the wisdom of others about publishing.. but I want you to know that I am blue for you. And getting on the horse again is a good good thing.
and on your little splurge? 1/2 of those books are on my own bookshelf and are considered my favorites. So wee! for splurges. And go write some more.
Posted by: anj
I think you have to love it for the doing (in this case writing) of it and if anything else comes from it, great. But better to assume it won’t. Better to have unexpected surprises than huge disappointments.
It’s the same with everything in life, whether they represent a profession or a life’s ambition or NOT. You just have to keep moving forward.
Posted by: carolyn
There are three of my favorite books in that pile! (Trash, Loves Invents Us, and Runaway)
I love this post. I’m coming back to writing, and have to get disciplined. Your writing posts inspire me to carve out that time and dedicate myself to it. Thank you.
Posted by: Marlena
I know that you said you tried independent presses, but what about university presses and self-publishing. As Anna mentioned, at the D.C. writer’s conference, a number of authors had rejections in the 100s and some suggested going directly to publishers without an agent, especially for those that have previously worked in the industry because you are the most passionate representative for your work because you are intimately knowledgeable about it. Also, some writers indicated that they researched publishing houses themselves to determine which publisher would publish the work most readily given their publishing history. Maybe you need a more hands-on approach.
U.K. publishers is another avenue…while readers in the U.K. would get first bite, the book could eventually make it here to the U.S.
I wish you luck in your next project, and who knows maybe the market is just not ready for this first book, but it could be later on.
Posted by: serena
Oh, crappers. So I have a question: let’s say your second (or, as you’ve indicated, third or fourth) novel does get published. Does that open the door for earlier works, even slightly? Do you wait a while for a change in the market to happen and then try again? Which, I know, could take ten years…
On another note, Sula is one of my all-time favorite novels. Makes me cry every damn time.
Posted by: Michelle
OH! I am so sorry. I know I cannot add to the wisdom of others about publishing.. but I want you to know that I am blue for you. And getting on the horse again is a good good thing.
and on your little splurge? 1/2 of those books are on my own bookshelf and are considered my favorites. So wee! for splurges. And go write some more.
Posted by: anj
I think you have to love it for the doing (in this case writing) of it and if anything else comes from it, great. But better to assume it won’t. Better to have unexpected surprises than huge disappointments.
It’s the same with everything in life, whether they represent a profession or a life’s ambition or NOT. You just have to keep moving forward.
Posted by: carolyn
There are three of my favorite books in that pile! (Trash, Loves Invents Us, and Runaway)
I love this post. I’m coming back to writing, and have to get disciplined. Your writing posts inspire me to carve out that time and dedicate myself to it. Thank you.
Posted by: Marlena
Onward, indeed! I am sorry you haven’t been able to find a conventional publisher. Is there any risk to continuing to shop it around? I like the previous poster’s idea to record it as a podcast audio book. What about self-publishing? I know that can be expensive, but it’s an option.
Posted by: heather t
I’m sorry. I have every reason to believe that Drowning Practice is an excellent book, and you can remind all of us of that as much as you’d like.
I hope that after you do get published (and you will, I’m sure) that we might get to read Drowning Practice after all.
Posted by: Kristy
Onward, yes. You write beautifully. All it takes is one more person in the mood to take a chance on you – just one. The more you write, the better your chances of finding that person, right?
Posted by: JoAnne
As someone who currently works in the publishing business, you should consider another factor, too – the economy. Just over the past year, there’s been a HUGE drop in the number of books being published.
Posted by: Patti
Rats. I am so sorry to hear it.
Often when I have some kind of artistic setback I think about how if you don’t fail to make something once in awhile you don’t ever make anything. Its the process. And of course this is a process over which you have not got a lot of control- the selling part. Oy.
Lots of people can’t get a novel together and actually written- for every one in a drawer there are probably 5 million stuck in people’s heads who are afraid to go out on a limb-or just stuck for whatever reason. You got it done, for which I consider you a super-hero, and you will get published too.
Dorothy Allison is awesome.
So are you.
Rock on!
Posted by: pippypippy
Onward, indeed! I am sorry you haven’t been able to find a conventional publisher. Is there any risk to continuing to shop it around? I like the previous poster’s idea to record it as a podcast audio book. What about self-publishing? I know that can be expensive, but it’s an option.
Posted by: heather t
I’m sorry. I have every reason to believe that Drowning Practice is an excellent book, and you can remind all of us of that as much as you’d like.
I hope that after you do get published (and you will, I’m sure) that we might get to read Drowning Practice after all.
Posted by: Kristy
Onward, yes. You write beautifully. All it takes is one more person in the mood to take a chance on you – just one. The more you write, the better your chances of finding that person, right?
Posted by: JoAnne
As someone who currently works in the publishing business, you should consider another factor, too – the economy. Just over the past year, there’s been a HUGE drop in the number of books being published.
Posted by: Patti
Rats. I am so sorry to hear it.
Often when I have some kind of artistic setback I think about how if you don’t fail to make something once in awhile you don’t ever make anything. Its the process. And of course this is a process over which you have not got a lot of control- the selling part. Oy.
Lots of people can’t get a novel together and actually written- for every one in a drawer there are probably 5 million stuck in people’s heads who are afraid to go out on a limb-or just stuck for whatever reason. You got it done, for which I consider you a super-hero, and you will get published too.
Dorothy Allison is awesome.
So are you.
Rock on!
Posted by: pippypippy
I don’t really have any words of advice or wisdom – just a big hug and a wish for comfort and serenity in the bumpy and uncertain process of grieving.
Posted by: Ruth
Sorry to hear that it’s down for the count…but when you become a famous author and publishers are scramblign for more of your work, it might have another chance at life!~
So don’t count it completely out…juust down for right now.
Amy
Posted by: Amy
I found your blog recently, and have been so enjoying your discussions of the writing life, as well as the knitting and organic gardening and just plain living lives. You really are very talented, and of course you will be published. But it’s good to see that you’re letting yourself mourn a little, too. Nice book binge!
Warmly,
A fellow writer, getting-back-to-knitter and organic food lover
Posted by: Jody
Thanks for sharing that with us. Reality sure sucks sometimes.
You have some of my favorites in your pile of new used ones – Sula, Love Invents Us, and Trash. Enjoy the binge!
Posted by: Michele
Hey, don’t just put the book in a drawer and leave it there. Cause a lot of people who read you are really curious about this book. Your short story was good. You have excellent representation. So I’m inclined to think that the book is good. You could serialize(like Dickens did)it on-line on your blog or self publish it which would give you more editorial control – you could even publish your original manuscript – the one before your agent made you make changes to it. I know someone who used this – http://www.authorhouse.com/ – self publishing publisher and the results were good. They also put your book up on Amazon.com for you. I would buy your book, and you have an unusual situation in that you have a large blog audience. I’m sure many of them would purchase it, as well as tell other people about it – word of mouth. So don’t just leave it in a drawer, metaphorical or otherwise – think outside the drawer, instead!
Posted by: Lisa
Do any of these things ever come out of the drawer? Say, after the next novel DOES find a publisher, when it’s been established that there is an audience wanting that person’s work? It’s like this in my field too, so much art that we work our arses off for never gets shown. It’s disheartening to work so hard for so little, sometimes. And I want to read Drowning Practice someday.
Posted by: jodi
I don’t really have any words of advice or wisdom – just a big hug and a wish for comfort and serenity in the bumpy and uncertain process of grieving.
Posted by: Ruth
Sorry to hear that it’s down for the count…but when you become a famous author and publishers are scramblign for more of your work, it might have another chance at life!~
So don’t count it completely out…juust down for right now.
Amy
Posted by: Amy
I found your blog recently, and have been so enjoying your discussions of the writing life, as well as the knitting and organic gardening and just plain living lives. You really are very talented, and of course you will be published. But it’s good to see that you’re letting yourself mourn a little, too. Nice book binge!
Warmly,
A fellow writer, getting-back-to-knitter and organic food lover
Posted by: Jody
Thanks for sharing that with us. Reality sure sucks sometimes.
You have some of my favorites in your pile of new used ones – Sula, Love Invents Us, and Trash. Enjoy the binge!
Posted by: Michele
Hey, don’t just put the book in a drawer and leave it there. Cause a lot of people who read you are really curious about this book. Your short story was good. You have excellent representation. So I’m inclined to think that the book is good. You could serialize(like Dickens did)it on-line on your blog or self publish it which would give you more editorial control – you could even publish your original manuscript – the one before your agent made you make changes to it. I know someone who used this – http://www.authorhouse.com/ – self publishing publisher and the results were good. They also put your book up on Amazon.com for you. I would buy your book, and you have an unusual situation in that you have a large blog audience. I’m sure many of them would purchase it, as well as tell other people about it – word of mouth. So don’t just leave it in a drawer, metaphorical or otherwise – think outside the drawer, instead!
Posted by: Lisa
Do any of these things ever come out of the drawer? Say, after the next novel DOES find a publisher, when it’s been established that there is an audience wanting that person’s work? It’s like this in my field too, so much art that we work our arses off for never gets shown. It’s disheartening to work so hard for so little, sometimes. And I want to read Drowning Practice someday.
Posted by: jodi
I won’t say much on the book front, because I’m pretty sure you’ve gone through and had every positive, hopeful thought that the people before me have written.
Instead I’ll just say thanks for continuing to write on your blog, even though the publishing thing hasn’t worked out for you yet, and even though you have been struggling with trying to figure out what “path” the blog should follow now that you are busy with an infant, a garden, a book, and wrapping up a sweater pattern for release (plus a million other things I’m sure). I have a daughter a little younger than Thumper and I love to hear how another stay-at-home, knitting mom is making out in this world. I’d wager you are doing about as much knitting as I am. NOT MUCH. I swear I’ve been working on a plain stockinette sleeve for a month, and I’m only 5 or 6 inches in. *sigh* Best luck for the future!
Posted by: Courtney
Onward, indeed. I’m sorry to hear about Drowning Practice going in the drawer (it seems right to say THE drawer rather than just A drawer, like there’s one giant drawer where all such manuscripts go). The fact that M.C. was rejected early on should reassure you. My MA supervisor once let our class read a particularly brutal rejection letter he’d received about a journal submission, to show us that it never ends. Sorry — that’s not a happy-rainbow story, but … I don’t know. Don’t be too discouraged, ok? xoxo
Posted by: alison
I am sad about this, ironically because I was completely won over to your writing by your fragments. Otherwise, it would be sad that a blogger I enjoy ran into a roadblock, but it wouldn’t have registered as a loss to myself as well.
I hope you, Michael Cunningham, and everyone else who is a good writing and has stuff in a drawer finds a way to make that stuff available to us.
Perhaps by reading it and donating it to Librivox. Create your own audience before finding your publisher. Turn publishing on its ear. I knit and love to listen to audiobooks, so look into this, please.
Posted by: Ivyleaves
i feel it in my gut that you will be published someday. i am awestruck by your strength! perhaps you could sell us copies of drowning practice-is that allowed? i’d pay $20.00 for a galley-type copy or more, actually. are you allowed to do that? or does ms. hochner have to keep it under lock and key in a drawer? maybe there could be a literary “etsy” type site where writers could sell their work, and when enough buzz is generated the big publishers will want in.
Posted by: michele
You’re awesome. Care with everything you have about what you’re doing now, bookwise and lifewise. Every single person I know from my MFA program, me included, has a manuscript in the drawer, even the people who ended up being able to publish a manuscript eventually.
It’s when you stop caring about the thing you’re doing now that you’re screwed.
Whole lotta love to you, babe. You’re a brilliant writer and you *will* have a book of yours see the light of publication.
That’s a gorgeous stack you’ve got there, by the way…
Posted by: Lee Ann
I won’t say much on the book front, because I’m pretty sure you’ve gone through and had every positive, hopeful thought that the people before me have written.
Instead I’ll just say thanks for continuing to write on your blog, even though the publishing thing hasn’t worked out for you yet, and even though you have been struggling with trying to figure out what “path” the blog should follow now that you are busy with an infant, a garden, a book, and wrapping up a sweater pattern for release (plus a million other things I’m sure). I have a daughter a little younger than Thumper and I love to hear how another stay-at-home, knitting mom is making out in this world. I’d wager you are doing about as much knitting as I am. NOT MUCH. I swear I’ve been working on a plain stockinette sleeve for a month, and I’m only 5 or 6 inches in. *sigh* Best luck for the future!
Posted by: Courtney
Onward, indeed. I’m sorry to hear about Drowning Practice going in the drawer (it seems right to say THE drawer rather than just A drawer, like there’s one giant drawer where all such manuscripts go). The fact that M.C. was rejected early on should reassure you. My MA supervisor once let our class read a particularly brutal rejection letter he’d received about a journal submission, to show us that it never ends. Sorry — that’s not a happy-rainbow story, but … I don’t know. Don’t be too discouraged, ok? xoxo
Posted by: alison
I am sad about this, ironically because I was completely won over to your writing by your fragments. Otherwise, it would be sad that a blogger I enjoy ran into a roadblock, but it wouldn’t have registered as a loss to myself as well.
I hope you, Michael Cunningham, and everyone else who is a good writing and has stuff in a drawer finds a way to make that stuff available to us.
Perhaps by reading it and donating it to Librivox. Create your own audience before finding your publisher. Turn publishing on its ear. I knit and love to listen to audiobooks, so look into this, please.
Posted by: Ivyleaves
i feel it in my gut that you will be published someday. i am awestruck by your strength! perhaps you could sell us copies of drowning practice-is that allowed? i’d pay $20.00 for a galley-type copy or more, actually. are you allowed to do that? or does ms. hochner have to keep it under lock and key in a drawer? maybe there could be a literary “etsy” type site where writers could sell their work, and when enough buzz is generated the big publishers will want in.
Posted by: michele
You’re awesome. Care with everything you have about what you’re doing now, bookwise and lifewise. Every single person I know from my MFA program, me included, has a manuscript in the drawer, even the people who ended up being able to publish a manuscript eventually.
It’s when you stop caring about the thing you’re doing now that you’re screwed.
Whole lotta love to you, babe. You’re a brilliant writer and you *will* have a book of yours see the light of publication.
That’s a gorgeous stack you’ve got there, by the way…
Posted by: Lee Ann
Damn, I was quite looking forward to reading Drowning Practice! I’m sorry to hear the bad news, but glad that you’re looking at it with such perspective.
Stealing EZ’s line and apply it to writing…
Write On.
Posted by: Marisa
I’ve had the honor and privilege of reading a draft of Drowning Practice. I still want to make an installation/sculpture based on this story. They just don’t know what they are missing.
Posted by: xina
Best wishes for all your books. Tucked away in a drawer or not.
Posted by: liz
Damn, I was quite looking forward to reading Drowning Practice! I’m sorry to hear the bad news, but glad that you’re looking at it with such perspective.
Stealing EZ’s line and apply it to writing…
Write On.
Posted by: Marisa
I’ve had the honor and privilege of reading a draft of Drowning Practice. I still want to make an installation/sculpture based on this story. They just don’t know what they are missing.
Posted by: xina
Best wishes for all your books. Tucked away in a drawer or not.
Posted by: liz
I wish I could think of something comforting to say, but it’s just a big, awful bummer. Especially when one thinks of all the true dreck that does get published. I have noticed that after an author does get published and noticed, publishers sometimes hit up the author for works that have been “in the drawer” for a while. So, I guess the only path is onward. Meanwhile, I’ve been feeling guilty for not responding more enthusiastically to your last fragment. Please say it’s not my fault for making you quit (even if it’s my fault.)
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
I am sad that we will not get the opportunity to read your novel Drowning Practice. I wish you the best of luck in all your future endevours. Onward ho!
Posted by: knittripps
And I was looking forward to your book! Well, maybe in the future it will find a good home, not in a drawer.But you are right, ONWARD is the best attitude. Personally, I like creepy books. Take that, publishers!
Posted by: Stacey
I wish I could think of something comforting to say, but it’s just a big, awful bummer. Especially when one thinks of all the true dreck that does get published. I have noticed that after an author does get published and noticed, publishers sometimes hit up the author for works that have been “in the drawer” for a while. So, I guess the only path is onward. Meanwhile, I’ve been feeling guilty for not responding more enthusiastically to your last fragment. Please say it’s not my fault for making you quit (even if it’s my fault.)
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
I am sad that we will not get the opportunity to read your novel Drowning Practice. I wish you the best of luck in all your future endevours. Onward ho!
Posted by: knittripps
And I was looking forward to your book! Well, maybe in the future it will find a good home, not in a drawer.But you are right, ONWARD is the best attitude. Personally, I like creepy books. Take that, publishers!
Posted by: Stacey
Also, this: http://www.maryrobinettekowal.com/journal/getting-introduced-to-someone-elses-agent/
Posted by: Patti
ah crap! Selfishly, I really want to read Drowning Practice – the title alone speaks volumes to me. I admire your strength and think that you have some wonderful guides and mentors in your life. Write on…
Posted by: kellie
Wow- this has been some year, has it not? I’m impressed by your maturity and seeming level-headedness at what could be devastating news. Of course you can be devastated and level-headed at the same time, but I’d like to think you’d come out stronger at the other end. Continued strength to you.
Posted by: Anneliese
i have an idea i know what i’m missing, and it only makes me miss it more.
Posted by: reyna
Also, this: http://www.maryrobinettekowal.com/journal/getting-introduced-to-someone-elses-agent/
Posted by: Patti
ah crap! Selfishly, I really want to read Drowning Practice – the title alone speaks volumes to me. I admire your strength and think that you have some wonderful guides and mentors in your life. Write on…
Posted by: kellie
Wow- this has been some year, has it not? I’m impressed by your maturity and seeming level-headedness at what could be devastating news. Of course you can be devastated and level-headed at the same time, but I’d like to think you’d come out stronger at the other end. Continued strength to you.
Posted by: Anneliese
i have an idea i know what i’m missing, and it only makes me miss it more.
Posted by: reyna
I came to your blog via Norma. And I’m glad I did, even though your novel situation is so sadly not novel.
Are you glad you did the MFA?
Posted by: Chris
I came to your blog via Norma. And I’m glad I did, even though your novel situation is so sadly not novel.
Are you glad you did the MFA?
Posted by: Chris
perhaps you should retitle it “In the Drawer”. This is not at all encouraging but I know that you shall perservere!!! I know it’s a good book and you’ll have the upper hand one day!
Hmmm… I, too, am curious about how the e-reader technology might impact the publishing world. Has anyone thought about doing some kind of online collaborative publishing thing where writers could connect directly with readers, bypassing the whole publish-me-please crap? Something kind of like Goodreads, where readers could browse and review, maybe read a couple of sample pages and then purchase a novel downloaded to their nook/kindle/iPad? And there should be an Amazon-type “other people who viewed this title also purchased” feature to help connect readers with unknown authors. If something like this already exists, please clue me in… If not, I think we should call it http://www.NovelsIntheDrawer.com.