How do you write? Are you kidding me!!

August 29,2008

My pain is your gain. Here I am again attempting to break out into the wide world of print publishing. So let me take you through the steps and the actual responses received (slightly edited).

After my last rejection letter, see last chapter, I actually sat down and tried to look at "Heart of a Satyr" (HOAS)and see if I could change things around to make it fit into the slightly grey arena of erotic publishing. I honestly tried to do it, but...the core of the story is the fact that Walter has been abandoned by his real mother, abused by his foster mother, abused by the minions who were supposed to help him and then handed over to GAN who assumed everything was hunky dory and he just proceeded to unintentionally *fuck* his mate over harder than all the previous abuse. You take away the foster mother, it doesn't work. You dismiss the minions, there goes the angst.

Basically to make HOAS palatable to the mainstream publishers, I would have to write a different story. Not really looking into that so I am now approaching niche, underground, naughtyish publishers. Once again, read the publishers submission guidelines. Not doing so just leads to waiting and an automatic rejection letter, if you are so lucky.

So I'm knocking on Yaoi House Books door once again. Here's what I sent them.

____________________________________________________________

Submission Query: Heart of a Satyr
From: Rikki Snake (kiix@hotmail.com)
August 13, 2008 2:34:24 PM
To: admin@yaoihousebooks.com
Attachments:
synopsis ...doc (43.9 KB), Heart of ...rtf (150.9 KB)


Derekica Snake
Pseudonym: Kiix
kiix@hotmail.com


August 13, 2008


I am submitting the first ten (10) chapters of my full length novel (122,486 words) to your for consideration. It was originally posted on www.adult-fanfiction.org under the working title “Tentacles for the Bride’s Bouquet” however now that the novel is complete the final title is called “Heart of a Satyr.”

I am sending ten (10) chapters because this is the turning point of the story from misunderstandings and hurt from the past to healing and declarations of love. Sending fewer chapters would leave you with the wrong message of where this story goes. At its core, “Heart of a Satyr” is a dark romance/love story.

The degree of sensuality within the novel is definitely rated Adult to Extremely Graphic Adult in some chapters. Descriptions are definitely male/male sex. While the first five (5) chapters are disturbingly graphic with forceful content, this is an integral part of the story. Walter, the first person narrator is a confused young demon who thought he was a man. All the lessons he was to have received where subverted to the point he is terrified of his own shadow rather than becoming the strong independent ‘weretiger’ Gan assumed he was. Gan’s actions are all based on the theory that Walter knows what and who he is. The horror of when both of the main characters realize what has happened colors the rest of the novel. Once again, I must state that the sex scenes within the chapters are NOT gratuitous and highlight the changes in the main characters progress.

The marketing would be directed to those readers who love slash, wallow in lots and lots of angst and complicated relationships. Of all my self published short stories, novellas and novels on the Internet, this particular novel has gotten the most hits and reader reviews. As my Internet following is still increasing,I have no doubt I would be able to secure a readership for the novel.

Below is a list of my writing credentials:

Ø Sold full length novel (206,000 words) “Cake:Book One of the Lord Emperor Vampire Saga” to Yaoi House Books (possible publication date: Winter 2008)

Ø 18 original novels, novellas and short stories self published on www.AdultFanFiction.net

Ø Winner of Media Miner Award – 2007 Aye Robotcategory for “Totalled”


Please contact me if you have any questions:

Yours truly,


Derekica Snake

Kiix


Please find attached:

A synopsis of “Heartof a Satyr”

Chapters 1-10 of “Heart of a Satyr”

________________________________________________


As I have said, it is in your best interests to follow up with a polite query letter regarding the status of your submission. Some websites will list that someone will get back to you within so many days. Wait the suggested time. If you don't get a response, nudge them.

I waited 12 days and sent this off. (Experienced a problem with getting routed to junk mail before with YHB and just wanted to make sure that I wasn't waiting for nothing.

_________________________________________________


On Mon, Aug 25, 2008 at 3:48 PM, Rikki Snake wrote:

August 25, 2008

Greetings.

I am just following up on a submission query that I sent to you a couple of weeks ago. I just would like to give you a heads up about it just in case it was sent to junk mail again. I sent a synopsis as well as the first 10 chapters.

Thank you.


Derekica Snake

____________________________________________

Lo and Behold, I got a response. Not what I expected but it's good news for me.

____________________________________________


Re: Kiix submission " Heart of a Satyr"
From: kiratakenouchi
August 26, 2008 4:05:59 PM
To:
Rikki Snake (kiix@hotmail.com)


Ms. Snake,

I apologize for our delay in getting back to you. I am writing to you in my capacity as one of the three new managers of Yaoi House Books. We did receive your manuscript and are in the process of reviewing it. Right now things are quite busy for us as we are gearing up for the release of Taming Riki Vol I, Part 3. After that book, we will be able to focus on your book, Cake, as well as a book by another author. We will also be more at liberty to review your newest manuscript, although we may be able to finish our evaluation before then.

You can also expect an introduction from our new Director of Publications soon. I realize we have not yet sent you a revised contract and I apologize; as I said, things have been quite hectic of late, as we have had many company matters to attend to, in addition to publication-related issues. However, Yaoi House is now in a very good position, and we are poised to unleash an ambitious but realistic schedule of publications, beginning with the launch of Taming Riki Vol I, Part 3 and followed by the release of your book, .,Cake.

Thank you for your extraordinary patience.

Kindest regards,

Kira Takenouchi
Manager, Yaoi House LLC
_________________________________________

So, HOAS is being reviewed...which is good. It wasn't dismissed immediately. Cake is on the publishing track - which is better. So...I shall keep you updated regarding my adventures in the publishing world.

If you're willing to share your own experiences, we could have a pity party...or hell if you're successful, we could just party.

Later Loyal!!

Kiix