I finally got an answer on Camera Shy...it seems that it's still not *quite* dirty enough for their erotic romance line (!!!), but she really likes it and suggested that I submit it to one of their other imprints.
To do that, though, I'd have to tone all of those scenes(tm) down.
No.
Not. Going. To. Happen.
Every story determines its own level of "heat", and Camera Shy is no exception. Her original critique, that it needed more, was right on the money: I held back when I wrote it, and the story demanded more. Now? It's right where it needs to be. If I add to it, it'll be gratuitous. If I take anything away, it won't work either. The editor even said she liked the way I'd written those scenes(tm) and it would be a crime to dilute them.
I'm really not upset about this...every publisher has their standards, and Camera Shy just isn't the right fit for this particular press. They also have Luke Boydston's Baby, and I have a feeling that the verdict will be the same. Such is the business of publishing. Still, it's not every day that you get a rejection filled with praise and positive comments, so I'm not complaining at all. This editor's feedback has been invaluable, and without her input, Camera Shy wouldn't be where it is now...which is, in my opinion, much better than it was when I first submitted it.
So...now what?
Camera Shy goes right back out to the street corner, this time looking for agents instead of publishers. Cross all of your applicable appendages and non-vital organs!
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As ever, I have the lot crossed. :-)
ReplyDeleteEven though an accpetance would have been waaaaaaaaaay better, it's great that the publisher took the time to write a decent rejection.
*Hugs*
Adam
Okay, so I've been wondering for a while why you haven't been looking for an agent with these mss. I didn't want to say anything, though, because wtf do I know, particularly about romance. But I think you would be a romance agent's fondest dream.
ReplyDeleteI agree about Camera Shy. I only read the first 10 chapters of the revised version, but I thik it's just right as it is. It was a great story before, but tweaking the dirt made it really stand out.
If this doesn't land you a kickass agent very quickly, you can butter my ass and call me a biscuit. I hope you'll be submitting it to your dream agent(s) first, because you will hook them.
I went for publishers first because - in the beginning - most of my stuff was (because of word counts) more suited to category romance. A lot of agents don't even both with those, so I went straight to the publishers. Now that I'm writing into the 70-80K range, I'm definitely NOT writing category romance...so...agents it is.
ReplyDeleteI keep forgetting that you haven't read all of Camera Shy! I must send...
*srs writar hat on*
ReplyDeleteNot that CS didn't work before, but it works even moar betterer with the dirt added. Take the scene on the pier for instance. If they dropped 'em then and there and screwed just to get the reader horny, well...that wouldn't be true to the characters and story trumps all.
If you acknowledge the presence of the reader in that way, you're breaking the suspension of disbelief. "The fourth wall" I think they call it.
I completely agree with the nutcases above me who urge you to seek an agent rather than a publisher. Even short novels get agents these days. Look at James "65k" Patterson.
And this way it'll reach a wider audience.
Plus, CS made me cry, and I never cry, 'cause crying is for gheys, which I are not.
Bai!
I wish you the best of luck with your dirty book. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's great you got glowing praise for a rejection. I am sure you will have agents salivating over you (and your durty book! :)
bettielee
Imagine that. bettielee showing an interest in a dirty book!
ReplyDelete