I did it! I submitted my first manuscript!

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   Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years ago

   I can't tell you how nervous I am! It's truly a nerve-wracking experience to send your written baby out to be critized but I'm so sure that it's worth it. I mean, why else do so many of us do it?   I know not to keep my hopes up too high that it will get accepted the first time out but it sure would be nice! LOL I'd love to add my name to the list of hubbers that have published books!

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      shazwellynposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Keep positive and if you want it bad enough, it will happen for you.  Good luck and I really do wish you well

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      sarovaiposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      congrats. all the best.

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      vox vocisposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Good luck!

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      IntimatEvolutionposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That's is a wonderful accomplishment!  Wow-wee!

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   Greek Oneposted 14 years ago

   is it an adult content related book?
   
   Might you provide us with an excerpt?
   
   

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   Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years ago

   Thank you all so much for your well wishes!
   
   GreekOne~it is adult in the way that it tells the tale of how an abused woman gets free and starts a fresh life on the right foot. The following is from the first chapter~
   
   Finally understanding what people meant when they said that their lungs burned when they could not breathe, I was appallingly aware of my vision fading.  Panic was a gross understatement describing how utterly helpless and inept I felt.  Thousands of random thoughts and racing questions ran through my throbbing head at break-neck speed.  One screamed louder than the rest.
       I’m blacking out!  My God, my children are going to wake up from their nap and they are not going to have a mommy!

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   prettydarkhorseposted 14 years ago

   Congrats, good job!

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      Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you!

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   Denise Handlonposted 14 years ago

   Wow!  I'm thrilled for you and we don't even know each other!
   
   Congratulations and keep your fingers crossed...or legs crossed...or something like that!   
   
   Wishing you the best.

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      Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      LOL Thank you!  (I'm even keeping my stomach crossed-or at least in knots!)

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   Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

   So cool! Congratulations on taking the plunge. Would you be willing to write a hub about your experience -- the writing and editing process of the manuscript, how you decided which publishers to submit to, any help/guidance you received, etc...
   
   It would be oh so helpful to other aspiring published authors!
   
   CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!
   MM

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      Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thank  you! I had not thought about writing a hub about it but I certainly think it wouldn't be a bad idea! Thanks for the tip.

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   ladyjane1posted 14 years ago

   Congrats, I would be interested in knowing how you edited it? Did you do it yourself or did you hire someone? I have always been curious about that....good luck! Cheers.

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      Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I wrote the rough draft, edited that, sent that off to friends, took their collective advice and edited again, and again, until I thought it would be something I would like to read and then sent it on it's way.

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   RedElfposted 14 years ago

   Congratulations, and best of luck to you!

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      Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you very much! I will certainly keep everyone updated on how it all goes!

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   Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years ago

   {{{{drum rolls}}} And the verdict is in......THEY LIKED IT!!!!! They sent me a contract and everything!!! There aren't enough emoticons to portray just how super stoked I am!!!! After the fully refundable author investment is covered, production begins and it should be out in about a year, give or take a few months depending on circumstances!

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    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    You are awesome Chaotic! Way to go! Yahoooo!

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       Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you, thank you! I certainly feel awesome!! I mean, I knew I liked what I wrote but you never really know what an actual proffesional is going to think, you know? And she was suprised to hear that it was my first time submitting it, too. Usually they say to expect to get turned down several times before finding someone to take you on, especially if you haven't published before. God is good and so it Karma and my mother (for having me spend so much time at the library!) and evertyhing and everyone else that conspired to make me write this! Haha! (I'm a little bit giddy, in case you couldn't tell!)

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          Flightkeeperposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          It's true, you have to go through so many rejections before you find someone who will publish.  At least that's what writers have told me.  Make sure your lawyer goes over the contract with a fine tooth comb.
          
          Can I ask who the publisher of your book will be?

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             Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             I have already had the lawyer review and everything is on the up and up. I am going through Tate Publishing.

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    Shadesbreathposted 14 years ago

    I don't want to be the fly in the ointment, but just because the contract is legal doesn't mean it's a good deal for you.
    
    The existence of a "fully refundable author investment" is the red-flag of death if you are looking for a conventional publisher, the type who will truly market your book, get it on bookstore shelves and all that stuff (and I don't care what their website says about having a "relationship" with major stores--having a conversation with an editor via email once counts as "a relationship" too, but it doesn't mean squat when it comes to getting your book published).  If they are taking money from you up front, well, I'm sorry to seem mean, but, of course "they liked it."
    
    Real publishing houses don't take money from writers. Ever.
    
    Neither do real agents. 
    
    If you are wanting to self-publish, and they have presented themselves as a self-publshing outlet for you (like lulu.com) fine, but, given the scads of "scam" alerts you can easily find on them via Google, I suggest that, if you haven't sent them the money yet, you do a bit more homework.
    
    (The fact that they got back to you in 11 days is another red flag.  Real publishers are buried in slush piles that take months to get through.)

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       galleryofgraceposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I second everything Shadesbreath says !  A reputable publisher will not respond in 2 weeks and definitely will not ask the author for money !~
       These are called vanity publishers. They prey on writers who simply want to see their name on a book, which is vain.
       Lulu is a much better choice or even Amazon.
       
       I advise everyone not to pay a publisher- it's a scam.

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          Petra Vlahposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I could not agree more with both Shadesbreath and galleryofgrace; I hope your contract is real, but it does not look like that to me. No way a reputable publishing house will ask you for "authore investment" - it sounds like vanity publishing, sorry to say

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    ahorsebackposted 14 years ago

    This is every writers dream ,I think , I don't know you at all , but I have fingers crossed for you. Good luck .

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    Cagsilposted 14 years ago

    Great job CC!

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    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    How much are they asking from you Chaotica?  Have you done a search on Tate Publishing?  You want to make sure that you are dealing with reputable people and I agree with Shadesbreath.  A normal contract usually gives you a check and not the other way around.

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    KCC Big Countryposted 14 years ago

    I'm thrilled to death for you, but I agree with Flightkeeper and Shadesbreath.  I wouldn't be too quick to sign anything.  I too thought 11 days was a bit quick to have a reply.  I wish you the very best, just be careful.

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    psycheskinnerposted 14 years ago

    I would strongly suggest giving Tate a good googling.  If you want to self-publish there are far cheaper ways to do it.  Tate typically charges about $4000.  Lulu or Createspace are free and acheive the same results.

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    Don Bookerposted 14 years ago

    Don't be taken advantage of, i've no doubt you are a very good writer but don't enter into anything with a publisher who charges a writer to publish. Self-publish by all means but do extensive research first. This is NOT the way to go.

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    europewalkerposted 14 years ago

    Congrats and good luck!

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    Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years ago

    Thank you all for your compliments and your concerns.  I found Tate publishing through the Writer's Guide and looked them up further online.  Of course it hurts a wee bit to be knocked off the cloud a bit but honest feedback is never bad.  This was my very first submission so I really was not sure what to expect and I kind of thought I stumbled onto a really great thing.  I think perhaps I will do a bit more digging at your suggestion and I really do want to thank you for giving me a heads up.

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    Jo Deslaurierposted 14 years ago

    Congratulations! I love your positive attitude; persistence is key and you have it in spades!

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