Elizabeth Wells is querying

We should totally have a virtual pop-the-champagne moment once everything is submitted. When you start celebrating the submission instead of the results, you have a lot more celebrations! 😂

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Ha! Your GIF is me imagining all the editors running to read my submission, when it is most likely this 👇

Another #RevPit question: Do any other editors, other than the three selected in the submission, see the pitches? Is there a slush pile? 😂

I love that philosophy 🫶🏻

And there is never a bad time to think “what would my therapist say?” 😂

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It’s also a great opportunity to say “and look at all the friends we’ve gained along the way!”

I know this sounds bad but I condition myself for rejection. I never would have turned back to this manuscript if it hadn’t been for #RevPit. That’s the goal for me. That’s how I measure success. If I happen to get a #10queries or God-forbid place, 🎉 . It’s all about reframing.

A couple of years ago, a form rejection would send me into a spiral. I’m now up to 80 manuscript rejections and about 50 short story rejections. Some still sting more than others, but the more I learn about the industry and its subjectiveness, it makes it a little easier each time.

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I’d love to swap with someone, too! Anyone have a #RevPit synopsis they want to have critiqued?

Just ask yourself what’s the worst to happen? This industry will make you rejection-proof and thick-skinned in about 18 months or by your second manuscripts 😂

Great insight. Thank you!

Hi Demi! Happy #RevPit week! Can you share more about the role of first readers and their influence in your decisions?

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Do I have time for a beta read, copy edit, and another draft?

Nightbitch is a comp of mine (different manuscript). Your MS sounds intriguing!

That came off way creepier than expected. 😬

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2/3 excellent….

Writing to keep me sane during my day job here, too! 🙋🏻‍♀️
I’ve heard medieval historical (romance) is not trending right now, but what would make you interested - if at all?

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The rom-com on both counts but I feel like I’m ready to move on. Might have to turn to my tarot cards for the answer.

Soooo… not recommending a historical romance add fantasy elements? (Because the way publishing trends are going, I feel that’s my only hope for my medieval romance set during Ottoman-Hungarian conflict!) 😱

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Why is this giving me The Tempest vibes?

Hi Nefer! I’ve picked out my editors but haven’t decided whether to pitch my STEM rom com again from last year or a new historical romance about Hungary’s Black Army in the 1470s. 🤔

I think I know the answer myself but need validation: I submitted a manuscript last year that wasn’t selected. Should I submit the same manuscript or a new manuscript that may not be as strong?

Done!

Love Hannah and Schwab! Will have to check out Harmel. :)

What’s been some of your favorite historical fiction lately?

Thinking I look fashionable this morning… teen son asks why I’m dressed like a waiter 🙄

My assigned reading for tonight’s event.

That was an incredible game

I watched Wuthering Heights. Very different from the source material but it’s definitely not a romance. At least the vibe is right.
I’m sorry. I loved it. And I’m so ashamed 😂 It’s like a 1980s paperback romance.

Since they only accept about 20% of applicants, I’m going to consider this first-time application a win and try again next year (while also crossing my fingers for good news in March).