The Waiting Game

Publishing is a lot of waiting.

Waiting to hear back from critique partners.
Waiting to get responses on queries

Waiting to get responses on requested materials

Waiting to get responses when on submission

Waiting for cover designs

Waiting for releases

Waiting Waiting Waiting

So much time spent waiting. And so many parts of the process are out of our control. And even worse the time spent waiting is often for a response we don't want to hear.

I'm not going to lie, it's not easy and I don't have all the answers. I struggle with all the waiting. I get it, agents, editors, and industry professionals are busy and as someone who is querying, I know clients come first. But it's hard to wait months and months and then get the response you are dreading.

So how do we stay positive and make the best us of all that time spent waiting?

I know people say work on the things you can control, i.e. your next project. But what happens when the thoughts of waiting cripple your ability to move onto something else and write something new?

Take a break

See some friends, catch up on TV, relax. You likely just finished a manuscript and spent a ton of time researching who to send it to so cut yourself some slack and take a load off.

Read a Book

Catch up on that to read pile. You know the one that's stacking up next to your bed? Make a dent in it. Reading can be relaxing and inspiring at the same time. Let someone else's stories sweep you away.

Do Research

Just because you feel like you can't write, doesn't mean you can't lay the ground work for a new story. Get lost in the research, it may inspire you to move forward with an idea.

Critique

Spend some time with your critique partners work. It will take you mind off things and help them at the same time. It's a win win.

Regardless the waiting game is hard. Give yourself a break. It's okay to lose it and get frustrated, but also use the time to recharge and find inspiration for your next project. Long and short perseverance pays off. Keep moving forward and don't let the waiting drag you down.