Gima The Beginning
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "Gima: The Beginning-Two Men"fantasy adventure
27 total reviews
Comment from JTStone
Damn Girl
I found it. I've been wanting to read this for a couple of weeks. Great opening, extremely strong. That is important. It drops off when Hunter gets captured--a bit of a lull. Then picks back up when they find Gima. I love the way you did the birth sequence. The fact that there was another baby was a great touch.
Jimmy
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2016
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Damn Girl
I found it. I've been wanting to read this for a couple of weeks. Great opening, extremely strong. That is important. It drops off when Hunter gets captured--a bit of a lull. Then picks back up when they find Gima. I love the way you did the birth sequence. The fact that there was another baby was a great touch.
Jimmy
Comment Written 29-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2016
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Ha!
I wondered who was reviewing me since I'm not posting, and here you are!
Thank you so much for reminding me that 'Gima' still rocks.
Editing is making her better.
I do appreciate the sixer.
HUGS!!!
:) e
Comment from unimatrix001
Highly imaginative and original post apocalyptic world.
Though I would like to know what caused the silver rain. Was it planned somehow by Keen, and how far reaching was it? World wide rain it a little too far-fetched.
Appropriate to the genre, even though it's not to my liking.
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2012
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Highly imaginative and original post apocalyptic world.
Though I would like to know what caused the silver rain. Was it planned somehow by Keen, and how far reaching was it? World wide rain it a little too far-fetched.
Appropriate to the genre, even though it's not to my liking.
Comment Written 20-Jul-2012
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2012
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Thank you for your review. If you give a four you need to tell me what structure needs to be corrected. You can't mark a post down for its content. I would appreciate your changing this to a five as it seems you have judged the story itself as far-fetched and not to your liking. That is a personal opinion should not effect rating. I may not like someone's opinion of a social issue(such as abortion, the war, or politics) but can't use that as a reason to give a post a four.
Comment from linnietwotymez
This was outstanding. Many of us try to read a writer's book in the middle of the chapter, but sometimes that does not work. I tried it with this but could not do it. So, I went back to the beginning and glad I did. Now, I could go on without feeling lost in words. You are a fantastic writer.
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2012
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This was outstanding. Many of us try to read a writer's book in the middle of the chapter, but sometimes that does not work. I tried it with this but could not do it. So, I went back to the beginning and glad I did. Now, I could go on without feeling lost in words. You are a fantastic writer.
Comment Written 06-Mar-2012
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2012
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Thank you so much for reviewing the revised chapter one that had once been a short story. Your is he first review since the revision. It is so much longer because of the revision but as a short story it needed 'filling in' for foreshadowing. When the book is finished, I'm sure there will be more tweeking to additional chapters. Thank you so much for the six. It is such an encouragement as are your words.:)ellen
Comment from Itdoesntmatter
For one to write sci-fi its either comes nature or not at all.
I totally enjoyed this and as I'm sure looking forward to the next generation? Here I thought I had an imagination gone wild. Superb.
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2012
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For one to write sci-fi its either comes nature or not at all.
I totally enjoyed this and as I'm sure looking forward to the next generation? Here I thought I had an imagination gone wild. Superb.
Comment Written 17-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2012
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Thank you, Idm for your review and the lovely six. This is a helpful review if you enjoyed it and wanted to read more. Wild imaginations can be let free on the pages. LOL:) barking dog
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in my case thank GOD i cant be put away lol. Pete really is a sadist fuck, you may as one reviewer thought, it was non-fiction. lol
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Non-fiction. Sure, this is the true confession site. Isn't it? What a hoot. We do have some senior, seniors here. ROTFLMAO:)BD
Comment from Ted T
Hi Ellen :)
I wanted to start reviewing at chapter one and I'm glad I did.
You have the basic elements of a good story going. I like the premise.
However, your first chapter reads like an experimental literary novel. You're shotgunning blasts of dense narrative with little or no dialogue. You use a lot of ING words to start paragraphs and a lot of adverbs.
You have paragraphing and spacing problems.
Chapter one cannot have all those parts, it's too confusing and it's too long.
Your opening narrative almost grabbed me, but I was soon lost in all the adjectives.
When you did get to an exchange of dialogue you didn't space and I couldn't tell who was saying what.
You'd better learn right now, you can't use song lyrics without written permission from the music publisher -- that is a fact.
Later on your dialogue gets better, but needs work.
You're also doing a lot of telling and little showing.
The book is five chapters in. That's a lot of work. You need to start from scratch.
NOTE: don't put words or phrases in Caps, you do it several times.
This is all just my experienced opinion.
I see a lot of your other reviewers love the writing. Maybe I should let it be.
Ted
reply by the author on 17-Dec-2011
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Hi Ellen :)
I wanted to start reviewing at chapter one and I'm glad I did.
You have the basic elements of a good story going. I like the premise.
However, your first chapter reads like an experimental literary novel. You're shotgunning blasts of dense narrative with little or no dialogue. You use a lot of ING words to start paragraphs and a lot of adverbs.
You have paragraphing and spacing problems.
Chapter one cannot have all those parts, it's too confusing and it's too long.
Your opening narrative almost grabbed me, but I was soon lost in all the adjectives.
When you did get to an exchange of dialogue you didn't space and I couldn't tell who was saying what.
You'd better learn right now, you can't use song lyrics without written permission from the music publisher -- that is a fact.
Later on your dialogue gets better, but needs work.
You're also doing a lot of telling and little showing.
The book is five chapters in. That's a lot of work. You need to start from scratch.
NOTE: don't put words or phrases in Caps, you do it several times.
This is all just my experienced opinion.
I see a lot of your other reviewers love the writing. Maybe I should let it be.
Ted
Comment Written 17-Dec-2011
reply by the author on 17-Dec-2011
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Hi Ted, This first chapter was a short story entry and because it won a third place with the FS committee and people wanted more, I went ahead and added chapters. Yes, It needs total rewrite if it is to be a chapter. It is more than one actually. I'm sorry that you read something that is not what even I consider ready. Like I said the things I recommended that you read are ready to be read. This is the One that is not and you chose to review it. What a fiasco. I already knew all that needed to be done with this - not a chapter. Would you be willing to read something that I thought was ready? This is like you sending in an manuscript that even you know is a mess. Thank you. I am really upset as you can probably tell.
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I'm not ready to re-write this now because the book wasn't even conceived yet and as for the ing words and such, I am not doing that anymore.This was written three month ago when I was just beginning short stories.It is my first attempt and not where I am now. So, read something more recent and I think you will see growth. I hate that you went back to when I was so terrible.
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Hi :)
I had no intention of upsetting you. I assumed you were getting into the book. To review a novel I have to read from chapter one. The first three pages hook the reader or they don't.
What you should do with these chapters is disable them so that can't be read by other members.
You did get nice reviews from a few members, but they were fluff and that's not what a writer needs.
I'll check out your other work.
Ted
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Hi :)
Don't fret over it, you don't need the stress. Like I said, disable the book so it can't be read.
I'll look at other work you've done.
Ted
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I wrote you a PM. I was busy with re-write and editing my mess. It can be read now and will be better tomorrow with one more go through. If I disable the book, I can't add to it and I want to continue.
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Hi :)
Yes, you can add to it. you have access and can open and edit it.
I just reviewed "Johnny 'O'" and I've sent it to my E-mail where I can do a better critique.
Ted
Comment from wiskas677@yandex.ru
Oh my God, Ellen! This is unbelievable and excellent. This deserves more stars than they allow. It's absolutely chilling, tactile, emotional...true science-fiction horror. Bravo, Bravo! Whiskas (nel) Congrats!
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2011
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Oh my God, Ellen! This is unbelievable and excellent. This deserves more stars than they allow. It's absolutely chilling, tactile, emotional...true science-fiction horror. Bravo, Bravo! Whiskas (nel) Congrats!
Comment Written 13-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2011
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Thank you so much for your applause and the lovely six stars, nel. I'm so glad that you liked 'Gima'. Several people want me to continue the story. So, now I have to learn how to turn this, a beginning, into a book? With only four months of writing time and most of it on poetry, I have quite a challenge ahead. Thank you again for your encouragement with this outstanding review.:) ellen xxx
Comment from Vladilynn
Freaking scary!!!!! my goooooodness! But well written,although... I almost give up reading. Lol
Till the climax heat up and wanted to know what happens, my gosh this is really Yikkkesss!!
Thank you for sharing and congratulations!
Love much
Lynn:0)
reply by the author on 10-Oct-2011
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Freaking scary!!!!! my goooooodness! But well written,although... I almost give up reading. Lol
Till the climax heat up and wanted to know what happens, my gosh this is really Yikkkesss!!
Thank you for sharing and congratulations!
Love much
Lynn:0)
Comment Written 10-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 10-Oct-2011
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Thank you, Vladilynn for your review. Yikkesss! LOL I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm writing another chapter now. Much shorter than the story, so not such a 'bear' to read. Thank you for your review and the beautiful six.:)barking dog
Comment from strandregs
A gripping narrative got me by the adrenals.
as a critic I'm useless but I found it a terrific read .
Congratulation Zelick
reply by the author on 09-Oct-2011
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A gripping narrative got me by the adrenals.
as a critic I'm useless but I found it a terrific read .
Congratulation Zelick
Comment Written 09-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 09-Oct-2011
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Thank you, Zelik for plowing through this and writing a review. It's my first win on on site competition. It won third place. Yippee! Again, thank you for the time. I know it was loooooooong. Normally, I would have posted it in three sections but since it was a contest, I had no choice. :)barking dog
Comment from DIS-illusioned
--My God, BD! ... Were you possessed by some fiendish muse when you conceived (no pun intended) and wrote this? ... Jeez, please, Louise! A terribly intriguing tale you've weaved here.
--Good theme: clash of human and sub-human (rat-like) species.
--Good characterization: Hunter, Asmal, the underground human rat folk, Gima, Jacknel, Ticum, etc.
--A gruesome, but great, under earth world is created.
--Events are just hauntingly, sickeningly wonderful. LOL
I can see loads of spin-offs from this.
An intriguing, wonderful thriller/horror piece, BD. Well worth the 3rd place...and much more! Brilliant piece, my friend. Exceptionally done!
reply by the author on 09-Oct-2011
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--My God, BD! ... Were you possessed by some fiendish muse when you conceived (no pun intended) and wrote this? ... Jeez, please, Louise! A terribly intriguing tale you've weaved here.
--Good theme: clash of human and sub-human (rat-like) species.
--Good characterization: Hunter, Asmal, the underground human rat folk, Gima, Jacknel, Ticum, etc.
--A gruesome, but great, under earth world is created.
--Events are just hauntingly, sickeningly wonderful. LOL
I can see loads of spin-offs from this.
An intriguing, wonderful thriller/horror piece, BD. Well worth the 3rd place...and much more! Brilliant piece, my friend. Exceptionally done!
Comment Written 09-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 09-Oct-2011
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Thank you, BayK. And a sixer from you is quite a prize. WOW! Thank you for your review and congrats! I'm taking this story foreward. Gima can't push forever and Hunter wants up off the floor. Asmal is pissed. The UnderWorld ... well that's changing, too. Stay tuned. I hope to do this first bit justice.:)ellen
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Do it! Do it! Great story concept! Awesome! :):)
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Okey, dokey!I'll put my other hat on soon.
Comment from Just Alyx
Really well done horror sci fi. First up, again, congrats on placing in the site comp. Top story, I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way thru. Convincing and different, and all of the descriptions were excellent in 'midway' graphics. I thought the pacing was one of its best points, and the sequential flow from scene to scene. *Really* excellent plot. This piece puts me in mind of that old futuristic movie 'Green Slime' because of processing humans for food, only with a very different premise. Unsurprising it placed, well done.
You still have quite number of copy issues, but I've focused mainly on tense changes and corrections because I know you intend to expand, make alterations and shorten chapters. I can't know what you'll keep or change, so I'll offer the ones I see as most important:
They gather to recite passages, new passages professing their superiority (are) added during and after the epidemic--you need to leave out 'are', or include and/while after the comma.
We, [humankind], died in the streets//Asmal knows the Rat Nation's language ... which mirrored [humankind]
"Fuck!" [He] spits filth from his mouth[.] "Man, this IS Hell!"
I had a thought about the internal dialogue in that segment. If already in italics, are the quote marks necessary, as italics already denote thoughts by themselves (like further down in the script)?? I found they clashed with the dialogue quote marks in that part and would be more distinct without. I stopped after the first one because I thought the italics had been for emphasis in the dialogue, with the quote marks attached, then realised my mistake.
And you waved for the camera ... [Asshole]--unless you wanted that separated emphasis??
Many in the crowd were curious while others were threatening as they remarked--tense slip.
"But he doesn't speak[.]"
Far above dank, dim ... he prepares to set out on a (similar) trek--do you mean similar to Hunter's? Maybe clarify or leave out 'similar', or change to 'his own trek'??
They [are] young Vermel escaping from certain torture because of their mutations which (mirrored) (human-kind)--tense change, and you could maybe tighten this to "escaping from certain torture because their mutations mirror humankind"??
They were genetically ... but now these two [suspect] that captives are a [primary] food source for the elite Vermel. Rather than be taken, (these two) had chosen to risk going above--'they' instead of a repeat??
He had to bind his body in order to walk in their hunched, (scoliotic) fashion. Deformities varied, so he [pulled] some teeth--I can't find that word in any dictionary, which doesn't mean it's wrong. Otherwise, "scoliosis-ridden fashion" perhaps??
Hunter stomped around , threw feces--the tenses are mixed in this para. Later, you need "He had no idea he did exactly what they expected (from him) ... entertained the spenders to spend more."--"from him" is redundant.
"Don't want to. Profitability is still very high.["]
"Not yet[,]" [the] owner declares
Hunter stomped around--from here to the next break, I think you've pushed limits too much to change tense within the same scene/location. I really don't see why the first two paras can't be in the same tense here? It's very jarring to the read, especially with another change of scene immediately following. Stylistic choice, but doesn't work for me at all. It forces the reader to stop and examine, so detracts from the plot and pacing.
The tunnels [are] long but the map// Inside smells worse than anything he [has] ever encountered--tense shifts.
Inside smells worse ... and urine odors (lay) heavy in an atmosphere--'lie' is more correct for present tense, although I'd think the odour would hang/hover/linger instead of 'lie' in the atmosphere. Gives a weird visual.
gnarly skinned owner in an expensive [rat skin]
Off the stage, chained to his post Hunter has a moment of clarity. He remembers Asmal's TWO eyes and that [is] all it [takes] for him to throw a kick to the trainer's throat.
"Ticum's dead. My investment has been stolen." Jacknel scurries about his office, spitting globs of drool (and he sounds) ...? I wasn't sure what you meant here. Word missing--"off"??
Slowly, they approach. ... she [breathes] in deeply
Now Asmal [understands] why the two who had come
Gima's mother [signs] frantically ... I'll tell them you killed everyone," [she] points to the dead[,] "and took my
They [can] see her far off now
"Over there. Why, [Papa]//Under Earth thing, [Papa]
I found I had a major issue with the comma placements, which were very erratic in this piece. For the most part the script read in the more relaxed style (not so many comma pauses or splices) but in a few spots you follow 'correct' grammar. Creatively (later on when you expand), I'd be inclined to decide on one or the other to empower it, otherwise it reads as a bit too inconsistent. If you're thinking of submitting this for publishing (I would), it might count. You might've specifically wanted that effect, though, I don't know. I really don't feel it works for you, but against.
I still think you did an incredible job with this piece, and it's a quality sixer write otherwise, but for these things. Top story. Kudos. Alyx.
reply by the author on 07-Oct-2011
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Really well done horror sci fi. First up, again, congrats on placing in the site comp. Top story, I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way thru. Convincing and different, and all of the descriptions were excellent in 'midway' graphics. I thought the pacing was one of its best points, and the sequential flow from scene to scene. *Really* excellent plot. This piece puts me in mind of that old futuristic movie 'Green Slime' because of processing humans for food, only with a very different premise. Unsurprising it placed, well done.
You still have quite number of copy issues, but I've focused mainly on tense changes and corrections because I know you intend to expand, make alterations and shorten chapters. I can't know what you'll keep or change, so I'll offer the ones I see as most important:
They gather to recite passages, new passages professing their superiority (are) added during and after the epidemic--you need to leave out 'are', or include and/while after the comma.
We, [humankind], died in the streets//Asmal knows the Rat Nation's language ... which mirrored [humankind]
"Fuck!" [He] spits filth from his mouth[.] "Man, this IS Hell!"
I had a thought about the internal dialogue in that segment. If already in italics, are the quote marks necessary, as italics already denote thoughts by themselves (like further down in the script)?? I found they clashed with the dialogue quote marks in that part and would be more distinct without. I stopped after the first one because I thought the italics had been for emphasis in the dialogue, with the quote marks attached, then realised my mistake.
And you waved for the camera ... [Asshole]--unless you wanted that separated emphasis??
Many in the crowd were curious while others were threatening as they remarked--tense slip.
"But he doesn't speak[.]"
Far above dank, dim ... he prepares to set out on a (similar) trek--do you mean similar to Hunter's? Maybe clarify or leave out 'similar', or change to 'his own trek'??
They [are] young Vermel escaping from certain torture because of their mutations which (mirrored) (human-kind)--tense change, and you could maybe tighten this to "escaping from certain torture because their mutations mirror humankind"??
They were genetically ... but now these two [suspect] that captives are a [primary] food source for the elite Vermel. Rather than be taken, (these two) had chosen to risk going above--'they' instead of a repeat??
He had to bind his body in order to walk in their hunched, (scoliotic) fashion. Deformities varied, so he [pulled] some teeth--I can't find that word in any dictionary, which doesn't mean it's wrong. Otherwise, "scoliosis-ridden fashion" perhaps??
Hunter stomped around , threw feces--the tenses are mixed in this para. Later, you need "He had no idea he did exactly what they expected (from him) ... entertained the spenders to spend more."--"from him" is redundant.
"Don't want to. Profitability is still very high.["]
"Not yet[,]" [the] owner declares
Hunter stomped around--from here to the next break, I think you've pushed limits too much to change tense within the same scene/location. I really don't see why the first two paras can't be in the same tense here? It's very jarring to the read, especially with another change of scene immediately following. Stylistic choice, but doesn't work for me at all. It forces the reader to stop and examine, so detracts from the plot and pacing.
The tunnels [are] long but the map// Inside smells worse than anything he [has] ever encountered--tense shifts.
Inside smells worse ... and urine odors (lay) heavy in an atmosphere--'lie' is more correct for present tense, although I'd think the odour would hang/hover/linger instead of 'lie' in the atmosphere. Gives a weird visual.
gnarly skinned owner in an expensive [rat skin]
Off the stage, chained to his post Hunter has a moment of clarity. He remembers Asmal's TWO eyes and that [is] all it [takes] for him to throw a kick to the trainer's throat.
"Ticum's dead. My investment has been stolen." Jacknel scurries about his office, spitting globs of drool (and he sounds) ...? I wasn't sure what you meant here. Word missing--"off"??
Slowly, they approach. ... she [breathes] in deeply
Now Asmal [understands] why the two who had come
Gima's mother [signs] frantically ... I'll tell them you killed everyone," [she] points to the dead[,] "and took my
They [can] see her far off now
"Over there. Why, [Papa]//Under Earth thing, [Papa]
I found I had a major issue with the comma placements, which were very erratic in this piece. For the most part the script read in the more relaxed style (not so many comma pauses or splices) but in a few spots you follow 'correct' grammar. Creatively (later on when you expand), I'd be inclined to decide on one or the other to empower it, otherwise it reads as a bit too inconsistent. If you're thinking of submitting this for publishing (I would), it might count. You might've specifically wanted that effect, though, I don't know. I really don't feel it works for you, but against.
I still think you did an incredible job with this piece, and it's a quality sixer write otherwise, but for these things. Top story. Kudos. Alyx.
Comment Written 07-Oct-2011
reply by the author on 07-Oct-2011
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This is a fantastic help, Alyx. I have a terrible problem with commas and no matter what classes I take or articles I read, I can't get them right. Probably what your are seeing in this piece are sections that someone has made a comma suggestion and I've done it. Then the rest, as you put it, relaxed style, is how I do write. I'll never publish with out good editing, I guess. But I find that editor's also have their style and that can change a writer's. I am very puzzled by this. It is a bit discouraging. I'll continue to study and read writing with correct punctuation, hoping to learn. I like complex phrasing, so need to learn how to punctuate it. Or else, I'll only be able to write in simple and compound sentences with no clauses or phrases. BORING! Top story might be nice, but with crappy punctuation its like a cake with salt in the icing. LOL
Any suggestions on how to learn without loosing my sanity? LOL
I'll take ALL of this review and go back through 'Gima' to spruce it up a bit more.
You've been so sweet to do this for me. But somehow, I need to learn to get it right myself and I'm still struggeling with how to do that. I've found some sites on Google that have rules to follow but that's still not enough. Opinions vary on the use of the ellipsis [... (a pause), and . . . (a deleted section of narrative); the dash (-) and the (--). I find that here on FS they make no distinction and there is one, so when I have done this correctly there have been corrections back to the single dash form. Maybe the 'rule' that I read was wrong? Is there a book that is generally followed? If so, I should learn from that and not various internet opinions posted as rules.
My head spins.
Thank you again. Now to dive back into 'Gima' and see how your suggestions/corrections apply.
Many thanks,
love
ellen
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No worries, you're welc, and I hope some are useful, ellen. I know exactly where youâ??re coming from. Suggestions, suggestions, suggestions. So confusing when you're starting out in prose. It creates a lot of inner conflict, sometimes insecurity, and challenges our need to hang onto our own 'voice' and creativity without drowning in guidelines. I feel for you.
No, many book guides, web sites, reviewers will tell you different things. I depends entirely on which publisher you go for. Here in Aus I can see different styles with various big name publishers. I know, that doesn't help you, but here's my suggestion: forget what 'proper' for now. Do what I do. Whenever I'm out and about anywhere I seek a book store. I'll leaf thru a minimum of ten novels if I have time, in different genres (specific if I want), and published by different houses. I peruse the punctuation in particular--and yep, all those you mentioned will differ or reflect others houses. It's a very handy way to get the 'feelâ?? for punctuation use (especially commas), but beware--just because it's published, doesn't make it 'right', no matter how large the publishing house. Some would argue with that, but I stand by it.
Because of those differences, I decided on a 'school of though'â?? for punctuation I liked, and then stuck to it. The only time outside that I altered or examined was before submitting for publishing. That's when you find out their preferences and stick with them. Didn't matter if I agreed, I wanted the buggers to publish it. Stepping outside their guidelines is the worst mistake possible.
Other than that, I find regularly checking the punctuation styles and other things thru published works keeps me current with changing trends, informs me in many other ways, and keeps my mind alert to what's selling and how I can write within, but also outside, that box. I think scanning punctuation could be more informative and enjoyable for you that way and not feel quite so challenging. You might be surprised at how much you can pick up about writing prose that way. It can also help with confusion because seeing that punctuation differences are consistent tilts perceptions of 'correct' and returns us to creative style where the artistry really comes in. A thought anyway.
I kept the few comma placement suggestions that I didn't end up offering (so many get so *shirty* about comma suggestions in this joint; that's one that baffles me), so I can PM them to you if you like, with reasons why I feel they work, and maybe that might help a little.
But man, I've gotta go to bed. 5am and the birds are getting up as I lie down *sigh* Let me know and I'll catch up with you, if so. Cheers. Alyx.
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I just got back to FS and found another great long jabber from you. :) Well, since there is really nothing consistent out there except for the period and Capitalization of proper names and first letter in the sentence, that makes us all wrong at some point. That thought is both a relief and disconcerting. Be consistently whatever but know that you'll always appear incorrect to some. LOL
That said, sure go ahead and sent the comma suggestions by PM anytime and I'll pull out what hair that I have left.
There are a couple of books on punctuation:one for news media and one for novels/ stories:
Some English usage rules vary among authorities. For example, the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is a guide specific for news media and journalists while The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is used by many book publishers and writers. The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation leans towards usage rules in CMS along with other authoritative texts and does not attempt to conform to the AP Stylebook, which differs significantly in some aspects.
http://www.grammarbook.com/english_rules.asp
This site explains and has tests for punctuation. It's one of many. Other's may differ. Are you familiar with either of these books?
How do you find out the 'style' of the publishing house? And how do you choose who to submit a work to-find a publisher. I hear these stories of 100's of submissions and no one responds. That sounds awful. Have you been through that? I does seem if there is a way to submit to a publisher that likes/already publishes a specific gendra you'd have a better chance but also you would then be in direct comparison to the 'greats' that they already publish.
I'm off for a bite. Hungry tummy, stupid head.
What season is it there? Spring?
I'd love to jet around the world picking a season to visit. What fun.
I best go. I'm such a crazy when I'm HUNGRY.
Bye for now.
ellen
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Sorry for the delayed response, I've been offline for days, as you know. It's beautiful, beautiful spring here--not so hot, just right.
To answer your questions, yep, heard of those and examined. Again, it's a case of which 'style' you choose to adhere to more than anything, but can adjust for individual publihing needs or requirements.
You can always find out what a publisher's guidelines are from their home site. You can call them with enquiries as well, but most discourage it for time efficiency reasons. The most important thing of all when submitting is to get your cover letter precise because it's the first thing read and judged. No good and it hits the slush pile without another glance. Some companies will return your manuscript with a polite reply, others don't spend the time on it. You just have to take it as it comes. If after maybe six weeks you hear nothing, you can make an enquiry for confirmation that they can't use it. They'll always let you know beforehand if under consideration, so you can pretty much depend on its rejection if you've heard nothing after that amount of time anyway.
My thoughts on choosing a publisher are to target one that's decidedly after your type of work. Anything outside of that and you're usually wasting your time, and theirs. Publishers are very pedantic over what they want or reject, and competition between writers is fierce now. Anything I've submitted has been published, as it happens, probably because I do my homework and don't stray outside their guidelines, no matter my own artistic bent. If I want publishing, I must comply. If it's a work I don't want to alter, and can't find a suitable venue, then I don't submit until or if I find one. Otherwise, it becomes just another of my 'hobby' pieces, which is okay by me.
In my experience publishers, broadly, don't use their successful authors as a yardstick for what they want. That would be too restricting for them, and they know new talents often have that 'difference' to the throng they're always hunting up. Use your own common sense, but also don't be afraid to be different either. That sounds like a contradiction, but I think you'll understand what I mean. No matter what, study, study, study publishers globally and keep submitting. Never give up. Sometimes, when regularly submitting to a particular company, they'll start giving you in-depth replies to your rejections which are invaluable to learn from, overall. Keep at it, ellen, you're doing great!