Friday, August 24, 2012

WRITING INVENTORY

I've been in limbo searching for an idea for a blog post, so I did an inventory of my writing instead. This is where I'm at:-

My novel Dream Keeper is now available in multi-format ebook through Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble Nook Store, Apple istore and Google ebooks. Dream Keeper is being represented at international book expos.

Novel manuscripts submitted = 2

Short stories accepted and being published in September = 2

Short stories submitted AKA 'playing the waiting game' = 105. (mind boggling)

Short stories in the drafting process = 4

Article accepted and being published in September = 1

Entered short story in FableCroft anthology competition. (fingers crossed)

Received an email requesting I cut the word count of 3 short stories and resubmit. (This is hopeful.)

When I consider the ratio of stories submitted to the ones accepted, that becomes a scary thought to me. Recently my ratio rate was one in nine stories accepted and the editor's comment was, 'It's actually a pretty good success rate!' Makes you sit back and think doesn't it? I figure to improve on that ratio I've got to write more, revise and tighten up rejected stories to ensure they're the best I can make them be ... and never ever give up!

Keep writing....



  

32 comments:

  1. ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE short stories under consideration????? I'm SO impressed, Diane.

    Many congratulations on your recent sales.

    XX

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  2. 105 out there!!! Had to scrape my jaw up off the floor! That is AMAZING, Diane! Good luck with the competition and congratulations on the acceptances :-) x

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    1. Thanks Teresa - I only wish we still had the short markets that were in place all those years ago now. x

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  3. Congratulations on the sales and on writing and subbing 105!!
    What length of time are we talking about?

    xxPat

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    1. Thanks Pat - these are the stories I've submitted within the last five months that I haven't heard back from. Fingers crossed x

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  4. 105? Wow! Very impressive! Actually quite mind-boggling! Well done. How on earth did you manage to find 105 possible outlets for short stories?

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    1. Thank you Gail. I wish there were 105 outlets! I've sent a batch of stories to each magazine, working on my ratio theory. ;-)

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  5. What can I add, to what has been already said.
    You are an inspiration to writers everywhere!

    Well done you. x

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  6. This post really cheered me up. To be told that a 1 in 9 success ratio is pretty good is quite encouraging. Thanks for sharing your inventory.

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    1. Happy to have cheered you up Dream it! I have to admit the message from the editor was an eye opener for me and encouraging. It gave me some idea of what I needed to do to try and increase sales. Thanks for leaving a comment. :-)

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  7. 1 in 9 in pretty good, Dianne. I doubt my ratio would be that high - should I count them up? Need to check my self confidence ratio for the day first I think. The inspiration here for other writers is to get their work out as you have done - to live the writer's life. Well done :-) Merlene

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    1. Smiling. Thank you so much for your kind comment Merlene. x

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  8. Like everyone else, I can't believe you have that many stories out there, Diane! Mega well done on being so prolific - and all your other successes are pretty good too! Keep going...

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    1. Thanks Rosemary. Hopefully one day I will reap the rewards of my efforts, and if not, at least I am doing what I love to do. x

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  9. Wow, you're busy! And yes, I think one in nine is a fab success rate!

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    1. Hi Talli - it's good for me to keep busy. Keeps my mind in a peaceful place. Thanks for your comment :-)

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  10. It defintely makes you think. The market for short stories seems to be fast disappearing... I think you are doing very well. Me - I've given up with shorts and concentrate on novels now. Not that that is any better either but at least you can self pub!?

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    1. I enjoy both short story and novel writing but have to admit I have a soft spot for the short story. It is a shame about the market for short stories, but I live in hope that one day it becomes more popular than ever. Congrats to you on your perseverance and success with your novel writing. Thanks for stopping by Pat. :-)

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  11. Hi Diane. Is your book available on Kindle? I'm going to chase it up.

    I replied to your recent comment on the 'book review' post.

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    1. Hi Valerie - Yes, Dream Keeper available on kindle at the amazon stores. I enjoyed that 'book review' post and have received your comment back - thanks for that x

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  12. Congratulations on your success and wonderful progress! You are inspiring me. :) I agree, keep writing!

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  13. 105??? Lordy! People don't realise how broad a writer's shoulders have to be to bear the rejections do they? Just goes to show you have to be in it to win it! I've got about 30 things out at the mo but you've just raised the blooming bench mark!

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    1. Smiling. Thank you so much for your kind and most entertaining comment broken biro. :-)

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  14. 105??? That's amazing, Diane! I'm so impressed and very jealous. I thought I was doing well with 15! You've really inspired me :-)

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    1. Thank you Alice. You are doing well! The more you write and build up your story 'kitty' the more you will have to send out and better will be the odds. Keep going... :-)

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  15. I too like to have lots of stories out there. It does mean lots of rejects, but there's always the hope of an acceptance. I used to work out my hit rate percentage but found it dpressing so stopped doing it.

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    1. I agree about having the hope Patsy - more stories out there, more chances, more hopes x

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  16. 105??? That's amazing, Diane! I'm so impressed and very jealous. I thought I was doing well with 15! You've really inspired me :-)

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  17. Congratulations on your success and wonderful progress! You are inspiring me. :) I agree, keep writing!

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